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Annealing Machines

oldfatguy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 6, 2008
1,212
180
75
Huntsville, AL, USA
Going to step up to one of the semi-auto annealing machines. So many to pick from: Giraud, Ballistic Edge, Ken Light, Bench Source, Brass-O-Matic......and more.

User reports for any of these or others would be greatly appreciated.

OFG
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I have the Giraud - bought it before it was really officially on the market when I was on the phone with them following up on my trimmer order.

Setup was a piece of cake and caliber swaps (I use mine for 308 and 338LM) is fast and easy. Took all of about 5 minutes to adjust the flame and feed speed to get great results. As far as fuel consumption I honestly have no clue - it is on the same little 2# (I thing they are 2#) camping stove bottle and that's after maybe 1500+ cases.

Overall I can't be happier with mine.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I also have a Giraud and am very happy.

I switched to MAP and it made things much faster.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I use a benchsource and really like. I would expect the Giraud to be nice as well. I think out of those 2 you cant go wrong.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I have a benchsource on order and will pick it up when I get to the states. Been wanting on for ages.

The Giraud also looks to be a very good unit. I contemplated getting one but decided to stick with the Vertex. I think the autofeed function on the Giraud is brilliant.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I friend of mine bought the Gireaud and we annealed a boat load of brass effortlessly until one case didn't go fully into the wheel and jammed to whole thing. Well, that case broke some of the plastic gears inside the electric motor gear box, a quick call to Gireaud and a new motor was shipped out. Apparently it was the 13th one that it happened to.
keep an eye on the gireaud, other then that it is a great annealing machine.
cheers.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I have the Giraud as well. Excellent piece of gear! Have annealed thousands of 223, 308, and 300WM brass with no issues whatsoever.

I chose the Giraud because of its unique hopper design. Did not want to place one piece of brass after another like other designs. Mind you that I still watch the process, but with one less step. Just my $.02. Each to his own with regards to his preferences.

You will be pleased with the Giraud! Excellent customer service too!
 
Re: Annealing Machines

After some research,and the satisfaction with my trimmer,I bought a Giraud.I would not recommend leaving it running unattended,but it is nice to be able to load it and do something else(like trim cases on my Giraud trimmer).Sorry if this sounds like a Giraud ad,but I am happy with both the trimmer and annealing machine.The annealing machine was easy to set up and adjust,and has worked great.Some day I will buy another hose and a bulk tank adapter,but the 1# cans last forever.I would buy this machine again. Lightman
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I've been using a Bench-Source for a couple of years now and absolutely love it. Easy to setup, easy to use.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

I have only seen pictures of the Giraud. It looks like a great set up.
My annealer is Bench Source and I am very happy with it. It came with a great instruction manual that has a nice tutorial on annealing inside. As I would never leave any annealer unattended, I don't feel the need for the Giraud's autofeed capability.
 
Re: Annealing Machines

The one thing I would add is look at price. I think the Giraud is less expensive for initial investment. You do have to buy adaptors for it (at additional cost) that don't have to be purchased for the Bench Source.