Why anneal? Let us take a brief look.
Annealing brass is a critical process in reloading, and understanding its purpose is essential for any reloader. Let’s delve into the science behind it:
Materials Science of Cartridge Brass
- Cartridge brass (the material used for brass cases) is considered a ductile metal by engineers and materials scientists and like all materials, brass possesses mechanical properties such as strength and elasticity.
- Engineers measure these properties by subjecting small samples of the material to force and measuring their response.
Strength and Elasticity
- Imagine clamping a bar of brass into a large hydraulic testing machine (similar to a giant reloading press).
- As you pull on the sample, you measure how much the bar stretches and the force applied.
- Initially, the bar stretches linearly with the force (elastic deformation). If you stop pulling, it snaps back to its original size.
- Beyond a certain point (the yield point), the material no longer returns to its original shape. Plastic deformation occurs, leaving permanent changes.
- The force required to reach the plastic region determines the yield strength (usually expressed in pounds per square inch).
Why Anneal Brass?
- Brass cases undergo stress during firing, resizing, and repeated use and over time, the necks of brass cases can become brittle and split due to work hardening.
- Annealing is the solution: it softens the brass, making it more ductile and less prone to failure.
- By heating the brass to a specific temperature and then cooling it, you restore its malleability.
- Annealing prevents neck splits and extends the life of brass cases.
Misinformation and Safety
- There’s misinformation about annealing techniques, so it’s crucial to seek guidance from qualified individuals.
- Safety first: Annealing can be dangerous if not done correctly and remember, brass does not last forever, and annealing helps maintain its longevity.
In summary, annealing brass ensures consistent performance, prevents neck failures, and contributes to successful reloading. Seek expert advice and handle the process with care!
For more details, refer to the article on the science of cartridge brass annealing1.
