I have a RCBS case trimmer. I really never liked the way it trims. It seems it puts pressure on one side or another of the brass while trimming. Seems that the case never did align good with the pilot. I have to push down on the pressure bar(that loosens the shells) and then push the cutter into the case, then start cutting. Called RCBS years ago, and they said they don't guarantee an exact fit with the tolerances of the shell holders and all and to loosen the hex screw underneath. But if I do that, I get large variations of cut lengths, not within the 1mil that I like. Some cases come out 2.005", some 2.010, some 2.000. But mostly, I am worried about runout. I don't have anything to measure runout and would hate to fall into another attribute to drive me crazy. Anybody else see this? Any other cutters that you would recommend?
quote:Originally posted by bigcountry: I have a RCBS case trimmer. I really never liked the way it trims. It seems it puts pressure on one side or another of the brass while trimming. Seems that the case never did align good with the collet. I have to push down on the pressure bar(that loosens the shells) and then push the cutter into the case, then start cutting. Called RCBS years ago, and they said they don't guarantee an exact fit with the tolerances of the shell holders and all and to loosen the hex screw underneath. But if I do that, I get large variations of cut lengths, not within the 1mil that I like. Some cases come out 2.005", some 2.010, some 2.000. But mostly, I am worried about runout. I don't have anything to measure runout and would hate to fall into another attribute to drive me crazy. Anybody else see this? Any other cutters that you would recommend?
I have had good luck with the Forster trimmer but I also haven't had any problems with either of two RCBS trimmers....one the older collet type and the new plate style Trim Pro......the different case rim styles and extractor marks/burrs can make it difficult to get good trims on all brands of cases but with good rims and clean collets and I also align the pilot in the neck as I tighten the collet style but the plate Trim Pro just pops straight into the neck unless the case is from a auto gun and is bent.....I do have concentricity gauges of two brands and with the good cases and consistant alignment/tightening of the collet...I get good uniform cutting and no bending of the cases.....is your cutter still sharp? and cutting smoothly...if it is dull or you put too much presure trying to cut too fast you get tearing of the neck brass as it cuts and this might give inconsistant cutting as you describe......HTH good luck and good shooting/loading!!!
Posts: 687 | Location: Jackson/Tenn/Madison | Registered: 07 March 2001
so on your trim pro like mine, you don't have any problems getting the pilot to align up with the case? You don't have to loosen the case up before pushing the case in? Thanks for the advise.
I had the same problems with my RCBS trimmer,never did get it corrected.I bought the Wilson and haven't looked back.The case holders hold the case just as your rifle chamber does and its virtually impossible to get a crooked cut.With maybe 2 minutes practice its much quicker than the RCBS.The case holders are cal. specific but a holder for 30.06, will fit 270,25.06 and so on.At Sinclairs with STLC clamping mount,about $52.And the screwdriver power att. for $11,beats turning that crank. Jeff http://www.sinclairintl.com/ http://www.lewilson.com/index.html
Posts: 236 | Location: Oregon | Registered: 16 October 2001
I'd suggest getting a new cutter for your RCBS trimmer and see if you notice any difference. I also have a Forster trimmer which cuts better but then again it's much newer. The cutters aren't all that expensive, and a dull one is a real heartache. Best wishes.
I, too, am dissatisfied with the RCBS Trim Pro and am not getting accurate trims. If the cartridge base, and various trimmer parts are not all square, then it's impossible to get a square case mouth. I prefer file type trim dies and use them whenever I can.
If you want the most accurate and repeatable case trimmer available, get the Sinclair/Wilson case trimmer with the micrometer adjuster. It�s a little on the pricy side, however, it is the best.
Damn, I knew you guy were going to say this. Another 100 dollars, here we go. Hobbies drive a man nuts.
Called RCBS, didn't really want to hear the problem, just said I will send you a new head for hold the case, new cutter and shaft. Might was well sent me a whole new trimmer.
I will give that a try and if that doesn't work, will get the wilson trimmer. Zero, I guess you have put this in a vise? And all you have to buy is the case holders? Thanks for the advise
Ruger, I "had" a Lyman Universal Trimmer, and it was a dud. The cutter head went dull after about 150 cases or so...got a RCBS, and really like it. I dont trim but 100 cases a week with it though...sakofan..
Posts: 1379 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 11 March 2003
I have had a Forster since 1969 and it trims cases to closer tolerances than my dial caliper will measure. A .010 variance would be totally unaceptable. If I couldn't hold a .001 variance, I would throw the darn thing away. I also just purchased my first replacement cutter after all those years, and I have trimmed tens of thousand of cases. I also know a couple people who have the Wilsons and they are top notch trimmers, that is for sure.
Posts: 59 | Location: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: 04 March 2003
quote:Originally posted by bigcountry: Any other cutters that you would recommend?
Hey bigcountry, Looks like the above folks have plenty of money to spend. I don't, so I use the Lee Case Trimers. They certainly aren't for folks who just want to spend a lot of money, but they are for folks who want "case length consistency".
As an added bonus, you can take the Lee Case Length Trimmer into the Den/Living Room at 8PM each Tuesday and watch Catherine Bell on JAG while you trim cases.
Posts: 9920 | Location: Carolinas, USA | Registered: 22 April 2001
I also use the Lee. Simple and works great. I chuck the case holder in a variable speed drill. Turn the pilot by hand and if trimming is needed, use the drill.
After trimming, I manually debur while the case is still chucked. Then if the neck is dirty, a little steel wool and the drill will polish it quickly.
Posts: 1450 | Location: North Georgia | Registered: 16 December 2001
Although I have several trimmers, the Lee is the one I use most now. I chuck the cutter in a drill press or lathe and leave it on while offering the case up to it. That scheme does not require turning the motor on and off for each case. Chucking a crimp starter in the lathe with the cavity filled with steel wool makes a good mouth deburer and polisher, but does not serve to polish necks or case bodies. Cheers form Grayest California, Ross
Posts: 159 | Location: Oroville,California,U.S.A. | Registered: 14 May 2001
I have a RCBS, Forester, and Lee. I got rid of the RCBS and Forester, and use Lee. This is by far the cheapest and the most fail safe method out there. If you decide that you like the system, I would get the universal chuck and the zip trim for the system. I really like the Lee system, this is one thing they done right.
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