Annealing brass

[megalomaniac]

So I've somehow managed to survive 30 years without annealing brass...

But now brass is starting to get crazy stupid expensive (like all other components... primers were $9.99 a brick when I started).

Normally I pitch my magnums after 5 reloads, and my low pressure rounds after 8 or 9 reloads...

But I'm thinking hard about buying an annealer... both for brass longevity, as well as for more consistent neck tension throughout the life of the brass.

I'm not,at this point in life, looking to shoot quarter inch groups. Maybe one day I'll want to compete. But I do expect half to 3/4 MOAs from my hunting rifles.

Worth it to extend brass life and squeeze another quarter in MOA from reloads?

Not going to buy the $1600 AMP...
But thinking of this one

Burstfire 2 in 1 Case Annealer & Case Prep Center (Standard & Magnum Wheels Included)

Burstfire - Gen 2 - 2 in 1 Annealers ***IN STOCK and shipping same day or within 24 hours. (GREY and RED),***BLACK color annealer is backorder (ETA July 24). You can still purchase BLACK through MidwayUSA. Download owners manual here: Owners Manual What's included? Gen 2 Burstfire 2 in 1...

burstfireguns.com

 

[Lost Lake]

I do most of my annealing on my big bore straight wall cases, which need to have the mouths belled to seat bullets. It greatly extends brass life, and as expensive as brass is for some cartridges, I think it's worth it. The added accuracy potential would be worth it it me in your case.

Do it!

 

[Remi]

I use a drill, a socket, a torch and a 5-7 Mississippi count. It's worked for 15yrs now on my brass. I'll lose them to primers pockets before anything splits.

 

[Lost Lake]

I use a drill, a socket, a torch and a 5-7 Mississippi count. It's worked for 15yrs now on my brass. I'll lose them to primers pockets before anything splits.

Same here. Five count and I'm good to go.

 

[Omega]

I annealed a little using the drill/socket method occasionally, when I had cases of unknown firings I got off the range or trades. But when I started converting cases to 300Blk I bought the annealeez which was one of the more affordable units then. I now see many machines that closely match this and if they work half as good it will be great.

 

[Jcalder]

And if you don't trust the 5 count, get some templiq

 

[ADR]

And if you don't trust the 5 count, get some templiq

Agreed, or a high temp laser thermometer. That is, if you already had one sitting around

 

[megalomaniac]

I annealed a little using the drill/socket method occasionally, when I had cases of unknown firings I got off the range or trades. But when I started converting cases to 300Blk I bought the annealeez which was one of the more affordable units then. I now see many machines that closely match this and if they work half as good it will be great.

I think the Burstfire is very similar, but includes power case prepping station

 

[megalomaniac]

Good point on the drill and socket. I already have a torch for my pyromaniac activities in yard cleanup.

 

[nso123]

I annealed a little using the drill/socket method occasionally, when I had cases of unknown firings I got off the range or trades. But when I started converting cases to 300Blk I bought the annealeez which was one of the more affordable units then. I now see many machines that closely match this and if they work half as good it will be great.

I have this one too. It works pretty well for me.

 

[WestTN2288]

I would be very interested to see a follow up if you get this one

 

[FredRog72]

So I've somehow managed to survive 30 years without annealing brass...

But now brass is starting to get crazy stupid expensive (like all other components... primers were $9.99 a brick when I started).

Normally I pitch my magnums after 5 reloads, and my low pressure rounds after 8 or 9 reloads...

But I'm thinking hard about buying an annealer... both for brass longevity, as well as for more consistent neck tension throughout the life of the brass.

I'm not,at this point in life, looking to shoot quarter inch groups. Maybe one day I'll want to compete. But I do expect half to 3/4 MOAs from my hunting rifles.

Worth it to extend brass life and squeeze another quarter in MOA from reloads?

Not going to buy the $1600 AMP...
But thinking of this one

Burstfire 2 in 1 Case Annealer & Case Prep Center (Standard & Magnum Wheels Included)

Burstfire - Gen 2 - 2 in 1 Annealers ***IN STOCK and shipping same day or within 24 hours. (GREY and RED),***BLACK color annealer is backorder (ETA July 24). You can still purchase BLACK through MidwayUSA. Download owners manual here: Owners Manual What's included? Gen 2 Burstfire 2 in 1...

burstfireguns.com

Bought the Burstfire about a month ago. I have no experience with the others but it is pretty awesome!

I can text you videos of it in operation if you want.

 

[FredRog72]

Maybe the video will work. I use Tempilaq for the first 5 or so cases to get the speed set.

 

[megalomaniac]

Bought the Burstfire about a month ago. I have no experience with the others but it is pretty awesome!

I can text you videos of it in operation if you want.

Oh, I've watched a ton of videos on it on You Tube. It really does have a great design, has readily available replacement components (even on Midway) for reasonable prices. And I don't have an automatic case prep center now... doing it all by hand... 52y/o now, so hand cramps more with case prep than when I was younger.

Basically I'm thinking it's nearly identical to the Annealeez, but with the added benefit of the powered case prep center.

Only reason I'm hesitant.....

I just blew $1733 on a new Christenson Arms Ridgeline FFT 7PRC. Wife grumbled a bit, but she just spent $2000 on exploratory surgery for her dog, so we evened out.... but I don't want to push my luck... If I spend too much at once, she is going to do something stupid, like try to buy a new car

 

[Gav-n-Tn]

I bought this torch kit at HF. Has a circular tip attachment. No need to spin anything. I've got to play around with it some to do some dwell times.