Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles neck annealing

How often do you anneal the necks of your shells and what method do you use?

You can develop a feel to tell when the case is becoming work hardened when you resize using a FL sizing die. It will depend on the cartridge case and load as to the frequency. My 25-06 dictates I anneal more often than my smaller guns.

As to method, I use a Burns-O-Matic torch with a nut driver to hold the case. I do it by hand and rotate the case (neck/shoulder junction) in the flame until I see the brass change color. Don't overheat the case, it does not need to glow, that's too hot. If you try it you will see what I mean by changing color. It seems to work best in low light conditions.

When I start getting split necks when I seat bullets. I use the candle method described by Mule Deer, because it's easy and you can't overheat the brass.

+ 1 on the candle method. I used it when I started getting split necks on some brass after the 4-5th firing. Haven't had one since.

Every 3rd firing and use the Anneal-Rite.

http://www.cartridgeanneal.com/

Alan

I use a propane torch spinning the cases in my fingers.

After 4 reloads I anneal. Hardened necks affect accuracy and you can measure the difference on paper. I've found the most accurate loads on the second firing after annealing.

every 4th reload...torch on a propane tank with a Tree on it.. ( like used for camping..).. I am a pansy tho... I use a pair of needle nose pliers, instead of my fingers...

I hold it in the flame and count to 5 ( for 223) and then put it in a small metal container and let it air cool...

6 to 8 seconds for 22/250 and 243 and up...

If you do it right, I understand that you can turn cartridge cases into gold.

OK...I recently found my little torch during a basement cleaning and decided to give it a try. First attempt was some win 308 cases. Chucked the cases in a drill spinner. Put the neck near the blue tip of the flame and counted to 6 sec's. Didn't get the "blue" color I see so many talk about on internet videos. But did get a slight discoloration ring just down from the shoulder. Brass doesn't have that greyish appearance that the videos show either. Seems like the videos the guys are giving it about 10 seconds worth of heat.
Anyhow...I sized using a lee collet die and when seated they did feel like even tension all the way in. And, a couple that had some runnout corrected easier on my hornady runnout checker and pusher. So, did I do good or have to shoot for longer heat next time?

kraky,
That slight colour change is all that's required. You'll see better 'colour' if you polish the neck/shoulder with steel wool to have it bright and shiny, then do it in a room with good flat lighting.
Cheers...
Con

I run my brass through the vibrater-polisher brfore annealing.
I use a deep socket with a battery drill.


I have found that with my flame, I use a second per milimeter of neck size, in that for
20 VarTarg = 5mm = 5 sec.
7 x 57 = 7mm = 7 sec.
404 Jeffery = 10.75mm = 10sec.

Von Gruff.

Nice setup VonGruff. I anneal every third firing, and I can tell a difference in the consistency of how the cases feel when pulling the expander button out of the case.

+1 on polishing the case before annealing. I also use a propane torch while spinning the case in a cordless drill. About 10 seconds, give or take, does it for me. That's highly dependent on flame temp, distance from the case, etc. I have a little metronome app for my iPhone that gives me a steady, audible "tick tock," and I use that to count while holding the cases in the flame. They all look the same, so I guess it works.

Yes, nice set up indeed. Are the cases just loose fit in the sockets?

An easy drop in fit. 10, 12, and 14mm are good sizes for the job. I cut the 3/8 bolts so that the OA length from neck of case to end of bolt is the same to facilitate using the jig with all case sizes. A piece of light leather with the bolt is a good fit in the drive end of the socket so it can still be returned to proper socket use if needed.

Some brass will colour to blue while other brands will just go a ash straw colour. The mistake is to over heat as it only takes 650 - 700 degrees to anneal. I just tip them into a steel bowl and air cool.

Von Gruff.

Is it better to air cool or water cool?

Air cool as the case shouldn't get hot enough to need water cooling.And with air cooling there is no needing to dry cases afterward. I can carry on with other procedures about 10 minutes after finishing annealing.

Von Gruff.

I use a propane torch and hold the case head in my fingers.
That way you won't anneal the head. Then I dip the mouth in
water. Some use a candle i can't argue with that. If you
overheat the head you are in for a bad suprise, and maybe
a new rifle.