bob
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Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 21, 2021 22:48:59 GMT -5
Have we discussed annealing, I think we have. I'm seriously considering starting that process since brass is not as available as it once was.
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SnapShot
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Jeep & Mocha "Remembering Patches, always"
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Post by SnapShot on Feb 22, 2021 11:17:47 GMT -5
Bob ~
The availability issue is worse than I recall at any time in the past (including the big shortage of 2016). Reforming has become a necessity in some cases.
I made the mistake two weeks ago of adding a gun to my collection in a caliber I have never shot. Usually it’s no big deal to add a new caliber for reloading but ammo and reloading components are in such short supply it’s a real stretch now.
I bought ANOTHER 1911 and it’s in 10mm Automatic. I exhausted my search for factory ammo and then started looking for brass (I have all the other components necessary). I managed to find a guy over in California that was trying to sell 250 rounds of once fired brass and his price was acceptable. They arrived on Saturday so I’ll be loading them up to see the difference verses .45 ACP.
Our local gun shops are picked clean for ammo and most reloading supplies. The online availability is no better.
~ Keep your powder dry, Larry
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poohzilla
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Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
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Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Feb 22, 2021 12:21:21 GMT -5
About a month ago I picked up a rifle for a project, but chose one in .308, rather than something exotic, simply because I had brass, bullets, dies, molds and whatnot to support it. That choice was probably the most sensible I've made in my adult life. Even though I had stuff, I had some thoughts of a lighter bullet, and started to look around. Yesterday I bid on a run of the mill lee mold, bidding somewhat above MSRP. It ultimately went for ~$100 ! I like Lee molds fine, but not that much ! Pretty much the same in local shops here as Larry reported-stuff will show and disappear like dew before the sun.
Bob, I'd be happy to copy the stuff from Nonte's book and send it to you if you like. My guess is you know everything that's in it, as it's pretty basic.
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 22, 2021 13:40:44 GMT -5
Thanks guys, I'm considering the Annealeze unit which I think our local "creator" made a similar machine. I don't have the inclination nor the time to DIY and the price is reasonable. I will do a little more research of both need and unit to get.
Pooh, not to sound too dumb but who is Nonte and what did he write about?
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SnapShot
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Jeep & Mocha "Remembering Patches, always"
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Location: Finally free from the Republic of Kalifornia!
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Post by SnapShot on Feb 22, 2021 14:56:09 GMT -5
Pooh ~
You left me behind when you used the word "sensible" in making your choice . . .
My choice was driven by the old desire "I want one" rather than any logic or consideration of component availability.
~ Larry
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poohzilla
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Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Feb 22, 2021 18:15:18 GMT -5
Bob, I was referring to George Nonte, Jr. He was a gunwriter probably active through the '60's and 70's. He has a number of books to his credit on handloading, most of which are pretty basic. Among other things, I have his "Modern Handloading" which was put out by the Winchester Press. I hang on to it, first, because it's a book, and secondly, he has a gift for making processes clear. (His chapters on the manufacture of powder and primers-no, not homemade-are really clear.) It's copyright date is 1972 and the edition I found is 1976. I don't think it's in print, but if you look at places like abebooks.com it's available. There. More than you ever wanted to know !
Larry, don't give me too much credit for sensibility. Ultimately, the "I want one" reason controlled, but at least I had the means to feed it at hand. (Cases courtesy of DCM were crying out to be used !)
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 22, 2021 20:52:56 GMT -5
Thanks Pooh, now that you've connected the dots I recognize the name!  |
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 23, 2021 9:52:34 GMT -5
Well for better or worse, I closed my eyes and pushed the buy button for the Annealeez "automatic" annealer, I should get it in several weeks. I know this thread belongs down in Press and equipment, oh well.  |
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poohzilla
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Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
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Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Feb 23, 2021 12:32:43 GMT -5
Bob, I'll be interested to see how this works out for you. I guess given the current realities, we're all looking at changes in some of our habits. I wonder if Greg will print an afterburner to make the process faster ?  |
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SnapShot
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Jeep & Mocha "Remembering Patches, always"
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Location: Finally free from the Republic of Kalifornia!
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Post by SnapShot on Feb 23, 2021 17:51:32 GMT -5
Bob ~
Please let us know your findings with the new equipment. One of the best benefits of this group is each of us being the guinea pig from time to time.
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gws
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Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Feb 23, 2021 23:48:20 GMT -5
Bob, I'll be interested to see how this works out for you. I guess given the current realities, we're all looking at changes in some of our habits. I wonder if Greg will print an afterburner to make the process faster ? If you mean another case collator......that's a sure thing.  I bought a "saw blade" (so called because it looks like one) from jmorris metals a couple three years ago to make an annealer. Just never got around to it......health problems, covid, and other projects got in the way. Here's a picture of his: See the "saw blade"? Anyhow, he also used a Dillon case feeder on it, just by adding a couple of connections......and I think if I build one, I would like to use a collator. We need to see a picture of yours Bob!!!!
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 24, 2021 0:34:33 GMT -5
Greg and all, pull up Annealeez on your computer and there are several pictures and demonstrations which encouraged my purchase, perhaps even over competitive types.
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poohzilla
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Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Feb 24, 2021 16:00:52 GMT -5
Interesting, and the price is not bad. Just remember, no annealing during the National Anthem !  |
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 24, 2021 23:17:01 GMT -5
That is not a STAND alone program!! |
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gws
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Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Feb 25, 2021 0:25:47 GMT -5
Bob, that's the most impressive annealer I've seen of the original cake pan variety.....vastly improved and simplified! Don't blame you for ordering one. Are there any advantages to the older jmorris saw blade design? Just that the case feeder and the second torch makes it a little faster. But I doubt it's that much faster....and may use more propane....remains to be seen. Then there's the fact that the sawblade works for any caliber without changing parts.......
And yet.....I like it! Would be cool to figure out a case feeder for that Annealeez.....and I'll bet I could 3D print all the other caliber wheel options....but I'd want to figure out a quicker way to change wheels besides two wrenches.... I agree with pooh....the price is right......
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hal8337
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Location: Livonia, Louisiana
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Post by hal8337 on Feb 25, 2021 11:45:58 GMT -5
Bob, The Annealeez seems to be a very good choice. I made one which took plenty time viewing U-tube which has a million varieties and I incorporated a little of each to produce mine which works good. The only thing I would recommend is using a 5 gal propane bottle for your gas source since it looks like there is a long hose that comes with your new annealer. The reason for using a large bottle is because to start with you can't tell if one of those small bottles has gas in them by weight unless you have a scale. More than once I was in the middle of annealing brass and the flame would flicker and reduce heat. My son in law showed me how to refill those small bottles which is a time bomb waiting to explode IMO. The small bottle works OK but with a large one it is just one less thing to deal with. I am not the expert on annealing but maybe some of this will help.
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 25, 2021 15:07:06 GMT -5
hal, Thank you very much for the input! I already have that big bottle, not for grilling though, and will use your suggestion.
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gws
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Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Feb 27, 2021 9:43:17 GMT -5
Been brainstorming the feeding problem. Not going to be easy. The only glaring problem with the Anealeez design is having to stack them sideways. I wouldn't like to have to sit there and feed them one at a time. Dropping them vertically from a collator and stacking them sideways is a real problem.
Not going to happen unless a miracle idea for a reliable autofeed hits me ..... I don't have that many moons left on this planet as it is, and I can think of more fun and useful things to do with my time. Gotta be a way, but may take some one smarter than me to discover a simple one.
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Post by hacker54 on Feb 27, 2021 11:21:02 GMT -5
Greg how about a collator along the lines of a drum magazine like used on the "Lewis Gun" to arrrange and to drop them down horizontally. Somethig to think about.
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Feb 27, 2021 11:37:08 GMT -5
I bin chewing on that Greg, I believe it will be easier than loading one at a time as required by the other units. I have tried just dumping the cases in a square corner pan and shaking it then grabbing several at a time, this may work will see.
Also looking for a brass magnet which I will power with my Flux Capacitor !
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Mar 21, 2021 14:13:21 GMT -5
Well I got the Annealeez yesterday afternoon. After unpacking it (it was very well packaged) it took another 10 minutes to set up and "play" with it. To address Greg's issues, changing the rollers is not a big issue as the standard (middle) set handles a very broad range of cartridges, .223/5.56 through any '06 based cartridge. I will have to order the large set because I didn't think I would need them, I do! As for loading I grabbed a hand full of brass easily aligned the bases and set them in rack, the amount is based on what ever your hand can hold, though not as convenient as dumping a bag of brass in some sort of collator it is not too bad. I have no idea yet the rack capacity is but just fill and walk away, probably not too far though. Time wise for '06 stuff seems to be about 5 seconds but until I receive my Tempilaq 750 I won't know for sure. Generally the machine seems pretty well made, there are a few sharp edges that are easily dealt with. The manufacturer claims to be swamped with interested calls and emails which could account for the sharp edges. The videos are real and I can't add anything, at least for now.  |
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hal8337
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Location: Livonia, Louisiana
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Post by hal8337 on Mar 22, 2021 6:02:47 GMT -5
Glad to see you got your new annealer. My neighbor bought one just recently (Annealeez) and he states it works great so I suspect you will also be satisficed. He also was waiting on his tempilaq 750 which he borrowed some from me to run a few trials. I am a big fan of annealing as it really makes a difference in extending case life. I usually anneal every third case reload on standard rifle cases and anneal before resizing the cases. There are plenty different opinions on this subject but my process was configured from information that I received from members of this forum. Good luck with your new toy.
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on May 2, 2021 22:08:09 GMT -5
Well I have been "playing with the Annealeez on and off for a couple of weeks, today I started for real. I ran 50 6.5 -.270 Stegall and 40 6.5 X55 it was very easy, though I did adjust the flame position a little for the shorter '55s loading was very easy 5 or so at a time on the rack, turned it on and walked away, will almost, they were done ,each group, quickly. I haven't seen a better unit on the market except the AMP unit which is 4X the price. So far I'm Happy!~ |
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Post by hacker54 on May 3, 2021 20:32:04 GMT -5
So I see that you had some time with the unit and the workings are up and up. Plan on doing any large batches of brass soon?
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bob
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Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on May 3, 2021 23:18:34 GMT -5
Gary, the answer to your question, I have several hundred 7X57mm and .257 Rob'ts as well as some .22 K hornet .22 hornet and .218 Bee, a few hundred .300 Winchester, plus others, so the answer is.................yes with qualification only a few hundred at a time and many will be brass that has already been prepped so I'll have to neck size again after the heat treating. The only cartridge I'm not annealing is My .223/5.56 stuff.
Greg, it only took a minute to load the 506.5-270s and it was easy once I figgered it out. -
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Nov 9, 2021 21:03:00 GMT -5
Well guys I finally got the time and inclination to anneal 120 7X57mm cases. The process took about an hour including some adjustment I loaded 20-30 at first then kept loading 5-6 at a time as the machine ran 'till they were al loaded. The major bottle neck is thee rather small receiving pan, something easily corrected with a metal baking pan. A plastic pan will melt with the heated cases. All in all I'm pleased. My Winchester brass now loos like Lapua brass though I like the Winchester better, it's American! Now it's off to the neck sizer then tumbler . |
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gws
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Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Nov 10, 2021 22:54:14 GMT -5
Very neat Bob! I still don't have my annealer built. No need right now.....making and hoarding ammo right now seems to be all I do........shooting it? Not like I use to. Stupid liberal anti-gun politicians are to blame. If and when the country comes to its senses and drives the bums out of office, things will change.....whether I'm too old to enjoy it is another thing.
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My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Oct 5, 2024 10:16:00 GMT -5
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Oct 5, 2024 10:16:00 GMT -5
Oct 31, 2024 7:23:05 GMT -5
Oct 31, 2024 7:23:05 GMT -5
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
Oct 31, 2024 8:44:20 GMT -5
Nov 5, 2024 10:37:49 GMT -5
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While we're at it, let us not for get to Thank a Veteran tomorrow, Veterans Day.
Nov 10, 2024 17:31:14 GMT -5
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