Best Annealer: Ballistic Edge, Bench Source or Girard and why?

[JHardy]

I already have an annealer but I need to pick up another for more volume. Since this is a pretty expensive purchase, I am looking for the best and why it is the best. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Jim Hardy

 

[ReedG]

Everybody has a different idea on what's best. In my opinion, you didn't list the best annealer. Go to this (http://www.kenlightmfg.com/cartridgecaseannealer.htm) web site and read Ken's valuable info.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I use the Bench Source annealer. I like that you have two torches and can adjust the time that the case spins under the flames. There is no need for separate plates, you can do from .223 up to .50 BMG with same setup.

The Giraud is also nice and it has it's own case feeder, but you need to replace a part for different brass families.

And that's it, these are the only two you need to pick from as none of the others compare to these two.

 

[Pappy42]

My Ballistic Edge works fine for me.

 

[DeltaBravo]

+1 on the Bench Source. I've adapted mine to a 20 lb tank which makes it easier to set up than trying to screw the two tanks on the torch heads! It's easy to setup and takes about 5 minutes plus the time in the flames to anneal the brass. So, for 100 cases it's 500 seconds plus about 5 minutes, or about 13 to 15 minutes overall.

Dennis

 

[B Mize]

Ive read so many post on this topic and they always end the same, Most folks that have tried several different makes always go back to the bench source.
There is always the odd few though that will always want to be different(see above post )

 

[jonbearman]

News flash, they all work, it just depends on how much money you can spend.

 

[michaelnel]

The only one I have used and owned is the Bench Source one. It is a very nicely made piece of equipment and does a rapid, consistent job on the brass.

 

[jlow]

I have a BenchSource and I love it and would buy it again. However, if you are looking for capacity (which most of us don’t need), you might want to look seriously at a Girard because that is its strength.

 

[PMA3]

Being a mechanical idiot, I looked for the one that was the easiest to use and ended up with the Bench Source also.
As long as you repeat the same distance from the torch head to the case AND the same amount of flame, the timer will keep the case in that flame the same amount of time EVERY time.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I bought a Giraud through the classifieds. Worth every damn penny. I load it up with about 500 pieces of brass and go about my business while it works. Not having to feed (or cajol my kids into feeding) the annealer is a huge time saver for me.

I made two mods to it:

- replaced the potentiometer with one that has finer grain control; this is very easy if you have basic soldering skills
- setup a hose to use a 20lb propane tank; the flame from this is much more consistent than the green bottles

 

[JHardy]

Thanks to all who have responded. Great answers and info. The info is in line with what I suspected. The Bench Source is the winner with me, but the Girard is number one for dedicated mass annealing for one cartridge like .223 or .308 Winchester.

This is the info I needed and I got it. Thanks again for your replies based upon your own experiences.

Jim Hardy

 

[dickn52]

If it's volume you want then it's Giraud. Fill it up, set the timing, light the torches and then stand back.

 

[JHardy]

Jay:

I saw a video on those mods. It was probably your work. Great job indeed.

Jim

 

[micmac]

These flat plate annealers are pathetic. Giraud is light years ahead of horizontal type annealers

But you can always DIY something that works just as well.
Here is mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJalFC9ZUws