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Brian Pfleuger · August 12, 2013, 09:14 AM

Dahermit is correct.

Any "glow" of brass is an indication that it is over annealed.

I've personally settled on a method that works for me and makes it nearly impossible to get the case head too hot. It does have the downsides of slightly inconsistent annealing because it's "feel" based but it certainly works for preserving case life. I have some rather old 6mm Rem brass that had neck cracks in about 50% of the brass after sizing. That brass made me decide to try annealing. After using this method, not a single case has cracked.

I simply hold the case abou 1/2-3/4" down the body and either rotate it in a propane flame or preferably use 2 torches so I can rotate it less. I place a pan of water below so I can just drop the case when it gets too hot for my fingers. I also use the water to cool my fingers so the starting temperature is somewhat consistent.

It's not perfect but the cases come out with a remarkably consistent appearance and it's virtually impossible to get the heads too hot, you'd blister your fingers long before.

August 12, 2013, 09:14 AM	#10
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Dahermit is correct. Any "glow" of brass is an indication that it is over annealed. I've personally settled on a method that works for me and makes it nearly impossible to get the case head too hot. It does have the downsides of slightly inconsistent annealing because it's "feel" based but it certainly works for preserving case life. I have some rather old 6mm Rem brass that had neck cracks in about 50% of the brass after sizing. That brass made me decide to try annealing. After using this method, not a single case has cracked. I simply hold the case abou 1/2-3/4" down the body and either rotate it in a propane flame or preferably use 2 torches so I can rotate it less. I place a pan of water below so I can just drop the case when it gets too hot for my fingers. I also use the water to cool my fingers so the starting temperature is somewhat consistent. It's not perfect but the cases come out with a remarkably consistent appearance and it's virtually impossible to get the heads too hot, you'd blister your fingers long before.