What is the intended outcome of annealing brass cartridges?

The intended outcome of annealing brass cartridges is primarily to reduce brittleness. During the manufacturing and reloading processes, brass can become work-hardened, which means it becomes stiffer and more prone to cracking or splitting during subsequent use. Annealing involves heating the brass to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool slowly. This process softens the metal, relieving internal stresses and making it more ductile. As a result, the brass is less brittle and less likely to fail when fired or when subjected to the various stresses of reloading and handling.

While other options touch on different properties of brass, they do not directly relate to the primary benefit of annealing. For instance, increasing case length and enhancing powder retention pertain more to design and loading techniques rather than the effects of annealing. Improving brass hardness is contrary to the goal of annealing, as the aim is to soften the metal rather than harden it.