Annealing Made Perfect MARK II User manual

OPERATORS MANUAL
PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY
Copyright AMP Annealing Ltd 2018
105B Manukau Rd,
Pukekohe 2120,
Auckland, New Zealand
MARK II

2
CAUTION
• Read and understand this manual before operation.
• For use with brass ammunition cartridge cases only.
• Do not attempt to anneal loaded or primed cases. Injury and/or damage
could result.
• Annealed cartridges are hot! Exercise caution when removing them from the
shell holder.
• Do not place liquids on or near annealer. Spillage could cause a short circuit.
• Ensure correct program before starting. An incorrect case in too high a
program can melt the brass.
• Cases should never come out of the annealer glowing red. If one does, stop
annealing and check the head stamp of the case. It will be either the wrong
brand for the program setting, or alternatively, a dierent lot of number
from the samples tested for our Settings Page. If it is a dierent lot number,
samples should be sent to us for correct calibration.
• Do not obstruct air vents. These are vital for cooling.
• Use in a well ventilated room. Any residues on the neck and shoulder of the
brass will be burnt o.
• No user serviceable parts inside. Do not attempt to open the annealer.
It uses very high voltages and currents. Warranty will be voided if tampered
with.
GENERAL WARNING
Reloading should be performed only by trained adults.
It is always recommended that eye and ear protection be utilised when reloading
and shooting. Check cases before reloading. Discard split or damaged cases.
Since reloading is beyond our control, we disclaim all liability for any damage
that may result from reloading or the use of this product.

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CAUTION & WARNING .........................................................................................2
WELCOME................................................................................................................4
USING THE INTERFACE .......................................................................................5
SELECTING THE PILOT.........................................................................................6
SHELL HOLDER GRIP............................................................................................ 7
USING THE MACHINE...........................................................................................8
OPERATING MODES ........................................................................................... 10
AZTEC ..................................................................................................................... 10
» BASIC OPERATION AND SELECTING A FUNCTION ........................ 10
» ANALYSE MODE ......................................................................................... 10
» SELECTING THE SACRIFICIAL CASE.................................................... 12
» ADVANCED FUNCTIONS..........................................................................13
STANDARD .............................................................................................................13
MY CARTRIDGE IS NOT LISTED?......................................................................13
WHEN TO ANNEAL?.............................................................................................14
TAKE NOTE............................................................................................................ 15
TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................... 16
CARE AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................17
» STAINLESS STEEL MEDIA TUMBLING!!.................................................17
FCC REGULATION ............................................................................................... 18
AZTEC LOG BOOK.......................................................................................19  24
CONTENTS

4
Congratulations on your purchase of an ANNEALING MADE PERFECT annealing
system. We are confident you will have as many hours of satisfaction using this
machine as we have had creating it. ANNEALING MADE PERFECT has been
designed from the ground up as a system which eliminates human error and the
need for re-calibration between cartridges, giving you the confidence of accurate,
repeatable results every time.
The Annealing Made Perfect annealer is ready to use right out of the box with
no assembly required. NOTE: When installing the four feet, do not over-tighten.
finger-tight is sucient.
No tools are necessary for operation except for cartridge specific shell holders
(not provided) to insert the cartridges into the machine. When using the annealer
ensure it is on a level surface free from dust or debris, preferably in a cool, dry
and well ventilated room. Do not use in direct hot sunlight.
Use only the power cable supplied with the unit. Plug it into the power socket on
the rear of the annealer and turn on using the red switch on power cable socket.
Also supplied is a USB cable. When future software updates are available, this
can be plugged into the port on the left hand side of the annealer to connect with
a computer.
The annealer has preloaded programs for each cartridge and care must be taken
to ensure the correct program is used to prevent damage to cartridges and or
property. The annealer is designed for BRASS CARTRIDGES ONLY.
Nickel plated brass cases are fine.
All program/pilot combinations can be found on our website:
www.ampannealing.com/settings
WELCOME

5
After turning the Annealer on the MODE SELECT screen will be shown.
To navigate through selections use the blue + and – buttons to cycle through the
options and the START button to enter a mode.
USING THE INTERFACE
At any time you can go back by pressing and holding down the – button and then
pressing the START button. Once you have selected your desired mode the +
and – buttons allow you to cycle through AZTEC or AMP MATE modes and cycle
through programs in the STANDARD mode.
Holding down either button will quickly scroll through STANDARD mode programs
in the desired direction. Mark II owners should always use AZTEC mode.
When pressing START and annealing a case for the first time on a new setting
the program lock will activate Program lock, preventing the setting from changing
during the annealing session. A * will appear on the screen. Pressing and holding
the + button until the * goes away will remove the lock.

6
When selecting the correct pilot to use for any cartridge, refer to the ‘Settings and
Pilots” page on the website, where the correct pilots for all cartridges are listed.
Some pilots can be used for multiple cartridges. Insert the correct aluminium pilot
into the boss on the machine until it has bottomed out. Do not over tighten. Take
care to avoid cross threading the pilot when inserting as damage to the boss plate
female thread may result.
SELECTING THE PILOT

7
SHELL HOLDER GRIP
Your cartridge specific shell holder is used to insert the cartridges into the
machine. A custom brass grip for standard shell holders is provided with each
annealer. This attaches to the shell holder to make it more comfortable to use.
Insert the shell holder lug end into the grip and tighten the collet. The 50 BMG
pilot grip is threaded and insulated to prevent heating. It is sold separately.
Shell holders not supplied. All common brands of standard shell holders as
used in reloading presses will fit into the brass grip. We get the best results with
Redding EZ feed, in particular if using the AMP MATE auto feeder.

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With the correct pilot fitted, and the correct AZTEC RUN code loaded in the
machine annealing can now commence. Place a cartridge into the shell holder/
grip combination and insert the cartridge into the pilot. Make sure the face of the
shell holder is mated square to the face of the pilot.
USING THE MACHINE
Press the start button to anneal. The button will illuminate red during
heating and will turn o when finished.

9
Placing the thumb over the gap in the shell holder during insertion
and removal prevents the case falling out during use.
Take care to remove the cases from the annealer vertically.
We have found that most cases will simply fall out of the shell holder and into the
cooling tray with gravity, however some cases tend to stick more. We therefore
recommend removing the cases from the shell holder by using the edge of your
cooling tray to push the cartridge out of the shell holder as shown. Redding E-Z
Feed shell holders give the smoothest results.
Always remove each annealed case from the shell holder promptly. The longer
a hot case is left in the shell holder the more heat can migrate to the brass grip.
With normal cycling the shell holder grip should remain comfortable to use
for hundreds of cases. Note: the 50-Cal. brass shell holder grip is insulated to
prevent undue heat migration from the annealed cases.
Take care not to touch the steel shell holder itself. That will get reasonably hot
after 30 or 40 cases.
For best results let annealed cases cool down without assistance. Quenching in
water is not necessary.
CASES WILL BE HOT. Take care when handling annealed cases.
Once the annealing cycle has ended, remove the case promptly from
the machine and into your chosen heat proof tray.

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OPERATING MODES
AZTEC:
AZTEC is self-prompting and very simple to use with minimal technical expertise.
The start-up display will show:
MODE SELECT
< AZTEC >
For all selections the cursor is controlled by the ( - ) and ( + ) buttons. To select the
desired mode (AZTEC, AMP MATE SETUP or STANDARD), move the cursor so that
the desired mode is pulsing then press (START).
To go back a screen or to exit a mode press and hold the ( - ) Button and then
press (START)
Selecting STANDARD will activate the original software with the original programs.
Selecting AMP MATE SETUP will allow you to adjust parameters within the AMP
MATE if you have one connected.
If you have selected AZTEC, firstly “Patent Pending” will show, and then the
following options: ANALYSE, and RUN. Use the +/- buttons to scroll to your choice,
then press Start to select.
ANALYSE MODE
Select Analyse mode from the AZTEC menu.
The display will show “SELECT PILOT”, with three zeros and the sux ‘A’ by default.
Insert the correct pilot into the annealer.
CHECK THE AZTEC SETTINGS PAGE FOR WHICH PILOT & ANALYSE CODE TO
USE FOR YOUR CASE!
Note: The actual pilots remain the same as for our standard programs. Those same
pilots have been assigned a three-digit AZTEC Analyse code with a single letter
sux. This code instructs the annealer as to which cartridge it is analysing. Some of
our pilots have a B prefix engraved on the top such as B29 for 300 Win Mag. Please
ignore that B. It just stands for “belted” and has no relevance to the AZTEC codes.
BASIC OPERATION AND SELECTING A FUNCTION

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To enter the Analyse code, use the ( - ) and ( + ) buttons to change the value and
the (START) button to enter it.
If at any time you make an incorrect entry, just hold down – and then press Start
at the same time. This will take you back to the main menu. Start again.
For example, Pilot #11 should be entered as: 011 (Letter)
Once the correct Analyse code is entered, the display will show “ANALYSE” this
means it is ready to go. Insert your sacrificial case into the annealer and press
(START). The annealer will start heating the case. You will hear the annealer
running and then stop.
Do not remove the case until the red Start light goes out.
Take care when removing the case from the annealer as it will be VERY hot.
Make sure you have a suitable heat proof tray to deposit it in. It is also useful to
have a pair of pliers handy. The case will have heated right up to melting point.
Depending on the case shape, occasionally they can stick a little in the pilot.
Note: ANALYSE mode will not harm your annealer. Make sure to remove the case
after the red light goes out and eject it from the shell holder. Otherwise heat will
transfer to the brass shell holder grip, which may become uncomfortably hot.
Once the red Start light goes out the display will show a four-digit Code number,
and “USE” will be pulsing. WRITE THIS NUMBER DOWN IN THE LOG BOOK AT
THE BACK OF THIS MANUAL.
Note: the annealing code generated is specific to the brand, lot number and
neck wall dimensions of the sacrificial case. If you wish to anneal a dierent
brand or lot number of the same cartridge, you must analyse another case for
that batch i.e. Lapua 308W will be dierent from Remington 308W.
The annealing RUN code will not be stored to memory in the annealer. If you wish
to carry straight on with annealing a batch of cases, select “USE”. Now “RUN” will
be displayed with the code. Beside the code will be a 0and the * program lock.
See “Advanced functions” for an explanation.
Insert the first case and press Start to activate “RUN”, and your first case will be
annealed. This display will remain for the annealing session. Anneal each case by
pressing Start.
If you are starting a new annealing session and already know the code for
your cases, there is no need to sacrifice another case. Just select RUN from
the starting menu. Then insert the correct pilot, enter your RUN code and start
annealing.

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SELECTING THE SACRIFICIAL CASE
It is important that the sacrificial case is representative of the cases you are going
to anneal. The two most significant factors are neck wall thickness and case
weight. If cases have been accurately neck turned that makes the task simple.
If not, use a ball micrometer to check neck wall thicknesses. We suggest
checking say ten cases and selecting an average representative.
There is some debate about the merits of sorting cases by weight for competition
shooting. We can’t comment on the benefits or otherwise on downrange
accuracy, but we have found that case weight aects the correct annealing
setting more often than not. We always sort customer samples for case weight
as part of our laboratory procedure when calibrating standard program settings.
You don’t need the most sophisticated scales for this task. We use a simple digital
scale accurate to 0.1 gr. We are not looking for tiny variations. We treat anything
over 0.5 gr. as potentially significant. Two grains or more will frequently aect the
annealing outcome. For hunting cases the dierence is inconsequential.
For competition, every bit matters.
Provided the brass is generally of good quality, there will be minimal variation
in annealing across a whole batch if the best median case is selected as the
sacrifice. With match quality turned and sorted brass there should be virtually no
annealed variation.
The sacrificial case should be fire formed and unsized. That is when cases should
be annealed in the reloading cycle. There can be minor but significant dierences
in the code which AZTEC will allocate between sized and unsized cases.
We have found no dierence in the code allocation using clean or dirty cases.
We have also found that trim to length dimensions (within reason) have no eect
on the code allocation.

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With AZTEC mode, the only time you would need to send samples to us is if the
cartridge or Wildcat is completely new to our system. Then we need samples to
set the correct AZTEC pilot code for that cartridge. Once that has been done,
AZTEC will handle all variations of that cartridge, such as dierent brands or neck
wall thickness. Contact us by email for instructions.
MY CARTRIDGE IS NOT LISTED?
STANDARD:
The Standard mode option has been retained in the Mark ll annealer.
However, users should always use AZTEC, as it will give the most accurate setting
for any particular cartridge/brand/lot # and neck wall thickness.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
As mentioned in “Analysis mode”, after a sacrificial case is analysed and USE is
entered, the display will show RUN with a 0and the * program lock to the right.
The 0gives the user that ability to customise their annealing even further.
To access the 0, firstly the * program lock must be opened. Just hold down the
+ button for two seconds and the * will disappear. Now the +/- buttons can be
used to select up to six incremental adjustments up or down. + = more power
= softer. These adjustments have been calibrated to give the same annealed
hardness (HV) increments regardless of the cartridge. This means that the HV
value per step is the same for say a 22 Hornet or a 338 Lapua Magnum. Each
step represents approx. 2.5 HV, so that four steps will give approx. 10 HV up or
down.
We always recommend that the ANALYSE generated code is used, because in
our opinion it gives the optimal neck and shoulder annealed hardness. We do
understand however that many reloaders will appreciate the ability to experiment.

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WHEN TO ANNEAL?
What is the correct sequence - anneal/resize or resize/anneal?
Always anneal fire formed cases before sizing.
Our settings target an annealed neck hardness consistent with virgin brass,
(some cartridges are a little higher or lower). Because the process anneals both
the neck and shoulder, die conformity will be correct when resizing.
Note: we have found that the target annealed hardness is reached reliably
regardless of the starting hardness i.e. it doesn’t matter if it starts at 20% harder
or even 70% harder, it will still come back to the same hardness.
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 aect
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.
There is a wealth of information available on our website. Go to the “Research”
tab, then “Our Research”.

15
TAKE NOTE
Cosmetics: The appearance of dierent cases will vary after annealing.
Some cases will show distinct annealing discoloration at the neck and shoulder,
while other cases will show virtually no signs of being annealed. This is not
limited to any particular brands. Do not mistake appearance for successful
annealing. Some cases which appear heavily discoloured may not actually be
fully annealed. Our settings are reached by extensive and accurate testing of
the annealed hardness.
Thermal protection: In common with any induction heater, with extended use,
the output inductor will gradually heat up. Multiple fans are installed in our
annealer to keep the circuitry and inductor cool. After 40 - 50 cases have been
annealed, the top of the unit behind the pilot will start to feel warm to the touch.
This is normal.
In the rare event that the output inductor should reach 190F/90C (inside the
annealer), a thermal cut out will activate to protect the unit. If that occurs, leave
the annealer turned on so the fans continue cooling. It will automatically reset
after 30 minutes, once cooling is complete.
The ability of the annealer to run for the extended time depends partly on the
ambient room temperature. Avoid using in direct hot sunlight or high temperature
conditions. A room temperature of 70°F/20°F or below ideal.
Our Mark ll annealer should run virtually indefinitely on programs 1 – 126 or
AZTEC codes in the 0000 series (codes starting with a zero). When starting an
annealing session, the fans run at 55% power. This is to minimise fan noise. An
internal temperature monitor triggers full fan power if required. This trigger point
depends on the ambient temperature and program level being used. For high
power applications, full fan power usually starts after 50 – 150 annealing cycles.
For Standard programs less than 50, or for cartridges using a comparable AZTEC
code, the fans should remain on 55% power continuously.
Standard programs 127 – 200, and AZTEC codes in the 1000, 2000 and 4000
series are designed for very heavy duty annealing for cases in the WSSM family
and 50 BMG. They will cycle continuously for 100 annealing cycles before
automatically entering a “cool down” phase. This lasts for only 10 minutes, and
then resets to allow another 100 annealing cycles.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
For full support in any areas regarding how to use and maintain this machine and for
any problems, questions and feedback please do not hesitate in contacting support.
Contact us - There are NO user serviceable parts within the machine.
Do NOT attempt to remove ANY screws.
Dropped Cases: If a cartridge falls out of the shell holder and into the machine, simply
turn o the power at the back of the machine, remove the pilot and retrieve the
cartridge. If already annealed, it will be HOT. For extremely short cartridges, a pair of
long nosed pliers can be used to retrieve them. Dropping a hot case will not damage
the annealer. Note: our Mark ll annealers feature a ceramic insert at the bottom of the
inductor. No damage at all will result from dropping a hot case.
Machine won’t turn on: Check that the power cable is firmly pushed into the power
socket and check the fuse located in the power socket for serviceability. Take care
to replace the fuse with the correct type (10A, 240V AC, 5mm x 20mm, F (speed),
Ceramic) if needed. If the fuse is serviceable and the machine still won’t turn on
contact support.
Faster than normal cut out: If the machine begins to reach thermal cut out faster than
normal, check the air intake filter is clean and not obstructed as this can prevent air
from cooling the inductor. The filter is located on the right side of the machine and
can be removed/replaced by using a flat head screwdriver to lift the plastic cover o
the outer housing by inserting it into the slots and levering outward. When not in use,
we suggest placing the provided dust cover over the machine.
Cartridge over heated: Except for sacrificial cases in AZTEC mode, cases should
never come out of the annealer glowing red. If one does, stop annealing and check
the head stamp of the case. It will be either the wrong brand for the program setting,
or alternatively, a dierent lot number from the samples tested for our Standard
Settings Page. If it is a dierent lot number, samples should be analysed in AZTEC
mode.
Pay particular attention to the neck wall thickness of the cartridge as this greatly
eects the end result. If you are unsure of which program to use for a given cartridge
contact support.
Machine operates but no heat: Ensure you have the correct program and pilot
installed for the cartridge being annealed. If the above is correct and there is still no
heat clean the inside of the inductor well. See below in Care and Maintenance.
If the display screen shows FREQ DET ERROR then the inductor well should definitely
be cleaned. Never use steel wool to clean cases. If any ferrous material such as steel
wool fragments accumulate, it will adversely aect the magnetics of the inductor.

17
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
From time to time, debris can accumulate in the inductor air gap well. This can be
removed by using a moistened Q tip or similar. A short spray of isopropyl alcohol
down the inductor well before cleaning is helpful. Ensure the annealer is cool and
unplugged before cleaning.
STAINLESS STEEL MEDIA TUMBLING!!
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. The MARK II annealer incorporates a ceramic insert which
protects the inductor from SS media contamination as well as dropped cases
which are hot.
The dome head machine screws used on the top and back of the annealer are
blued mild steel. In damp environments, these can rust. We suggest wiping with a
little gun oil periodically. The rivet heads are fine.
After use, we suggest leaving the annealer to run for five minutes before
turning o. This will allow the fans to cool the annealer down and expel any
condensation.
We also recommend to clean the fan filters regularly to prevent build up of dust
which can reduce the fans eectiveness. The covers are held on by clips and can
be removed with a flat screw driver.
After cool down, place the supplied dust cover over the annealer.
No annealing marks on cartridge: Please refer to the TAKE NOTE section in the
previous section in the manual regarding cosmetics of annealed cartridges.
Cartridges dicult to remove from shell holder: Refer to the previous section of the
manual titled TAKE NOTE it is recommended to wipe the cartridge against the lip of
the cooling tray to remove cartridges instead of using fingers as cartridges will be
hot.

18
FCC REGULATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules and as a consumer ISM device
pursuant to part 18 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
If this equipment does harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Using this equipment in accordance with the user’s guide will ensure safe,
reliable and long lasting performance.
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by
equipment manufacturer will void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

19
Cartridge Brand Lot # Case prep notes AZTEC Run code
AZTEC LOG BOOK

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AZTEC LOG BOOK
Cartridge Brand Lot # Case prep notes AZTEC Run code