Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

[boltstop]

Well team, in pursuit of accuracy, and in the interests of preservation of my spendy .308 Win and 6mm Rem brass, today I will fire up my new Benzomatic MAP torch to anneal some brass.

Reason why I'm telling you this is 'cause <span style="font-style: italic">I've never done it before.</span> Now, I'm not too retarded but generally consult more experienced people when I'm engaged in a new reloading task, especially one that may involve me burning my house down.

How do you set up your annealing process? Anything I need to watch out for? Can I do this inside the home or should I deploy to the garage and brave the cold?

 

[johndoe]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

I take it you have a torch only no annealing machine? There have been
threads on here and 6mm br which go into detail which you will
definatlly need. Annealing is a process which shouldnt be taken lightly
but if you understand the basics of it it's easy to master.

 

[vman]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

boltstop, do your reading first bro

One thing i have noticed about a good way to learn... the whole pan with water thing actually works ok because it keeps the case bottoms from reaching any annealing temps.

Learn what the color change looks like, and get a feel for the timing.

I use the hornady kit, and so far everything has been ok.

 

[boltstop]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Thanks, Team. I've read the post here on SH and it's pretty informative. I've seen a couple of videos on YouTube, including at least one that shows how NOT to do it.

I am hoping that I don't take any courses of action which may endanger my gun room or marriage tomorrow! ;-)

 

[DocB]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Boltstop,

MAPP gas is very hot, you may wish to use propane instead. Let us know how it works out.

DocB

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

You got the prayers but even if the Lord doesn't pay attention you won't go to hell, just destroy a few cases.

Watch for a red glow on the necks. If you see it, that's too HOT!

 

[diriel]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Hey Boltstop,

Have a look at these welding tips. I use the micro 6000 with map gas. Made to wrap all the way around evenly, and quickly. A few seconds and flip the brass into your water bucket, next round.

http://www.6mmbr.com/annealing.html
This is an excellent read for you. He also mentions the book: ABCs of Reloading. This book is well worth owning.

Good shooting,
Gary

 

[boltstop]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Well, I've been off work/school and kinda scared of taking on the annealing process.

I just motivated myself to get crackin' on the project and think I've ruined a couple of cases (no big whoop, they're 1961 Remington Arms NATO Cases 7.62 x 51) but once I get the hang of it I'll get started on the "good brass" and give it a whirl.

Thanks for the reads, links, and help. I'm going with the electric driver method to make things work.

 

[Nessal]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Here is some words of advise. Anneal cases that you DON'T want first.

 

[boltstop]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is some words of advise. Anneal cases that you DON'T want first.
</div></div>

Good call, did just that - had some oldie-but-baddie NATO cases and I worked them first.

I got the hang of it - basically a 7-count until the necks got just a little past maroon (but not cherry!) and toss 'em off the drill/socket into the pan. They came out nice.

I just sized/deprimed; annealed cases are certainly much nicer to work with.

 

[vman]

Re: Pray for me, for today I wield a torch...

Boltstop I look for a color change on the surface of the metal itself and not a color change within the metal due to a glow from heat.

If you get a case and polish it up real nice you will see what i mean.

Apply the flame to the neck area of the case and try not to put too much on the shoulder. As soon as the case touches the flame you will notice a slight change but instant change in surface appearance... im guessing its the case warming up and water vapour lifting from the case?

Shortly after you will notice the outside color of the case starts to change slightly to a blue'ish greyish tinge. I keep the flame applied until the color reaches just below the shoulder and then submerge the case into water.

I have done this on a few hundred cases now and have not died.

LOL

It appears that I am doing slightly more than what the guys with automated machines are doing, however everything seems fine.

Body does not crush easily, cases do not collapse from over annealing and most importantly my gun has not exploded in my face and/or taken out any body around me.

God i love reloading.