Case Trimmer

[Mrsailfish]

I am new to reloading and was wondering if a case trimmer was neccessary to have ?
Thanks IN advance

Mr Sailfish

[dickshuford]

If you are going to do much reloading you will definitely need a trimmer. Be sure to check case length everytime

[army mp]

If you are going to load only straight wall handgun, not so much, as long as you stay with mid-range loads. There are guys on here that never trim handgun. Bottleneck and Rifle cases are a whole different animal. They should be checked every time after sizing. Lee makes a trimmer I hear guy say is good for the money, I use an RCBS case trimmer.

[Bindernut]

Yup, some sort of trimming setup will be needed. If you're reloading straight-sided cases like most pistol cartridges, you'll probably find that they need trimming less frequently than bottleneck rifle cartridges.

It's a good practice to check the length with each loading and trim them when the length reaches the max length listed in your reloading manual. A general rule of thumb is that the trim-to length will be 0.010" shorter than the max length, but if your manual says otherwise then heed that measurement.

If you're just reloading a few different cartridges, you might want to check out the Lee handheld case trimmer system. This uses a cutter with interchangable "pilots" for each specific cartridge and a shellholder system that you can either use by hand or by chucking it into a drill or electric screwdriver. It's a fairly cheap way to get set up to trim one, two, three calibers.
http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/casecon.html
But if you're thinking that you'll wind up reloading for many different cartridges, then you might want to check into one of those lathe-style case trimmers.
Both systems work just fine. My preference is for the Lee trimmers but I use a Hornady lathe-type trimmer too.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=315831
http://www.cabelas.com/hprod-1/0002961.shtml

Just don't bother with that Lee Zip-Trim trimmer system that has a pullcord to spin the cases. I haven't heard of anyone that has tried it actually liking it. But I suppose there must be some folks buying it otherwise it probably would've been discontinued by now.

[BobMcG]

If not right from the start, absolutely soon there after.

[Oneida Steve]

+1 to army mp. I have reloaded for 30+ years. I have never trimmed handgun brass. I've never found the need.

I always trim rifle calibers (even straight wall .45/70's) after a few shots. Rifle calibers won't chamber if you don't trim every few reloadings.

[woolleyworm]

A cheap but effective trimmer is the Lee Zip Trim, i've heard of a few people having issues with them, but I can tell you that its most likely operator error. They do a fantastic job and really leave a nicely trimmed and chamfered case with the 3 way die. Easy on the budget and very effective.

[techoca]

Absolutely agree with Woolleyworm-the Lee Zip trim works great and saves time. I use mine with the 3 jaw chuck. I would easily spend that money again. I trim 300 to 500 .45 ACP at one time.

[army mp]

you will also need a Deburrint tool.