Annealing First Time

[ibang1]

Just started to anneal some 300 blackout. I got a propane torch and attached a 3/4" socket to a power screwdriver. I place the brass into the flame for at least 12 to 15 seconds. I would count along and noticed the flame would turn red and that would be my way to dowse the brass into a pan of water.

I just needed some reassurance if I did this correct. Here are some of the brass I did. I feel its not blue enough on the brass.

 

[Weber]

That's not really a correct way, but it may have or may have not annealed the brass.

Get some tempilaq, that will help insure you are getting to the right temp on the neck, while not over heating the case.

 

[Pinecone]

No need to water quench. Brass cools quickly. It won't hurt anything, but then you have to dry the cases.

You need to do this in a darkened room and look at the color of the brass. You want to see it just turn color. If it gets really red, you have over done it.

You can take some scrap cases and test them. Use pliers, squeeze some un-annealed brass. It should take some effort, and if you squeeze it a small amount, it should spring back. then crush it, noting the force required.

Properly annealed, it should act the same way, just be easier to crush.

If over annealed, even light pressure will deform the case and it will not spring back.

And remember, you can anneal a second or third or fourth time to get it right. Once you over do it, there is no way to bring it back.

 

[John from MD]

+1 on the dark room and also the Templaq. You can get the Templaq from any good welding supply store.

After you get used to what you should see at 700 degrees, you don't need to use the Templaq all the time. The only reason I drop into water is to not damage the mouths. I tried using some towels in a bucket but cases still hit each other so I went back to the water bucket.

www.castboolits.com has a wealth of info on the subject. There is also a guy in Kalifornia who puts articles on his shooting club's web page. I think it is LASC. Google that and you might find it.

Regards,

John

 

[ibang1]

I appreciate the response back. I was worried I would over heat the brass and felt if I under annealed the brass I was playing it safe. I will try the low light room a shot. I think you guys hit it on the head. I need to get some Templaq.

Anyone recommend what temperature Templaq I need to get?

 

[Weber]

750 for the neck, 450 for the body.