Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Getting into annealing...

With components the way they are and an ambition to better my reloading process, I am wanting to start annealing my brass. I have been looking into different set ups such as Amp and other less expensive options. Do you guys have any wisdom you could share on how you have done it and what has worked for you, and if spending the money on a system such as Amp is worth it or just a waste?

Thank you,
Andrew

Just stand them up in an old cake pan. Pour water up to the shoulder and heat with a propane torch until cherry red. Some people tip them over in the water while they are hot. I have but, usually don't.

I use a torch, drill, socket, a 5-7 Mississippi count and drop in a cup of water. I let them dry and then size.



It’s worked for me for years.

That sounds like a perfect way to ensure uneven annealing around the case neck/shoulder...

I picked up an Annealeez around 6 months ago, still haven't actually used it yet. It was pretty much the cheapest option for a somewhat "automated" set up, but you can go much cheaper with a drill, deep well socket, and a bottle of Tempilaq.

I wouldn't invest in an AMP annealer unless I was a very high volume shooter.
I use a modified version of the process JB has described several times here. Hold the brass in the center of the case and spin it in a candle flame until it's too hot to hold.
I basically do the same only I use a propane torch set to a low flame instead of a candle. No soot to deal with. Sometimes I drop the cases in water and sometimes I just drop them on a damp rag.

I use the "anneal-rite" contraption,, find it online, works very well, cheap enough an very safe w/ templaq,,,,,,,improves things to say the least,,

Just bought a alcohol lamp to try but pop's health is taking priority. Should be the same as a candle without the soot. Believe some one mentioned it here a while back.

My reloading mentor taught me the candle method decades ago. After employing Tempilaq to see if I was actually annealing (or over annealing) my brass 4-5 years ago, I decided an Anneal Rite might might do better. It doesn’t take long to set up, is LOT faster if doing a large batch, is easier on the fingers. and it seems I’m probably annealing my brass more “precisely”.

So I can recommend the Anneal Rite. I see the price has gone up, but it’s still less than other annealing machines I’ve looked at.

A couple of friends that I shoot with have the AMP, no doubt the induction method is a great way to go but I have never been able to justify the cost. for the price of the AMP you can buy a lot of new brass or a new gun !!!!!!!!

I tinkered around with a couple of propane torch methods but ended up going with the salt bath method because I believe it is more consistent, it is also more of a PIA than any other method

For many, many years I've annealed brass rolling it in my fingers, propane torch turned way down to about a quarter inch blue flame, and dropping into a bucket of water when it gets too hot to hold. If you dim your lights you can see the blue ring go down the case just past the shoulder and the base starts getting too hot to hold.

If your brass gets red at the neck, it's way too hot, I usually lose my brass only to loose primer pockets.

I ordered an Anneal Rite as well. Looks simple and practical to use. If it’s easy you will use it more often. With the poor availability of brass gotta take care of the brass we have

Just a tip for those who use the "too hot to hold" method no matter what heat source you use.

Do that for the first two or three cases and count the seconds it takes for the case to get too hot to hold. If you are holding each case in the heat source evenly the count will only vary by about 1 second, sometimes none. Thereafter, hold each case by the base and just count the seconds. Saves scorched fingers.

Vers. 1.1 - after your nerve endings establish how many seconds each case in that bunch takes, start using an electric drill, electric screwdriver or whatever with a properly sized socket to hold each case.


Just passing this along from a guy who got very hot fingertips the first time he used the candle method; that finally caused the little 40 watt bulb in the head to light up.

If someone wants to use a different method or variations on the timing method please have at it, this cat can be skinned equally successfully in a number of ways.

The water/cake pan method with dim light works pretty consistently.

I have used this system for years. It's easy, inexpensive and doesn't burn your fingers. Salt bath annealing. Prices are in CDN dollars, so reduce by about 25% for USD.

https://ballisticrecreations.ca/

There are any number of ways to do it right. This is the method I like.

And this is exactly why I asked! So many variations, and it is great to hear all of your experiences. I think I’m going to try the salt bath and see how it goes! Thank you everybody!

You will be very pleased with the ease and speed. Let us know how things worked for you.

I am searching for the casting pot and it seems to be sold out, however the larger ones for not a whole lot more money are available. Will getting a bigger pot present any problems with that kit?

I am not sure about the diameter and depth of the larger pot. You could email Ballistic Creations about that. I am certain this has come up before.

Exactly this. If you heat until they’re “cherry red,” they are ruined.