Tried my hand at annealing

[SJB358]

I use a 1/2" deep well 3/8" drive socket. Stick a bolt down the socket so the threads are sticking out the drive hole and put a nut on it. Chuck the remaining bolt threads in a cordless drill. I use the heat paint and count how long it takes. After the first few I just count. Drop them in water after heating. The socket seems to help protect the base a bit. It does get hot though, so you'll have to dip it in the water now and then.

I'm no pro by any means, but my brass quit squeaking when resizing and bullets seated easier.

Thanks Jake. I am going to give it a try today with the 7WSM brass I have. I happen to have a couple of sockets around to give it a try.

 

[SJB358]

Jake, the socket worked perfect. Chucked it up in my cordless and did 20 cases in no time. Nice even line around them and was a cinch to get done. Thanks for the tip. I guess I don't need the 50.00 Hornady kit now!

 

[CatskillCrawler]

I have some brass put aside that have been reloaded 5-6x. Been waiting for the gumption to try this myself. Thanks for the inspiration and the tips!

 

[SJB358]

I have some brass put aside that have been reloaded 5-6x. Been waiting for the gumption to try this myself. Thanks for the inspiration and the tips!

It is very easy once you get at it. I am not sure why I waited so long.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Jake, the socket worked perfect. Chucked it up in my cordless and did 20 cases in no time. Nice even line around them and was a cinch to get done. Thanks for the tip. I guess I don't need the 50.00 Hornady kit now!

I also tried this method last night for the first time. I like it better than just heating the brass and tipping it over in water. My 257 rob brass, that I tried it on, has a nice even heat line just below the shoulder, and they are a nice dark orange color.

 

[SJB358]

Here is the Whelen

and 7x57

 

[DrMike]

That's looking good, Scotty.

 

[SJB358]

That's looking good, Scotty.

Thanks Mike. The only real pain is drying the cases out after they are annealed. Anybody have any good tips on that?

 

[Woodycreek]

Steal the boss's hair dryer :lol:

 

[SJB358]

Steal the boss's hair dryer :lol:

Ah yeah! Might have to invest in one of them for the man cave now! Good call Sarge!

 

[DrMike]

What? A Marine with a hair dryer? What is the world coming to. Of course, we can always claim that we are annealing our brass. Of course! :mrgreen:

 

[joelkdouglas]

I use a 1/2" deep well 3/8" drive socket. Stick a bolt down the socket so the threads are sticking out the drive hole and put a nut on it. Chuck the remaining bolt threads in a cordless drill. I use the heat paint and count how long it takes. After the first few I just count. Drop them in water after heating. The socket seems to help protect the base a bit. It does get hot though, so you'll have to dip it in the water now and then.

I'm no pro by any means, but my brass quit squeaking when resizing and bullets seated easier.

I agree, great idea!

I was trying to figure out how to save myself $50 as well. You can order the indicator wax for $15 or so, and the only other thing in that kit is a special shellholder.

I will likely need an electric screwdriver probably. I only have a plug-in drill, and it would probably spin the cases too fast to keep an eye on the wax.

 

[SJB358]

I agree, great idea!

I was trying to figure out how to save myself $50 as well. You can order the indicator wax for $15 or so, and the only other thing in that kit is a special shellholder.

I will likely need an electric screwdriver probably. I only have a plug-in drill, and it would probably spin the cases too fast to keep an eye on the wax.

The cordless Dewalt worked fine and your corded drill would be fine too. You have some good control over the process, so you should be able to vary the speed. It was alot easier than I thought.

 

[IdahoCTD]

They make socket drivers for drills too and you can get them about anywhere that sells tools.

Some corded drills have variable speed dials on them so you can turn them way down and then pull the trigger and lock it wide open.

 

[Ridge_Runner]

I use mapp gas, takes 5-8 seconds per case, ya don't want them to glow, just till they start to change color. you can quench them or not makes not a bit of cifference.
RR

 

[257 Ackley]

Show us a picture of the case "chucked" in the socket...

 

[C.Smith]

Jake, great idea on the socket and bolt. I just made one up and I'm going to try it very soon. Thanks.

Corey

 

[kraky1]

I use the lee universal chuck that will hold all shells and its quick with a cordless drill.
fire up a small propane torch on low so that you have a blue triangle about 1" from the nozzle.
Spin the case neck at the blue tip for a count of 8-10 depending on the case and drop them into an aluminum pot pie plate to air cool.
I get perfect lines like those pictured....and...it's great to help dry cases when they come out of the sonic cleaner!!

 

[atmoshpere]

I use the lee universal chuck that will hold all shells and its quick with a cordless drill.
fire up a small propane torch on low so that you have a blue triangle about 1" from the nozzle.
Spin the case neck at the blue tip for a count of 8-10 depending on the case and drop them into an aluminum pot pie plate to air cool.
I get perfect lines like those pictured...

Pretty much exactly what I do but I swish the case neck in water for a second while it is still in the chuck then shake it out a bit, keeping it upside down the whole time, then drop it. I guess the water just makes me feel better that the 700 degrees at the shoulder doesn't move too far down as it cools.

 

[SJB358]

Show us a picture of the case "chucked" in the socket...

Here is a small clip. Don't mind the mess, just chucked it up in the garage to do a quick video.

http://youtu.be/41mMPB3ofrg

http://youtu.be/tWzS4XkgAQs