10 replies to this topic

[Cranky Farmer]

NOT !!! I just came in from the garage after cleaning out the flash hole on 210 rounds of my 17 Remington. My thumb and finger are already sore. Tomorrow I will do the flash hole and then trim them to length. With any luck I will be able to begin working on some loads to start a little load development.Next week the case annealer that I ordered should be here. This little unit will anneal 1000 rounds an hour! It is sure going to make my reloading process go faster.

[Heywood]

I find a single wrap of white first aid tape around my thumb and index finger prevents blisters while still allowing good dexterity. That annealer sounds neat, is that the one like SJ's?Yeah I try to stay ahead of the game on the prep. I get them all done up and primed then I package them up in lots of 100 all nice and neat with a label in the bag of the spec's. Which reminds me, I need to start packing some of those cases with powder for squirrels next month...

[Cranky Farmer]

Yes, the annealer is the same one that John uses and recommends. It's made by Ken Light. It should make this chore a lot easier! Mine shipped out on the 5th, so it should be here soon. I just need to find a metal bucket/coffee can for the hot rounds to dump into so I don't melt a plastic bucket.

[clampdaddy]

Hmmmmm, I've been haveing a problem with work hardened/cracked necks in my 45-110 brass and that stuff aint cheap. Is the annealing tool you're getting cartridge specific or will it work for any case?

[Cranky Farmer]

You need caliber specific wheels, but one wheel will do more than one cartridge. Just like your shell holders.Check out this page ... there is even a video.http://www.6mmbr.com/annealing.html

[Shoot-it]

Hay clamp I wonder if you could just use a butane torch to get by. That 45-110 what is the case compared to 300 mag or bigger?

[ShooterJohn]

Hey shoot-it, I got by for years using a propane torch. But some were over done and I burned a lot of fingers. Plus I'd get one side done and the other no so well. My auto annealer rotates the cases as they pass through the torches. Plus it can do close to 1000 and hour and drops them into a bucket to keep them away from my tender fingers.

[Shoot-it]

Oh come on John I know you can take it you have 10 fingers.....

[ShooterJohn]

Oh come on John I know you can take it you have 10 fingers.....

Yep, but they were getting shorter due to the skin falling off.

[clampdaddy]

Wow, that annealing machine is one serious piece of equipment. I'm gonna have to start saveing up for that one. At $89 for 50rds of .45 basic That thing would easily pay for itself in a couple years. In the meantime I think I'm gonna try the wood dowel in the primer pocket technique.

[ShooterJohn]

That works too and saves your fingers. Plus it's cheaper.