Author Topic: annealing Stright wall cases ? (Read 1415 times)

Whip · « **on:** July 18, 2005, 06:08:49 PM »

I have been reloading bottle neck cases off and on for 25 years. I just got a 444 marlin. My first stright wall case. Do you have to anneal the case mouth after reloading and crimping several times like you do the necks of bottle neck cases? It makes sense to me that you would?

Castaway · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2005, 01:47:32 AM »

Won't hurt, but I don't think it's necessary. I've had as many as 50 reloads from 45 Colt cases and nearly as many from some of my 45-70 brass. By the time the mouth splits, I assume the primer pocket has reached the limits of its useful life also.

powderburner · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2005, 05:20:10 PM »

The thing it will do is to soften the necks so that you get a more even crimp if you use one . there has been a few tests run showing annealing case necks in a 45-70 shot with Black powder improves accuracy ,if you use a jacketed bullet or a hard lead bullet you may not see a difference but if you use a soft alloy you will although probably only if you crimp.. Dean

stuffit · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2005, 06:34:21 PM »

What is the best technique for annealing this brass. I'd always thought that you could stand them up in water in a shallow tray, heat 'em with a propane torch and knock em over as they started to get red so that they quench. Is this a practical approach or is it more complicated than I've been thinking? Would much appreciate being enlightened on this subject. Thanks
stuffit

JBMauser · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2005, 05:56:34 PM »

There was an article and test in black powder cartridge mag. Issue #48 by Bob Glodt, the writer proved that annealing 45/70 brass shrunk his groups nearly by half. He now anneals after each cycle! crimp/neck pressure is normalized and case expansion is full allowing for max sealing. JB

powderburner · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2005, 07:42:41 AM »

When I anneal my cases I just line them up on the counter and heat them to dull red with a propane torch as far down as I want them to be annealed and then just let them stand til cool they soften up quite well , it works out to a slow 4 count on each case , as an aside I do not resize and only anneal the top maybe 1/2 inch as I only taper crimp enough to keep the bullet from falling out , but it has proven to be a worthwhile use of my time . the cases are starting to harden up again after 5 loadings and I think I'll anneal them after three and they will be pretty consistant . I have noticed a difference with different brands of brass . the starline stays softer longer than does Norma and Win gets brittle a lot faster than either of the other two .doing it my way............... Dean

stuffit · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2005, 08:48:13 AM »

Powderburner,
Thanks for the good info.
s.