Case trimmer? - The Firearms Forum

Gene Seward · 09-06-2008, 10:18 PM

I was wondering what kind of case trimmer most of you use. So far with my.223 there has not been a need for any. Most of those rounds are fired in the same gun and have been sized. My buddy, who I load for, has .308 and shoots an M1A and Savage bull barrelled bolt gun, and alot of his loads he has gotten from who knows where. I have already found about 4 from every 10 that need trimmed. As with most everyone price does matter, but I don't want to spend a small amount for a cheap one. If I have to I will shell it out with half coming from him to get a really good one. TIA as always.

LDBennett · 09-07-2008, 09:35 AM

Over the years I have trimmed a lot of cases for the 20 some rifle calibers I shoot. I have tried all sorts of trimmers over the years and all result in tedious work, at best. I tired the Lyman device that hold the case so that you can do it on a drill press---not consistent enough. I tried the hand turned mini-lathes-----takes too long to to do each one and it is tiring if you are doing several hundred cases, as I often do. The Lee pull string trimmer is a JOKE!

But what works for me is the RCBS motorized case trimmer and their case preparation station.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...398&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...099&t=11082005

That trimmer is fast, hands off, and trims every piece of brass to within 0.001 inches of each other. The case preparation station (also motorized) does the chamfering (inside and out) and cleans the case throat and primer pocket, all with minimum effort on my part. My system is that I unload the just trimmed case and install a new case to be trimmed. While the case is being trimmed I chamfer and clean the case previously trimmed. It goes fast that way.

I hate case trimming because it hurts my arthritic hands and is tedious but the RCBS tools minimise the time and effort for me. This setup is a bit expensive but to me well worth it. There are power drill turned mini-lathe devices by both RCBS and Lyman and maybe even Forrester and Hornady. But any powered device is well worth investigating. Midway (www.midwayusa.com) is a good source of all things reloading, as is Graf (www.grafs.com), and the Midway catalog is a good referrence manual as well.

As an aside, you are trimming after you size, aren't you? That's the correct way as the case grows in length with the resizing process.

LDBennett

mrkirker · 09-08-2008, 09:25 AM

Wilson.

Terry_P · 09-08-2008, 09:45 AM

Thanks LD there is one on my horizon as the manual primer pocket cleaning is painful after as few as 50 cases. I resorted to putting the RCBS tool in the chuck of my Dewalt drill. The case trimming is another great feature as I currently use an old RCBS hand turned lathe.

USMC-03 · 09-08-2008, 09:47 AM

L.E. Wilson. It requires a fair bit of hand work but is very accurate and easily changed for different calibers.

.308 shooter · 09-08-2008, 09:56 PM

I'm new to reloading and had a bunch of cases from various sources.... also for a .308. I purchased the RCBS Case trimmer (manual version) and returned it immediately.

I turned around and purchased the Redding model 2400 case trimmer and love it. It's manual, but it does a great job. At least as far as I know since I'm a beginner.

AngelDeville · 09-09-2008, 12:01 AM

I use drill mounted lee trimmers, and they work well, but I think adding the RCBS case prep station will be my next step, because using the camfering tool is a PITA.

and MAYBE someday I'll add the RCBS motorized trimmer, but that is a little pricey..

artabr · 09-09-2008, 04:34 AM

I use the setup shown below with a carbide cutter mounted in a cordless drill.
Its a Wilson trimer, in a Kinneman mount, with a Starrett micrometer.
I love it.
I have to form my own brass for one of the cartridges that I load. After forming the brass I have to trim about 1/4" of brass off the case neck. This setup makes short work of the task.

Art

Gene Seward · 09-09-2008, 01:23 PM

Thanks everyone. I just back from a camping trip, and just now reading the responses. I am like L.D. in that my hands don't work for extended periods of repeditive movements, and I think that the RCBS will be my next perchase. I knew I could count on you guys. Hope you have a great week.

USMC-03 · 09-09-2008, 02:01 PM

Art,

I have the same trimmer but yours is set up much better; I like it!

artabr · 09-09-2008, 05:50 PM

USMC, here's a better pic of the mount. The settup was a bit pricey but to me it was worth it. I had an RCBS and it would always cut my case necks on a bevel.

Trust me, that don't happen no more.

The carbide cutter and drill adapter are also worth there weight in gold.

Art

USMC-03 · 09-09-2008, 06:00 PM

Thanks for the picture, Art. Looks even quicker than I thought it was.

artabr · 09-09-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMC-03

Thanks for the picture, Art. Looks even quicker than I thought it was.

The thumb latch/clamp is real quick.
Sinciair International sold one that had a nob that you turned to lock your caseholder in place, but I think this one works much better.

Art

09-06-2008, 10:18 PM	#1
Gene Seward V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Batesville, Arkansas Posts: 477	Case trimmer? I was wondering what kind of case trimmer most of you use. So far with my.223 there has not been a need for any. Most of those rounds are fired in the same gun and have been sized. My buddy, who I load for, has .308 and shoots an M1A and Savage bull barrelled bolt gun, and alot of his loads he has gotten from who knows where. I have already found about 4 from every 10 that need trimmed. As with most everyone price does matter, but I don't want to spend a small amount for a cheap one. If I have to I will shell it out with half coming from him to get a really good one. TIA as always. -->

09-07-2008, 09:35 AM	#2
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,711	Re: Case trimmer? Over the years I have trimmed a lot of cases for the 20 some rifle calibers I shoot. I have tried all sorts of trimmers over the years and all result in tedious work, at best. I tired the Lyman device that hold the case so that you can do it on a drill press---not consistent enough. I tried the hand turned mini-lathes-----takes too long to to do each one and it is tiring if you are doing several hundred cases, as I often do. The Lee pull string trimmer is a JOKE! But what works for me is the RCBS motorized case trimmer and their case preparation station. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...398&t=11082005 http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...099&t=11082005 That trimmer is fast, hands off, and trims every piece of brass to within 0.001 inches of each other. The case preparation station (also motorized) does the chamfering (inside and out) and cleans the case throat and primer pocket, all with minimum effort on my part. My system is that I unload the just trimmed case and install a new case to be trimmed. While the case is being trimmed I chamfer and clean the case previously trimmed. It goes fast that way. I hate case trimming because it hurts my arthritic hands and is tedious but the RCBS tools minimise the time and effort for me. This setup is a bit expensive but to me well worth it. There are power drill turned mini-lathe devices by both RCBS and Lyman and maybe even Forrester and Hornady. But any powered device is well worth investigating. Midway (www.midwayusa.com) is a good source of all things reloading, as is Graf (www.grafs.com), and the Midway catalog is a good referrence manual as well. As an aside, you are trimming after you size, aren't you? That's the correct way as the case grows in length with the resizing process. LDBennett

09-08-2008, 09:25 AM	#3
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: Case trimmer? Wilson.

09-08-2008, 09:45 AM	#4
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: Case trimmer? Thanks LD there is one on my horizon as the manual primer pocket cleaning is painful after as few as 50 cases. I resorted to putting the RCBS tool in the chuck of my Dewalt drill. The case trimming is another great feature as I currently use an old RCBS hand turned lathe. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

09-08-2008, 09:47 AM	#5
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Re: Case trimmer? L.E. Wilson. It requires a fair bit of hand work but is very accurate and easily changed for different calibers. __________________ Let not the rifles of good and free men be reforged into plowshares, but may they rest in a place of honor; ready, well oiled and God willing unused. For if the price of peace becomes licking the boots of tyrants, then "To Arms!" I say, and may the fortunes of war smile upon patriots. - Fortes Fortuna Javat -

09-08-2008, 09:56 PM	#6
.308 shooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 100	Re: Case trimmer? I'm new to reloading and had a bunch of cases from various sources.... also for a .308. I purchased the RCBS Case trimmer (manual version) and returned it immediately. I turned around and purchased the Redding model 2400 case trimmer and love it. It's manual, but it does a great job. At least as far as I know since I'm a beginner.

09-09-2008, 12:01 AM	#7
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Case trimmer? I use drill mounted lee trimmers, and they work well, but I think adding the RCBS case prep station will be my next step, because using the camfering tool is a PITA. and MAYBE someday I'll add the RCBS motorized trimmer, but that is a little pricey.. __________________ Why don't guns go off "accidentally" when people aren't around?

09-09-2008, 04:34 AM	#8
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: Case trimmer? I use the setup shown below with a carbide cutter mounted in a cordless drill. Its a Wilson trimer, in a Kinneman mount, with a Starrett micrometer. I love it. I have to form my own brass for one of the cartridges that I load. After forming the brass I have to trim about 1/4" of brass off the case neck. This setup makes short work of the task. Art Attached Images __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!! Last edited by artabr; 09-09-2008 at 04:42 AM..

09-09-2008, 01:23 PM	#9
Gene Seward V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Batesville, Arkansas Posts: 477	Re: Case trimmer? Thanks everyone. I just back from a camping trip, and just now reading the responses. I am like L.D. in that my hands don't work for extended periods of repeditive movements, and I think that the RCBS will be my next perchase. I knew I could count on you guys. Hope you have a great week.

09-09-2008, 02:01 PM	#10
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Re: Case trimmer? Art, I have the same trimmer but yours is set up much better; I like it! __________________ Let not the rifles of good and free men be reforged into plowshares, but may they rest in a place of honor; ready, well oiled and God willing unused. For if the price of peace becomes licking the boots of tyrants, then "To Arms!" I say, and may the fortunes of war smile upon patriots. - Fortes Fortuna Javat -

09-09-2008, 05:50 PM	#11
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: Case trimmer? USMC, here's a better pic of the mount. The settup was a bit pricey but to me it was worth it. I had an RCBS and it would always cut my case necks on a bevel. Trust me, that don't happen no more. The carbide cutter and drill adapter are also worth there weight in gold. Art Attached Images __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!!

09-09-2008, 06:00 PM	#12
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Re: Case trimmer? Thanks for the picture, Art. Looks even quicker than I thought it was. __________________ Let not the rifles of good and free men be reforged into plowshares, but may they rest in a place of honor; ready, well oiled and God willing unused. For if the price of peace becomes licking the boots of tyrants, then "To Arms!" I say, and may the fortunes of war smile upon patriots. - Fortes Fortuna Javat -