is annealig necessary?

ChetStafford

If you use a full lenght resizing die do you still need to anneal the case neck? Not real sure how to do it can someone walk me threw it [:I]
thanks
chet

JustC

do a search on annealing cases, there is a lot of info available. Or of course nononsense will post a handfull of links to make it much easier.

If you are using a FL die, and FL sizing with it, then annealing will be a help, but I would watch for casehead seperations more than brass hardening.

It does return the spring-back property to the brass which aids in neck tension for more uniform bullet release as well as easier sizing and trouble free chambering when neck sizing.

Highball

Load moderate loads and get 10-15 loadings out of each case. Throw the many times loaded cases into a box and anneal them 10 years down the road..after you gain experience.

Start with 200 cases...that gives 2000 rounds to fire....a LOT of shooting, for most folks....

Full length sizing will indeed work-harden the necks, after awhile...the Neck is squeezed back far more then the body, in a properly adjusted die.

JustC

here is an annealing machine I made from a ceiling fan motor, a dimmer switch, and had the bushings for case-head dia's made at the machine shop out of aluminum for a heat sink. I would tell you to use a gear reduction motor which will slow and speed up more steadily, but this is just my first annealer. When the motor goes, I'll come back with the gear reduction motor.

nononsense

csjs1194,

JustC - I'm glad you posted your machine, it helps visualize the process. Plus it's a good DIY project for nearly everyone.

Here are the links that JustC alluded to:

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/jun96cases.html

The annealing section is about 1/4 of the way down the scroll:

http://www.varmintal.com/arelo.htm

Here is a real good article with photos:

http://www.6mmbr.com/annealing.html

That should get you going.

Best.