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Case prep center

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12 August 2015, 01:04
Triple4
Case prep center
I'm guessing this topic may have come up already but...

I'm want to save some time and looking for some advice on buying a RCBS or Lyman case prep center.
1) Are they worth the investment?
2) Is one better than the other?

Thanks.
12 August 2015, 01:32
pagosawingnut
I think I have tried most of them and settled on the Hornady trim center. It cut my work time on brass by almost 50%
12 August 2015, 05:01
Biggs300
I will add another. Lyman Case Prep Express. The unit has plenty of powder to prep cases quickly. I was a bit worried about wobble, which I understand can be a problem with some centers but, mine has been stellar. It gets the job done quickly and ease of clean up of brass shavings is a real plus.


Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
12 August 2015, 15:48
30.06king
I have used an RCBS Case Prep unit for several years. It provides so much convenience and time saving to case prep I couldn't imagine going back to the former methods. Not cheap when I purchased but the investment has been truly worthwhile. One suggestion if you decide on the RCBS, buy spare steel bristle brushes which are on the unit for cleaning primer pockets. They get pretty beaten up after a while and at some stage will need replacing.


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
12 August 2015, 18:06
Triple4
I really appreciate everyone's input. Sounds like the prep centers are definitely worth the investment. Now I'm waffling between the Lyman Xpress or RCBS...
13 August 2015, 05:33
ted thorn
I save time by

1.....not messing with primer pockets
2.....not de-burring flash holes
3.....trimming with the RCBS inside/outside all in one cutter head


________________________________________________
Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper
Proudly made in the USA
Acepting all forms of payment
13 August 2015, 22:55
Triple4
I can see skipping the primer steps and flashole deburring for plinking ammo. As primarily a weekend warrior, I have a mental hang-up that I need to do Everything possible to ensure I reload accurate and reliable ammo for hunting. The only thing that matters is that your confident in your system... I appreciate your time saving advice.
14 August 2015, 06:35
ted thorn
Do whatever makes you happy

In time you will see what does and does not improve groups


________________________________________________
Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper
Proudly made in the USA
Acepting all forms of payment
15 August 2015, 15:44
F. Guffey
I agree with 30.06king, It is the first tool I set-up. I added the military crimp removers and a neck brush.

F. Guffey
17 August 2015, 21:33
Triple4
Wandered into a nearby Cabelas this weekend and stumbled onto the Lyman Case-Prep Xpress marked down to $105. After coupons, points, cabelas bucks, etc...I couldn't pass it up. Gave it a spin last night and what a luxury it is. I didn't "need" it but I'm glad I bought it!
Thanks for everyone's two cents.
18 August 2015, 17:49
Rusty
I use the RCBS Prep Center along with my WFT Trimmer. Works for me!


Rusty
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18 August 2015, 19:16
eny
+1 on the RCBS 3 way trimmer
18 August 2015, 22:29
ted thorn
quote:
Originally posted by eny:
+1 on the RCBS 3 way trimmer


#1 time saver I have found

You trim.....that's it


________________________________________________
Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper
Proudly made in the USA
Acepting all forms of payment
19 August 2015, 20:03
wrongtarget
I use the RCBS Trim Mate and a modified lee trimmer cutter drilled and tapped to 8-32 so the Trim Mate can actually trim to length as shown in the videos. I annealed the end of the cutter so it could be drilled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-710xkyKNU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGkWUtKz4k
22 August 2015, 04:54
Idaho Sharpshooter
I think I am going to give the new Lee setup a try.

Trims to length, and inside/outside chamfers the case mouth in one operation.