annealing without a machine

[potatoe]

I got a few questions about annealing (no machine) Pretty much just wondering some of your methods, do you use the temp. indicator gel, just drop it in water right after or do you let it cool, how long to keep the flame on the brass (looking for the 'blue' on the brass and where) how many firings between annealing, etc.

Here's a vid from youtube, what would you guys critique on this guys methods. Thanks ahead for any input

 

[JayHHI6818]

I have been using Varmint Al's method for probably 10 years now.

http://www.varmintal.com/arelo.htm#Anneal

 

[superlight93]

Whatever method you feel comfortable with I prefer a dark room. Never could get consistent results with temp indicator.

 

[CaptainMal]

Know nothing about small and large grain structures. This just works for me.

Deep-well socket, battery drill, simple propane torch and a metal dog dish. I just slowly spin the neck in the flame for 7 - 9 seconds and dump into that dish. DRY! It will cool in the dish and I don't mess with water and drying.

There will be a change in color just past the shoulder. It's kind of like a new Lapua case. I NEVER see any glowing at the case mouth. To me that would be the beginnings of trouble.

I have taken old, old, old 6mm Remington/244 brass that literally split every time and brought it back to usefulness. Most always do this with the Dasher cases after 3 reloadings. Done it a few times to some of those cases with no issues.

That's what has worked for me. Simple with no hassle. Now, that may not be the best but it has been working for me. Just don't be stupid and grab a case with your hand after the last one's in the dish. Wait a bit. Don't ask how I know.

 

[Nomad47]

I use the exact same method as CaptainMal - except for the dog dish.

 

[Nodak7mm]

I use the exact same method as CaptainMal - except for the dog dish.

Works for me too... But I use a 16oz cottage cheese container empty of cottage cheese, cant be using the wifeys tuperware...

 

[deadlyswift]

Here is what I use to anneal. I would like to have a annealing machine, but at the time I just can't afford one. Like others have said this works well for me. It has been said often....There is more than one way to skin a cat. Just spin in the flame. For me its 8 sec. for the 308win. Less than that for 6br. I do try to duplicate my ending results to look like factory Lapua. As well my necks will turn a faint blue.

 

[potatoe]

Thanks for all the replies. Other than cap.Mal does anyone else not use water? If so why not, is it because it can do goofy stuff to the brass by cooling so fast, or is messing with the the water just a pain?

Also I forgot to post a link to the vid. here it is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgD5D0Wzu-c

 

[brian427cobra]

Water is simply not needed to anneal the brass, those that drop the hot brass in to water do it for cooling, the brass suffers no ill effects from the water, I too use the drill deep socket propane torch method in a dark room, a cookie sheet from my wifes kitchen serves as a cooling sheet, I will be buying a annealing machine next year for the consistency and ease of use.

 

[Nomad47]

I guess I wasn't very clear. I said I don't use a dog dish but I also don't use water. My line of reasoning is the machines don't use water. And I also read somewhere that to be properly annealed the brass has to remain above a certain temperature for more than a couple seconds.

 

[potatoe]

Thanks for the quick replies, when I try it I'll not use water and use some of the junk brass as guinea pigs.

 

[markm87]

Here is what I use to anneal.

Who makes the shell holder?

 

[deadlyswift]

Here is what I use to anneal.

Who makes the shell holder?

Sinclair

 

[markm87]

Thanks. I'll put that on my list.

 

[Hammer47]

I have been using Varmint Al's method for probably 10 years now.

http://www.varmintal.com/arelo.htm#Anneal

Jay...... I use the same method however I hold the case in my fingers by the base. Dull red and too hot to the touch seems to happen at the same time. Just drop into the cold water when red is reached or the case becomes uncomfortably hot. Easy....................gary

 

[spclark]

Here is what I use to anneal.

Who makes the shell holder?

Sinclair

Remember you need their case holder driver adapter also:

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=33885/Product/Sinclair-Caseholder-Driver

I just received the 05-280 universal case holder I ordered, which doesn't include the adapter. Their 05-290 combo was backordered; I shoulda been more careful....

I don't use a water quench either. Wet cases aren't my favorite (even though I've gone over to the wet cleaning method) so I use my NECO brass sieve as a catch-pan. Set up on three wood blocks, the coarse screen allows plenty of air circulation for cooling cases.

 

[markm87]

Thanks for that link.