Re: Range Report: Annealed Cases [Finished]
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 2:04 pm
BamBam- (& Hoot and others)-
The reason for cooling the case promptly is to prevent heat "traveling" to the case head, which can soften it to the point of uselessness. When fired, a soft case head may rupture, an event that can be exciting for several milliseconds (or perhaps for several days as the ophthamologist picks particles of brass out of your cornea if you weren't wearing safety glasses)
For a pretty good review of annealing techniques, including why's and wherefore's, this essay is pretty good:
The Art and Science of Annealing
For the last dozen years I have used an easy method of annealing that makes it really unlikely to overheat the brass. The technique was described by John Barsness in Handloader magazine, #218, Aug-Sept 2002. The article is also available online: Factors In Accuracy, Part II: Handloads, by John Barsness The short paragraph on annealing is about half-way down the web page. The "Fred Barker" referenced in the paragraph is a metallurgist friend of the writer.
The method works and is really inexpensive. The only disadvantages I've found is that it is slower than trying to use a propane tourch, and that after a long session of several dozen cases, one's fingertips can get a bit sore.
Good luck.
--Bob
The reason for cooling the case promptly is to prevent heat "traveling" to the case head, which can soften it to the point of uselessness. When fired, a soft case head may rupture, an event that can be exciting for several milliseconds (or perhaps for several days as the ophthamologist picks particles of brass out of your cornea if you weren't wearing safety glasses)
For a pretty good review of annealing techniques, including why's and wherefore's, this essay is pretty good:
The Art and Science of Annealing
For the last dozen years I have used an easy method of annealing that makes it really unlikely to overheat the brass. The technique was described by John Barsness in Handloader magazine, #218, Aug-Sept 2002. The article is also available online: Factors In Accuracy, Part II: Handloads, by John Barsness The short paragraph on annealing is about half-way down the web page. The "Fred Barker" referenced in the paragraph is a metallurgist friend of the writer.
The method works and is really inexpensive. The only disadvantages I've found is that it is slower than trying to use a propane tourch, and that after a long session of several dozen cases, one's fingertips can get a bit sore.
Good luck.
--Bob