So many times essential, common procedures enter into gun folklore as "best left to an expert", or "dangerous, be careful", when they aren't (for the careful, thoughtful reloader).
Annealing is another one of those reloading steps that can easily be done by a home hobbyist with very inexpensive tools. What you see below (thanks for the idea Kombayotch!) is constructed by inexpensive, readily available hardware store plumbing components, a variable speed drill, a propane torch and a dark room. Be consistent with the flame (intensity and location), watch for the first apearance of colour (I count to 5), and drop - then repeat X50, etc. You don't need a professional machine - although they are nice.
This setup acts as a heat sink and protects the base from the flame. There's no need to drop into water - that just adds unnecessary work. Using this method, you can pick up the dropped brass by their bases and not burn your fingers - the base will get very warm, but not near hot enough to soften the brass.
Annealing is another one of those reloading steps that can easily be done by a home hobbyist with very inexpensive tools. What you see below (thanks for the idea Kombayotch!) is constructed by inexpensive, readily available hardware store plumbing components, a variable speed drill, a propane torch and a dark room. Be consistent with the flame (intensity and location), watch for the first apearance of colour (I count to 5), and drop - then repeat X50, etc. You don't need a professional machine - although they are nice.
This setup acts as a heat sink and protects the base from the flame. There's no need to drop into water - that just adds unnecessary work. Using this method, you can pick up the dropped brass by their bases and not burn your fingers - the base will get very warm, but not near hot enough to soften the brass.
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