Annealing, Best Method? Best Equipment?

[Lucky7]

Thank you all for the various insights and information regarding Annealing. It definitely seems that there are many different schools of thought for sure. I will keep reading and talking with several shooters before I completely decide. There is just so much to think about and consider for sure. Thanks

 

[Webster]

The modulus of elasticity is also a measure of material's stiffness or resistance to elastic deformation. If the Young modulus of metal is greater, it's stiffer. Annealed brass and extra hard brass both have the same values for their modulus of elasticity. That is a fact, not an opinion

Extra-Hard (H06) C26800 Brass - modulus of elasticity 110 GPa

Annealed (OS050) C26800 Brass - modulus of elasticity 110 GPa


Comparing the physical properties of hardened brass and annealed brass which property of the brass does annealing change that is of benefit to shooters ?

Sorry guys I believe in scientific facts and studies, not lay subjective opinions and product marketing. If you want to spend a lot of money on something which has never been tested and shown to be of benefit and ignores science that is your decision.

You have no way of measuring modulus, hardness, tensile strength, plastic or permanent yield strength. You need to shoot both conditions at a target and decide if it makes a difference. You need to shoot very small groups to see a difference. How do you intend to relate the metallurgical characteristics to load improvement. Please explain.

 

[riflewoman]

A decent review of the salt bath equipment...

 

[Milo 2.0]

What is happening to the people that get split necks without annealing? I'm assuming that's the only thing they changed...

I've reloaded for over 32 yrs. I'm not one to hang on to brass forever, getting every firing I can out of it, but I've had 7 or 8 split necks in all that time. The bulk of them were on the first firing of new brass.
I believe in annealing after brass reaches a certain hardness.

 

[Rick300]

A decent review of the salt bath equipment...

That guy is doing it the hard way. If you set your metronome to click every 6-7 seconds, there's no counting involved. Simply change the brass every click.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

I know there are so many opinions on which Annealing process to use and what is the best equipment to use but I always have concerns if I have done it correctly?

I have been researching the Salt Bath Annealing vs Torch Annealing and am very confused for sure now!

If cost is not a factor (hypothetically speaking) what is the absolute best method of Annealing brass and what equipment is the best to use?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

Get the AMP annealer with Aztec mode. None better, none easier. Cry once for the cost. Smile later at the results.

 

[Whisky Tahoe Foxtrot]

AMP Annealer

+1 for the AMP

I reload from .223 to 338-378 Wby Mag. Annealing the 338-378 Brass after every firing will pay for the AMP very quickly as the brass is approaching $4 each. Cases were showing neck cracks after two firings before annealing. After annealing, case life is definitely being extended.

Other methods of annealing are viable, though it is hard to compete with the AMP system.

1) Standard settings based on brass samples sent to AMP and shared on their website. Very thorough analysis means accurate settings as long as your brass matches the submitted samples.

2) Aztec mode (think sacrifice) where you donate one case from your lot to the gods and the machine determines a custom setting to anneal its brethren (sisteren?). Aztec mode determines the thickness of the brass in the neck and shoulder area to make a custom setting for that lot. The sample case is literally sacrificed and unusable after though, 1 case is a small price in return for a viable setting that correctly anneals the rest. Note: Early machines did not come with Aztec mode standard and if an old unit is even update-able, it's another $200 for the Aztec upgrade. The current mark II AMP annealers for sale now include Aztec for free.

3) Availability is improving as well as pilots for cases. The pilots ensure the neck and shoulder are correctly positioned in the "induction chamber". Multiple vendors are selling AMP machines and pilots.

4) The ease of use for multiple calibers is really compelling. Annealing takes 4-6 seconds per case and you can get going quite effectively doing it manually. Later you can expand your setup with the automation if desired.

The AMP system is very easy to use, and is very consistent which contributes to accuracy. Consistent neck tension is one of the "grails" of reloading. Annealing after every firing keeps the neck at a consistent hardness level which contributes to a consistent neck tension. Shoot the best brass, keep it annealed, and preserve your time investment in case prep.

The AMP website has very good research articles that are worth reading regardless which method of annealing you select. https://www.ampannealing.com/index/

 

[jthor]

+1 for induction annealing. Either AMP or build your own GinaErick annealer

 

[rwj]

+1 for induction annealing. Either AMP or build your own GinaErick annealer

One more option for induction heat treatment - the Annie by Fluxeon. About half the cost of the AMP unit, but doesn’t have an Aztec mode...

 

[BenPerfected]

+1 for the AMP

I reload from .223 to 338-378 Wby Mag. Annealing the 338-378 Brass after every firing will pay for the AMP very quickly as the brass is approaching $4 each. Cases were showing neck cracks after two firings before annealing. After annealing, case life is definitely being extended.

Other methods of annealing are viable, though it is hard to compete with the AMP system.

1) Standard settings based on brass samples sent to AMP and shared on their website. Very thorough analysis means accurate settings as long as your brass matches the submitted samples.

2) Aztec mode (think sacrifice) where you donate one case from your lot to the gods and the machine determines a custom setting to anneal its brethren (sisteren?). Aztec mode determines the thickness of the brass in the neck and shoulder area to make a custom setting for that lot. The sample case is literally sacrificed and unusable after though, 1 case is a small price in return for a viable setting that correctly anneals the rest. Note: Early machines did not come with Aztec mode standard and if an old unit is even update-able, it's another $200 for the Aztec upgrade. The current mark II AMP annealers for sale now include Aztec for free.

3) Availability is improving as well as pilots for cases. The pilots ensure the neck and shoulder are correctly positioned in the "induction chamber". Multiple vendors are selling AMP machines and pilots.

4) The ease of use for multiple calibers is really compelling. Annealing takes 4-6 seconds per case and you can get going quite effectively doing it manually. Later you can expand your setup with the automation if desired.

The AMP system is very easy to use, and is very consistent which contributes to accuracy. Consistent neck tension is one of the "grails" of reloading. Annealing after every firing keeps the neck at a consistent hardness level which contributes to a consistent neck tension. Shoot the best brass, keep it annealed, and preserve your time investment in case prep.

The AMP website has very good research articles that are worth reading regardless which method of annealing you select. https://www.ampannealing.com/index/

+2