Case Prep

Why Case prep is essential for precision

For serious reloaders, brass machining is not an optional step but a necessity. Every time a case is fired, it undergoes subtle changes that affect future reloading performance. The brass  stretches, the case neck hardens due to work-hardening, and flash holes and primer pockets can become contaminated with combustion residue.

Carefully machining your cases between reloads makes for more consistent ammunition, which directly results in better shooting performance. In addition, it significantly extends the life of your cartridges, resulting in cost savings over time. Different shooting disciplines require different levels of cartridge preparation, but for any serious shooter, a basic set of cartridge preparation tools is a worthwhile investment.

Brass annealing for optimal consistency

Why annealing?

Annealing is the process by which the case neck is heated in a controlled manner and then cooled to restore its metallurgical properties. After repeated reloading, case necks become increasingly hard (work-hardening), which can lead to cracking and inconsistent neck tension. By annealing regularly, you restore the flexibility of the brass, allowing your cases to last longer and maintain more consistent neck tension.

Our premium annealing solutions

Derraco Engineering' s Ugly Annealer is an innovative, affordable solution for reloaders looking to start annealing. This smart device provides precise temperature control and consistent results without the complexity of more expensive systems. The Ugly Annealer + Solder Burner and gas cylinder bundle provides everything you need to start annealing right away.

For the most demanding reloaders, the Mark II DB Induction Annealer offers state-of-the-art technology for highly accurate and repeatable annealing. This programmed induction system eliminates guesswork and offers unparalleled control over the annealing process.

Accessories such as Bernzomatic' s UL2317 Solder Burner and Bernzomatic' s TX9 Propane Disposable Cylinder are a perfect addition to your annealing setup, while the Pilot for the AMP Annealer offers compatibility with different sizes of cases.

Brass trimming for perfect length

Importance of consistent trimming

When firing, a ferrule stretches, making it longer. cases that are too long can lead to increased chamber pressure and feeding problems. Regular trimming of casings to the correct length is therefore an essential step in the reloading process, especially for high-performance ammunition.

Our trimming solutions

Derraco's Ugly SRT Case Trimmer offers an innovative and efficient way to trim cartridges to size. This system is designed for speed and accuracy, with minimal setup time between different calibers. Additional collet Ugly SRT trimmers from Derraco are available for different case diameters.

To perfectly finish your trimmed shells, Derraco' s 22° Inner Chamfer Cutter SRT offers a high-quality solution for chamfering the inside of the sleeve neck, ensuring smooth projectile placement and reduced wear on your seating die.

Neck turning for ultimate precision

For the most demanding precision applications, neck turning is an essential step. By removing a thin layer of material from the outside of the case neck, you create a perfectly concentric case neck with uniform wall thickness. This results in more consistent neck tension and improved accuracy.

The Mini Neck Turning from Queen Reloading is a high-quality tool that allows for accurate and consistent neck turning. This precision instrument is designed for serious shooters striving for the highest level of accuracy, such as benchrest and long-range shooters.

All-in-one case preparation stations.

For efficient brass preparation, all-in-one stations offer a practical solution. Frankford' s case prep Processing Station Platinum combines multiple processing steps into one compact station, saving time and improving consistency. This station allows for flash hole cleaning, primer pocket machining, case chamfering and more, all from one device.

Frankford' s Sleeve Maintenance Kit provides a complete solution for basic maintenance of your sleeves, perfect for reloaders just starting out or looking for a portable solution. For added versatility, Frankford's Case prep expansion kit provides additional functionality to your existing setup.

Specialized case processing tools

Flash hole machining.

Uniform flash holes ensure consistent ignition of your powder charge, which directly affects the accuracy of your ammunition. The Professional Flashhole uniformer from K+M is a precision tool that makes flash holes perfectly uniform for optimal firing consistency. Lyman' s Flash hole cleaner offers a simple yet effective way to clean flash holes of production residue and combustion residue.

Case Neck Machining

The Case Neck Chamfer Tool from K&M precision is a high-quality tool for perfectly chamfering sleeve necks. This machining ensures smooth projectile placement and reduces wear on your seating that results in more consistent ammunition.

Primer pocket maintenance.

Clean and uniform primer pockets are essential for reliable firing and accuracy. The Primer Pocket Brush - RCBS Combo provides an effective solution for cleaning primer pockets, ensuring reliable primer placement and consistent firing characteristics.

Tips for effective Case prep 

For optimal results when machining your cartridges, follow these proven tips from experienced reloaders:

• Sort your cartridges by headstamp and number of reloading cycles for maximum consistency
• Perform case machining in organized batches to increase efficiency
• Regularly check your machining tools for wear and replace blades or parts as needed
• Use adequate lighting and possibly magnification for precision work
• Keep a log of machining cycles to maximize the life of your cores
• Clean your tools thoroughly after use to remove metal residue and lubricants

Take your reloading process to the next level with premium Case prep tools

At Hop.nl, we understand that the quality of your ammunition is directly dependent on the quality of your case preparation. That's why we offer only premium shellworking tools that meet the stringent requirements of serious shooters.

Whether you're a novice reloader looking to learn the basics of cartridge machining, or an experienced competition shooter aiming for sub-MOA precision - we have the tools you need to get the most out of your reloading process.

Browse our extensive range of shell machining tools and discover how the right equipment can help you produce more consistent, accurate ammunition that results in better shooting performance and greater satisfaction in your reloading activities.