robocop10mm
Active Member
Tempering is the process of heating and controlled cooling of certain metals and glass. Tempering of steels hardens the metal by altering its structure and the characteristics of some of the alloying materials.
Brass cannot be tempered. It can be "work hardened". When brass is heated to cherry red (some say that is too hot) it returns it to its original ductile state (makes it softer and more springy). Even though you normally quench annealed brass in water, it does not temper like steel. The quenching is done to prevent the heat from migrating to the case head and thus softening that critical area and to ease in handling.
I anneal all rifle cases except .223/5.56 as I have plenty and have ready access to plenty more. With annealing I am able to neck up .243 brass to .308, .25-06, .270, .280 get necked up to .30-06 or even 8mm (8mm must be trimmed abt. 6mm to make Mauser brass. I get no split necks at all.
Brass cannot be tempered. It can be "work hardened". When brass is heated to cherry red (some say that is too hot) it returns it to its original ductile state (makes it softer and more springy). Even though you normally quench annealed brass in water, it does not temper like steel. The quenching is done to prevent the heat from migrating to the case head and thus softening that critical area and to ease in handling.
I anneal all rifle cases except .223/5.56 as I have plenty and have ready access to plenty more. With annealing I am able to neck up .243 brass to .308, .25-06, .270, .280 get necked up to .30-06 or even 8mm (8mm must be trimmed abt. 6mm to make Mauser brass. I get no split necks at all.
