Best Budget Annealer

[Bill Norris]

I have the one that CAS01 and Bill Norris linked to and it works perfectly.

Yea, I have used it now on app. 200 - 300 pcs. of brass and find it works great.

 

[Dr.J]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. Tom

 

[neckturner]

How much does it cost?

US dealer: https://www.mtnforged.com/product/quick-anneal/ , $1395. On backorder, unfortunately, estimated lead time 4-6 weeks. Like many things in the shooting world

Website is all hype without even a hint of price.

Of course it's hype. Nothing ever got sold with "this is adequate, mostly" marketing. I find it easy to use, fast, consistent (based on coloration), compact, and since I don't need to acquire multiple inserts, easy to change calibers or just do some annealing for a shooting buddy.

I've been playing with the idea of connecting it to my brass feeder for walk-away annealing, but it's fast enough as is, so I haven't tried this yet. It's simple, and one look at the AMP's Rube Goldberg-like device for automatic feeding was enough to dissuade me from the AMP option.

The only real downside is the sharp points on the catchment tray it comes with.

They used to show pricing on their site, but now with global distribution, perhaps that's why the home site no longer displays prices.

 

[neckturner]

is a torch, socket, drill and timer (add a bucket of water if your budget allows).

Bingo, for those who want to save money. Bucket of water for the high rollers, nice touch.

So there is lots of discussion about how to build your own. I'd rather be shooting than tinkering.

 

[Rick300]

Since someone mentioned the Quick Anneal,,, I might as well give an opinion. Induction Annealers are the next step/evolution in achieving precision case annealing It is more expensive and not really beginner/budget friendly. Moreover, it may not be practical to the style of shooting or budget for everyone.

For those who aren't skilled in designing/building computers, writing code, or electrical appliances then maybe some of the DIY Induction Annealers, such as the Annie (fabulous build thread here on the forum), may not be for you.
https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/induction-brass-annealer-redux.3908353/page-53

There is an induction annealer that spans the gap between the DIY HomeDepot Hand Held Unit and the AMP. Basically, it is a commercial version of the DIY Annie Annealer (see thread above) with the advantage of it being a plug and play unit. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the AMP, but at 40%-50% of the cost it is hard to ignore.

The Fluxeon Annie Induction annealer setup is streamline and affordable ($680), which is the same price as the best torch annealer, the Bench Source ($700). Anyone conteplating a Bench Source should also be looking at the Fluxeon.
https://fluxeon.com/product/31302/

I will 2nd the Fluxeon annealer. I have had one for about 3 years now

 

[jcm24m]

Bench Source and you’ll be very happy !

 

[jpx2rk]

I'll 2nd the EP 2.0 annealer, simple to adjust, and it works. It is a single feed unit, but it's much/mo better than sitting there counting to x over and over and over.

 

[G6br]

I have been using my AGS for over a year. No complaints and it has been working well. I made my own stand so all my cartridges drop into the tray.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I’m still a torch, socket n drill caveman
Well not so much socket anymore as I made dedicated case holders.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I have an Annie induction annealer version 1.x (I’m not sure which exact version) from Fluxeon, around $600 current price. I have the water cooled coil, and I use it on a bench with a built in sink so the cooling water just trickles into the sink. I also use the foot switch. Takes around 2 secs per case. I like it a lot but i haven’t had experience with any of the others mentioned in this thread.

 

[nmkid]

I have been using my AGS for over a year. No complaints and it has been working well. I made my own stand so all my cartridges drop into the tray.View attachment 1612448

I woke this morning thinking I would finally make an extended base for my AGS. Then, I saw your post. Perfect!

 

[Farmer Don]

My annealer and it's nice looking too.

Annealeez – For a Hot Piece of Brass!

annealeez.com

 

[cavedweller60]

How much does it cost? Website is all hype without even a hint of price.

A search revealed that a company called Mountain Forged sells them here in the US. The cost listed is $1395 and they are back-ordered.

 

[Gary in MD]

I can’t afford the socket or the bucket of water.
Just did another 50 cases with a torch and drill.

 

[TheCZKid]

I've got a Burstfire Gen 2 annealer, works well for me, about $289. Use it for 20 Vartarg and bigger.

Burstfire 2 in 1 Brass Case Torch Annealer & Case Prep Center

BURSTFIRE - Gen 2 - 2 in 1 Annealer & Case Prep Center (torch & hose included) Download owners manual here: Owners Manual Introducing, industry first, the original Burstfire, 2-in-1 Brass Case Annealing Machine and Case Prep Center! Improve and Automate the process of brass case annealing...

burstfireguns.com

 

[gero]

I want to begin annealing and am looking for recommendations. I understand that the AMP is the best, but I’m not prepared to spend that kind of money yet. I’m looking at the AGS and Anealeez, due to price. I am open to other machines. i look forward to your comments. Thanks, Tom

I don't get "BUDGET". In my view nothing in this endeavor is budget....if you have to worry about it, you are trying to do something you can't afford. It's like having an 800 horsepower Corvette and then worrying about the gas. At some point my pension and SSI is going to make me quit....but as the gladiator said "NOT YET".

 

[cavedweller60]

I don't get "BUDGET". In my view nothing in this endeavor is budget....if you have to worry about it, you are trying to do something you can't afford. It's like having an 800 horsepower Corvette and then worrying about the gas. At some point my pension and SSI is going to make me quit....but as the gladiator said "NOT YET".

I don't think everyone feels the same as you do.

It seems strange that someone would forego doing things they like to do or want to do, just because they can't afford the best of everything.

I am financially sound but, that doesn't mean I want to push my budget to the max to participate in things I enjoy. It seems as though you are saying, "if you can't afford to fly first class, you can't afford the vacation".

I have a lot of interests and all of them are relatively expensive. I can't afford the best of everything in each sport I participate in so, I search for the best products in my budget. I don't think I'm alone in that line of thinking.

Just because I can't buy the best, doesn't mean I'm just going to sit home and wait to die...I'm going to play as hard as I can afford. There isn't anything wrong with that.

 

[KMW 1954]

I don't think everyone feels the same as you do.

Was going to post the same, then thought, what's the use in it.

I will say though that an annealer is on my purchase list. Just not at this exact moment. Just bought a new bolt rifle and the budget only goes so far at a time!

BTW I am leaning towards the EP 2.0... I only have 2 calibers, 223 and 6ARC.

 

[Dimner]

Everyone has their opinions, the common denominator is that what ever you do (and that even includes not annealing), you should use a device or method that gives you repeated results that you can have confidence with in development and maintaining a tuned load.

I started out with a literal candle, yes a wax candle. and annealed (well not anneal, but releive stress) one at a time. It ensured my necks would never split. (There is planety of science and evidence to back up this method to lengthen the life of brass). I then moved to a spirit lamp because I hated the soot. This worked for me for years.

Couple years later I found this site and started my learning of reloading techniques discussed here. My spirit lamp allowed extended brass life but I could feel the neck tension differences when seating bullets and was not able to achieve the precision goals I had set for myself

I started using the torch and a socket. Things got better, but it was still not as consistent as I was expecting. It showed up in my load development and tuning results.

So I bought this for $289 and everything came together. Right now it's $270 on Amazon

 

[I_shoot_for_fun]

Been away from shooting for a while but slowly getting back in to pulling the trigger more often. I decided I wanted to extend my brass life some and after researching, I went with the EP 2.0 that has been mentioned a couple of times above, mainly on the ease and repeatability of operation and the price point. Haven't done much with it yet, just one get acquainted session and like it very much. Very easy to switch cartridges and very repeatable. Single load only but that doesn't bother me in the least; ease of changing to the next case sold me.