The Accurate Reloading Forums
Case trimmer advice
02 June 2007, 06:44
Smoker1Case trimmer advice
Thinking about getting a power type case trimmer. Can you folks give me any recommends? Appreciate it, smoker
The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.
--Thomas Jefferson
02 June 2007, 12:55
Winchester 69What type of shooting are you doing and what is your loading volume?
02 June 2007, 15:17
djpaintlesBuy the RCBS trimmaster. It's versatile and is easy on the hands. The shell holder plates are different from the regular shellholders but aren't super expensive. The 3-Way cutters that trim/burr/chamfer at the same time are super convenient but you do have to have a separate one for each caliber. The way you insert the cases in in the best part about it. You just push down on a lever. It's an easy motion in high volumn. It also trims based on case length from the bottom of the case and is more accurate than ones that index off the shoulder.
With many of the other high volumn trimmers (many of which are much more expensive) you have hold the cases in your fingers and they index off the shoulder. You have to hold each case while it's being trimmed. This fatigues my hands pretty quickly, I'd rather clamp them in and let a motor do all the work.
The other method you might consider is a Drill press with a case holder base. I haven't tried this but if my RCBS ever went down or wasn't available this is what I'd try. Again you want something that you can put the case into and let the motor do the work. I think that Forrester makes one.................................DJ
....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!..................
The ultimate in power trimmers are the Gireau and the Gracey. Not cheap, but heads and shoulders above the rest.
- mike
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The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart
02 June 2007, 18:01
Smoker1Gireau and Gracey, Hmmmm, never heard those names. I have a Lyman manual trimmer now and Arthritis makes it difficult to operate. Been using it for years with excellent results, just now need power. I'll check out the RCBS for price. Thanks again folks. smoker
The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.
--Thomas Jefferson
03 June 2007, 15:22
ArminiusLEE.
Cheap and foolproof!
H
formerly, before software update, known as "aHunter", lost 1000 posts in a minute
LEE
I chuck the cutter and case gauge in my half inch drill motor and turn it on. I hold the shellholder and lock stud by hand. I can trim 50 cases in just a few min. And they are always the right length. With no adjustments.
Lyle
"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. I would remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."
Barry M Goldwater.
04 June 2007, 03:13
Smoker1Thanks for your informative info. I'm out price shopping. smoker
The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.
--Thomas Jefferson
I use a RCBS case trimmer, and hooked up my makita cordless drill to it. Made a wood base with a raised pad for the drill to rest/slide on. Works slick.
Cant believe I hand cranked that darn think before.
Next is a power chamfer tool.
04 June 2007, 14:07
vapodogIf you have the mindset that all cases must be trimmed to exactly the same length within a .001" then that's one thing but if you're like me and believe the value of trimming is merely to prevent the case from being too long and variances of .005 to the length are permissible then I highly recommend the Forester jig that clamps the case vertical and use a forester cutter in a drill press.
I used a three drill press set up to five gallon buckets of .223 brass at one time...one trimming and one deburring the OD and one deburring the ID.....it gets an job done in a hurry and that way it dopn't have to be done for a long time!
If one was insistant on dead nuts accuracy of length then I'd rig a motor to the Wilson trimmer.....but that has never been a concern to me.
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"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
Winston Churchill
04 June 2007, 16:33
Smoker1GSP7 and Vapodog, thank you both for your input. Vapodag, I only trim when the cases are too long. I saw the forester and was impressed with the idea. GSP7 I hae a trim station by ????, can't remember. Now talk about slicker than goose s**t !!! Get one, I got mine as a Xmas gift years ago and highly recommend it. smoker PS Convience is always a might pricy
The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.
--Thomas Jefferson
05 June 2007, 18:26
DocGlennHow did you attach your drill to the RCBS Trimmer? I'd like to se a photo of that and try to figure out a way to do that for my trimmer also. Thanks.
Cut a base out of 1" pine, made a pad for the drill. Put a screw(cut off head) with the right threads in the shaft to attach the drill chuck too.
06 June 2007, 08:36
Ahhnother8Giraud is hands down the BEST. Once you use one, you will never go back. They are $375, and worth every penny.
http://www.giraudtool.com/Giraud%20Trimmer.pdfHow much does that thing cost?