I am considering purchasing a Case Trimmer and any info on Make? model? and what to look for would be appreciated?

Chris

Forester

Only one I have ever used is a Forster. had it for 25 years - no problems. It would be nice to try an electric powered one tho.

I have a Redding. Unlike most trimmers, it turns the case against a non-moving blade. Supposedly this makes more square cases.

I am very satisfied with it.

MM

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?bool=AND&maxhits=20&cartid=a-7002&category=All&keywords_1=rel63oading&keywords=redding+trimmer&go=Find+It%21

Among highpower shooters, the Gracey's were all the rage a couple years ago. Being something of a caveman, I never bought one and continue to use my trim/file dies.

I understand the Dillon rig that sits on top of your resize die is quite the huckleberry, but like I said, no electrical outlets in the cave.

Redial

I've been using the Forster since around 1968...and have no complaints at all.

I have also used a Forester for years, and have been quite happy with it except for one exception. It is not as consistent as necessary sometimes when you need a uniform length for crimping. I think it is due to the collet that hold the case head. When I really want accuracy, I use the Lee hand case trimmer. That is really caveman technology, and is not very fast, but it works. My Marlin 1895 in .45-70 was accurate, but threw occasional fliers. The Lee trimmer seemed to solve that by cutting the cases to a uniform length so the crimps were consistent. I get groups as small as .9 for 5 shots at 100 meters now.

Actually the brand isn't as important as how much you plan to trim. If all you will be doing is light trimming of relatively few cases...go with a hand powered trimmer. Forrester is fine.

If you will be trimming a LOT of brass and trimming it significantly...NEVER consider anything but a file trim die.

Wilson/Sinclair. The Best.

RCBS. I get wrist pains trying to be sure the case head is flat in the bottom of the collet on my Forster, and then I still don't trust it. The RCBS holds the case head against a fixed plate that is the same distance from the cutter head every time.

H. C.

Wilson/Sinclair, squares case mouth off of the body of the bullet. If concentricity is what you are after then this is it.

After reading additional posts about the hand powered Forrester trimmer as opposed to other brands, I'm going to withdraw my support for the Forrester. I agree you'll get wrist pains with very much trimming...and it may grind a good bit off your fingers turning the crank as well. Plus I admit the Forrester's hold and alignment of the case to the cutter heads is not that great.

I've never tried the Sinclair, but am willing to trust the other shooters who will vouch for it.

Well the Redding, RCBS, and Forster are very good. Don't like the file trim die. Don't really think they are really worth a damn. I have one for the 50 BMG and would like to throw it out the door. Have used a Dillon. Very nice. I trimmed 2000 cases in less than 3 hours. Loved it. Just had to make the trim die for a 6-284 to use it since dillon only makes standard trim dies.

[/QUOTE]Agreed.

Have you tried their new tungsten carbide cutter?

Slicker than William Jefferson....!

~Holmes[/QB][/QUOTE]

I only purchased mine a few months ago. It came with the tungsten carbide cutter.

As you say, very smooth cutting. MM

Don't understand the problems mentioned with Forster. I have it, a Wilson, and several trim dies and prefer the Forster for ease of use and consistency. Occasional cleaning of the collet to remove debris takes care of consistency for length. For large numbers of cases to trim, replace the handle with a nut then use an electric screw driver or cordless drill. You can go through hundreds of cases rapidly and accurately.

IF YOUR NOT LOOKING TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY THE BEST BET IS THE LEE HAND TRIMMER,I USE ONE ONCE IN A WHILE CHUCKED UP IN A CORDLESS DRILL AND IT DOES THE JOB,THE ONLY DRAW BACK IS THAT YOU CANT CHANGE THE LENTH BUT THEY ARE WITHIN FACTORY SPECS

I'm with snowmaker--I have the rcbs elec machine and it's great but, for occasional (up to 20 or 40 rounds) I reach for the lee tool--it's cheap and ez. Also you can change the depth of the lee--just grind a few thousands off the centering pin.

Better yet--get the tool from sinclair that measures the chamber in your gun (about $5.00 ea)
You may not need trimming near as often as you think!!

I might be the only one here that supports the Lee products . But my vote goes for the Lee case length guage if simply trimming the brass to correct length . This can be powered by hand or by any drill. I have trimmed thousands of cases , and it is still as sharp as the day I bought it. The only drawback is that you need one for every calibre .

Regards
Rudie

Wilson! I had an RCBS but after using the Wilson I realized I'd been wasting my time only to end up with crooked case necks.Get the electric screwdriver attachment.
Jeff

For those of you that use the Lee case trimmer, what makes some cases wobble in the drill case holder, no matter how snug the cases are pushed back in the holder? I have this problem mostly with 220 Swift cases. I have used Win., Rem., and Norma cases, and they will all wobble at times. I have tried 4 different drills, and two different case holders.I can't really tell that the cases that wobble when being trimmed look or shoot any different than those that don't.Any idea's out there? Thanks, BA

Re doing it with the lee. I find you have to try and get the case pushed back to the back side of the shell holder and then it will be centered. I just got lees new universal 3 jaw holder. It holds them real straight. I haven't quite got my technique down with the drill and the 3 jaw holder but think it looks real workable. It's nice not having to monkey with shell holders with the 3 jaw deal. (I think I have about $12 in the drill stud and the 3 jaw chuck)

Don I couldnt have agreed more on that one. The only thing you have to do is to have it seated perfectly in the case holder . You dont even have to tighten it that much . The cases that do whobble just a tad when in the trimmer does not come out uneven at all . The nice thing I like about the lee products that I use is that they come cheap , and the products are easy to use , and most of all the quality comes a cut above average

Regards
Rudie

Wilson!!

I just bought the Redding 1400 trimmer, and a few of the collets. Haven't used it yet as UPS has to deliver it still! I was impressed by the features the way the trimmer turns the case and relative cost for (percieved) value. I know there are others that are less expensive and funtional, but to me the best value and quality went to the Redding.

Lee hand trimming system. Its foolproof. If a case wobbles, try it either with drill or with hands. I will try the three chuck soon.

Also for crimping: Lee factory crimp die.

Simple, cheap, FOOLPROOF, effective ...

Hermann

[ 06-25-2002, 10:48: Message edited by: aHunter ]

I've been happy with my Forster. After rapping my knuckles while trimming a few cases, I mounted the trimmer on a piece of 2x12 board such that the handle was off the edge of the board. It gives you some clearance so that you don't grind your knuckles.

I am somewhat of a tinkerer. made a lyman case trimmer in a battrey drill driven trimer, made a longer shaft and installed a stud where the crank was and it sure is alot easier on the wrist
also purchased a rcbs case mate last year ,got to love this thing. speeds up the brass prep and ease on the wrist and hands.
[img] www.hunting-pictures.com/members/HIVELOSITY/Jam005trimmer [/img]

[ 06-25-2002, 18:56: Message edited by: HIVELOSITY ]