Annealing question

[The Oregonian]

Got an AMP annealer and want to make sure i understand steps and frequency.

I deprive and clean brass first....then is it size, any prep, then anneal? Or other?

And how often would you anneal, and does that differ by cartridge or brass brand? I have 3 cartridges....6.5cr with Lapua brass, 28N with Nosler Brass, and 280AI with Nosler Brass. I currently FL size bit am considering neck sizing only until brass won't chamber.

Any input is appreciated.

Tom

 

[dok7mm]

I anneal after cleaning, then FL resize. It will give you more consistent base to datum results. I do not neck size, as I see no advantage in it.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I FL resize, tumble, trim (if needed), chamfer in/out, anneal, then load.

I want consistent neck tension when seating a bullet, every time. I do not want to work harden the brass in the least before I seat bullets.

I anneal every time. Again, for consistent neck tension as the last step before I load.

It has worked well for me.

 

[kiwikid]

AMP recommend deprime, clean, then anneal followed by sizing and any other case prep. They also suggest annealing every time the cases are fired.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

As much as I hate to admit it, annealing Everytime produces the best ES and SDs, and prolongs the brass life the most. While it may be difficult to detect, there is a degredation of brass consistency via work hardening with every shooting. I say I hate to admit it as I swore I would never go through that trouble every loading and I lost a bet with a guy who proved it's value to me. I'm a little hard headed that way!

 

[Hatrick]

I believe JE Custom did an anealing test on Hornady brass. Might get him to chime in. It opened my eyes.

 

[The Oregonian]

@J E Custom - the bat signal has been sent out

 

[Kmccord]

If you do not have an AMP annealer how do some of you anneal? I am curious if one could anneal with just a propane torch??

 

[lancetkenyon]

I use a map gas torch and cordless drill w. deep socket.

 

[Rick Richard]

Research Salt Bath method. Appears it would be a better process in maintaining temp than flame method.

 

[D.Camilleri]

Research Salt Bath method. Appears it would be a better process in maintaining temp than flame method.

I just started using the salt bath method and once you get your salts up to temp, it is very quick and very consistent. The problem I have with a torch is that the temperature can vary greatly on this brass. Torches are fine for heavy metal that changes temperature slowly, but the difference of a half a second on light brass could vary the temperature by quite a lot. Maybe it won't matter, but consistency is what we are trying to achieve.

 

[Azrael]

I'm using the Ballistic Recreation salt method. It's pretty slick, doesn't cost much and once it's up to temp I can do 50 cases in about 5 minutes or less.

 

[d11r529]

I was/am under the impression that one should anneal before sizing so the brass is the same hardness when sizing???????? I do anneal every time.