Advice please on case forming & annealing

[pertnear]

I’m the proud owner of a Martini Cadet chambered in .256 Win Mag. I plan to form 200 cases to stock pile for this rifle. I’ve already formed some cases using Winchester .357 brass with good forming results. I don't have any longevity results though. I anneal, lube & then size with standard RCBS dies using a .30 Mauser die as a starting step. Never lost a case. But I am worried about my annealing process. My google searches have turned up a number of processes. I found a Youtube where a fellow slipped the case into a 11mm socket spun on an electric drill while holding ½ of the case in a propane flame. I followed his instructions of using a 7 sec duration before dumping into water. I found another recommendation of just 3 to 4 seconds duration. Yet another says watch the color & dump just before turning red. The water pan technique looks very safe for heat control at the head but it would be uneven unless the flame or case was rotated around(?)

I just want to do this batch of cases & I don’t see annealing as worth an extensive equipment investment for me. I’m considering buying a bottle of Tempilaq ($25) but what temperature to buy & how do you use it? It seems like case head temperature is the most important thing to watch? Another wrench thrown in the works is how many times should you anneal? Some shooters say anneal before & then again after forming(?)

I’m beginning to feel like I’m taking something simple & making it into rocket-surgery! TIA for comments.

 

[MGYSGT]

I use the electric screwdriver with approtriate size socket. It's slow enough to count as it turns in the propane flame. I hold it at the shoulder for a count of 4 to 5 (depends on the cartridge). You'll be able to tell. If they have that same look as factory cartridges, that's it. You may have to very the time, until you get it right. I find the LC brass takes longer than the Lupua in my .223. No need to dump in water. I just dump on a towel. Careful, they are HOT!!!!!!!!!

 

[JSH]

Don’t have carpal tunnel, yet. After having done quite a few 256’s years ago.
New virgin brass is your friend.
You can over cook them with out a good anneal machine. Use your fingers and roll them in the tip of the flame. Doesn’t take long and you WILL drop it in the water before you ruin one.
Even standing up in water I have seen guys just about fry 45-70’s.

 

[BCBRAD]

Rotating the cartridge case in a socket powered by a drill motor is what i do. For 223 sized cases 6 seconds and for the rest 8 seconds.
I hold propane torch at a 45 degree angle directed at the shoulder and neck, my normal cadence of counting gives me a count of 13 in 8 seconds.
I pick the case out of the socket with my bare fingers and put them on the bench, when the session is done , gather them up and go through the case prep functions.
Works OK and can usually get the ES down to single digits.

 

[DJSBRS]

Send them to me and I'll do them for you free.

DJ

DJ's Brass Service
djsbrass.com
205-461-4680

 

[gtl1946]

I said that he was a fine gentleman and he has proven it !! You’re also getting an offer you can’t pass up . He knows what he is doing , in more ways than one !!

 

[pertnear]

Send them to me and I'll do them for you free.

DJ

DJ's Brass Service
djsbrass.com
205-461-4680

Yes, that does look like GOOD deal to me!

 

[DJSBRS]

Can't use an AMP making those little rascals out of .357. Amp has no idea where to anneal the shoulder's datum line on that wildcat.

DJ

DJ's Brass Service
djsbrass.com
205-461-4680

 

[pertnear]

I said that he was a fine gentleman and he has proven it !! You’re also getting an offer you can’t pass up . He knows what he is doing , in more ways than one !!

I totally agree! DJ was very helpful & did a great job on the brass. I enjoyed talking to him on the phone & it became obvious that the man KNOWS what he doing! THANK YOU DJ....

 

[DJSBRS]

Glad to be of help. Stay safe.

DJ