Frequently Asked Questions

No. Every time a cartridge is inserted into the annealer and the start button is pressed, the software preforms a diagnostic. This only takes milliseconds, however it automatically corrects for variables, in particular rising machine temperature. This ensures that as the machine heats up with use, annealing is consistent throughout the entire batch of brass. The last case neck will be exactly the same annealed hardness as the first.

For any given cartridge, our original STANDARD program progression is linear. If, for example we list Program 90 for a neck wall of 0.014", and Program 86 for 0.013", then Program 88 will be correct for 0.0135". Note: AZTEC software automatically adjusts for neck wall thickness. We always recommend AZTEC mode for users.

Annealing should always be done before resizing. This eliminates spring back, and ensures repeatable and accurate shoulder bumping and neck sizing. Annealing should be done every reload.

We find that the best results are obtained with this sequence:

• De-prime - (optional depending on your cleaning sequence)
• Clean - tumble or ultrasonic etc. – again optional. Cleaning won’t affect annealing
• Anneal
• Lube - this is vital even with nitrided dies. (Imperial wax or spray such as Hornady One Shot) – note: Dry media graphite tends not to adhere well to annealed cases. We do not recommend its use.
• Resize - after annealing, THE SIZING DIE MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED for both shoulder bump and neck OD to account for zero spring back. See FAQ 3, 5 and 6. De-priming can be done as part of the resizing process.

For more detail, see our Annealing under the microscope articles.

Many of our customers use this cleaning technique, so we have run some detailed testing on this subject.

The short answer is no, stainless steel tumbling has no effect. For more detail seehttps://www.ampannealing.com/articles/40/annealing-under-the-microscope/

 

Note: If you are using stainless steel media for case tumbling, you must be certain to remove all media from cases before annealing. If any media dislodges inside the annealer inductor well, it will be heated to a very high temperature during the annealing cycle. This will melt the bottom of poly carbonate inductor cradle and ruin the inductor. This will void the warranty.

If you are full length resizing or shoulder bumping you should check your die adjustment. After annealing with AMP you will have zero spring back, and you may need to back your die out a fraction from what you have been using when resizing unannealed brass. If you anneal each reload as we recommend, you will get extremely repeatable and consistent sizing. For the same reason, if you are using a bushing die you may need to check the sized neck diameter. Zero spring back can mean that less sizing is necessary.

Yes, you can treat nickel plated cases just like regular brass, both when sacrificing in AZTEC and when annealing.

Yes. Because AMP anneals the necks to 100Hv, the necks will tend to gall without lube. This will make sizing effort seem greater than usual. With lube the softer necks will be easier to size. Do not use dry media graphite lube.

Yes. There are wide variations between brands. We establish the correct settings by micro Vickers hardness testing. Turned brass also requires less power, and we therefore list turned settings where appropriate.AZTEC will automatically adjust for these variations. Any variations should be checked in "Analyse" mode to establish the correct annealing setting.

All brands we have tested can have some lot to lot variation. When starting with a new lot, we recommend using AZTEC "Analyse" mode to confirm the correct setting. See:

https://www.ampannealing.com/articles/46/annealing-under-the-microscope/

 

AMP is designed to run anywhere in the world. It operates anywhere between 85V – 265V.

Our target annealed hardness for all brass is 100 Hv. Provided the necks are harder than this to start with, that is what our programs are calibrated to deliver. If the same case is then re-annealed after cooling down, the neck hardness will drop slightly by approx. 4 Hv. The brass will still be fine, and when shot and resized it will come back to regular hardness. For absolute consistency we wouldn't recommend including that case in your match ammo, but it will be fine next time around. If the same brass is re-annealed when still hot, it will probably be ruined.

No. We used live video thermal imaging as part of our initial laboratory research.

Now, all our programs and settings are established from repeated micro-Vickers hardness tests on each case. This gives real, verified accuracy.

A number of manufacturers polish the annealing marks off the brass, purely for cosmetic reasons. In the past, customers related annealing marks to cheap ex-military brass. That is no longer the case, and annealing marks are now somewhat "fashionable”.

AMP has gained full certification for both Electrical Safety and electro-magnetic emissions compliance to all international standards.

The unit is rated for 750 Watts, but the maximum power setting used in any of our programs is 600 Watts. This is less than a small microwave oven.

The biggest reason for necks splitting is excessive hardness. Because correct annealing keeps case necks at the optimum hardness, they will last much longer with normal resizing and shooting.

There are several factors which affect the force necessary to seat bullets. One of the main ones is neck hardness, and AMP will give much greater consistency in that regard.

Yes and no. Old fashioned erratic annealing with uncontrolled, variable temperatures (and therefore variable finished hardnesses) may give minimal improvement. The main benefit of AMP is to give correct and repeatable neck hardness, and that will definitely improve velocity consistency. This will only make a small difference at close ranges, but once you get out towards 600 – 1000 yards, it will definitely help reduce vertical stringing.