Annealing

[Playapat]

+1 on Freds comments about color blindness. I assume that just seeing a color change will do the trick.

My question is about when to anneal, after how many firings? I just got my Krag last week, and she loves the Remington Core Lokt ammo. But Ill be reloading for it starting this weekend. I tend to load all my rifles down, and Im especially conscious of this with the Krag, so Im curious about how many loadingsbefore annealing isrecommended.

Thanks in advance for your help. Ive already learned a lot just from reading various posts.

[Parashooter]

. . .My question is about when to anneal, after how many firings? . . .

Depends on chamber/die dimensions and internal finish, case alloy/thickness, sizing method, lube, prior anneal, phase of moon, etc. There's no set answer that covers all the variables.

If we keep cases in batches loaded about the same number of times, it's easiest to just anneal a whole batch when the first neck crack appears. Lose a few cases, save a heap of unnecessary labor.

[Playapat]

Thank you for the prompt reply. Ill keep a close eye on the cases.

[RichWIS]

I anneal with a propane torch and an electric drill. Get a set of the adapters that go in the drill and are sized to take sockets. You'll need a 9/16 socket (deep well works better) to fit the Krag rim. Fire up your torch and adjust the blue inner flame to about 1- 1/12 inches and secure it so it doesn't fall over and roll away. Put the socket in the adapter and chuck it into your drill. Put the case in the socket and while spinning the drill at low speed hold it into the flame so the flame is parallel to the shoulder and point toward the neck. I have found a slow 8 count works well for me, but it will vary a bit with flame adjustment, watch for a color change (found somewhat dim light is best). After spinning drop the case into something that will not melt (old cookie tin works great). There is no need to quench as annealing stops when the flame is removed. I usually anneal after five or six reloadings and only neck size and my loads are mild. Have cases with 14 or 15 loadings that are still going strong, although sooner or later the neck splits as nothing lasts forever.