Annealing Cartridge Cases

Q: What is the best method of annealing cartridge case necks at home? I’d like a simple method that doesn’t require me to buy any special equipment.

Frank Gordon

A: The accepted method of annealing cartridge case necks is to stand the cases in water up nearly to the shoulder and then use a fast heat source, such as blow torch or gas torch, heating the cases to a cherry red before tipping them over to cool quickly.

My own method is to dip the cases in red hot molten lead down to the shoulder section and then immediately dump them into water so the heat doesn’t anneal the cases up to the solid head. Avoid any method where you will anneal cases all the way to the base.

Nick Harvey

+ posts

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.