Annealer
- Thread starter 454bore
- Start date
Check out the VERTEX annealer, made by Bench Source. I bought one last month, and of all the many reloading steps I go through this machine is by far the only thing that adds some real fun to the process....the kind of fun you experience when you get your first electric train. Only trouble is, the fun does not last long enough.... On my first go-around with it, it annealed 175 pieces of 284 Winchester cases in only 20 minutes. That had me digging into my bags and boxes with at least 40# of old brass for more candidates to torch.
Having hand-annealed for years, I thought I was good at getting "fairly" consistent neck tension. But nothing like this machine produces. Using the K&M seating force gage as a measure, my bullets now seat with much less pressure variance.
See it at: http://bench-source.com/id81.html
Frank B.
Having hand-annealed for years, I thought I was good at getting "fairly" consistent neck tension. But nothing like this machine produces. Using the K&M seating force gage as a measure, my bullets now seat with much less pressure variance.
See it at: http://bench-source.com/id81.html
Frank B.
I owned the Ken Light but sold it: too finicky to set up and I don't trust that the cases are rotating the same each time. I currently use the ballistic edge 3-torch model and it works great. The case does not get rotated, but I believe that 3 torches are evenly applying heat all the way around. The Giraud looks impressive and you can put a bucket with water to catch the cases. Since the finished case is immediately dropped into the bucket, I don't think you need a heat sink. My only concern about the Giraud is how reliably the cases will be rotated. With that design, reliable case rotation is essential.
Killshot
X's matter....but 10s win (but damn, Xs feel good)
Yet another vote for the Bench-Source machine. Really well-engineered and built with good components. The dual-torches and the case spindle, combined with the variable timer, ensure that the cases are annealed exactly the same.
With the timer and the proper Tempilaq, you can find and record the desired settings to repeat later. There's no need for water as the heat doesn't migrate to the casehead, its in-n-out and done. No need for multiple plates either.
With the timer and the proper Tempilaq, you can find and record the desired settings to repeat later. There's no need for water as the heat doesn't migrate to the casehead, its in-n-out and done. No need for multiple plates either.
What about .223 cases on the Bench Source?
I will throw my hat into the ring for Bench Source, also. I had used a Ken Light, which is a good machine, for years. Saw some info, probably here, about the Bench Source & checked out the video. I could see the controllability advantages right away, so bought one, sold the Ken Light, and I am a happier camper when annealing now.
ttfreestyle
Silver $$ Contributor
are there any annealers out there that work well in the $250 range or do i keep saving and only cry once?
Killshot
X's matter....but 10s win (but damn, Xs feel good)
Got mine direct from David Dorris, the company owner. Very easy to work with and he shared some good annealing info over the phone.
It's built like a tank (but not heavy) and is rather compact. The rheostat-like control for timer is excellent, variable from 1 - 10 seconds with no "clicks", so 4.2sec or 4.7sec (for example) are attainable. I've done sizes from .223Rem to 7.82 Lazzeroni Patriot with mine, needing only to adjust the torch-head locations. Haven't had to adjust the rotating plate once since it was first set up.
Can you tell I like the thing? :
It's built like a tank (but not heavy) and is rather compact. The rheostat-like control for timer is excellent, variable from 1 - 10 seconds with no "clicks", so 4.2sec or 4.7sec (for example) are attainable. I've done sizes from .223Rem to 7.82 Lazzeroni Patriot with mine, needing only to adjust the torch-head locations. Haven't had to adjust the rotating plate once since it was first set up.
Can you tell I like the thing? :
jonbearman
I live in new york state,how unfortunate !
I own a ballistic edge and love it. It does a fine job and it has improved my shooting and brass life quite a bit. I should have bought one sooner. It will be your greatest investment to keep your brass in good condition and neck wall tension much more consistent.
I am planning on getting one this fall.
I bought from Bench Source direct http://www.bench-source.com/id81.html
Was very satisfied. Bought one year ago and still use monthly.
Chip
Was very satisfied. Bought one year ago and still use monthly.
Chip
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.