Case trimmer opinions.

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:44 pm

I'm slowly gathering my reloading supplies and equipment and I'm now researching case trimmers. So I would like the opinions of all you reloaders on the case trimmers you have used and currently use; pros and cons so to speak, thanks!

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:07 pm

I use Lee . They are are affordable and easy to use.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:17 pm

I am fundamentally lazy when it comes to case trimming(adjusting them for different calibers). I have the RCBS Case Trimmer set up for my 356 Win. and never touch the adjustments. Fast and easy. For my 44 Mags I use the Lee Hand Trimmer. Cheap and easy to use...also portable which the RCBS is not really. One could mount it to a small board and make it somewhat portable though. I like em both and have no complaints so far.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:08 pm

RCBS, has given me nearly 30 years of trouble-free service, no end in sight.

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:54 pm

I've used several but the Lee trimmers are the least expensive (especially if you are only doing a couple of standard cartridges) and I now own a Lyman (for the odd ducks I like).

Charles · Post by **Charles** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:22 pm

I use three trimmers..

1) I have a set of file trim dies, that get lots of use. They are simple to use, don't require adjustment and are fast as a lathe type trimmer. Some are also useful in case forming operations.. i.e. making 8 X57 cases from 30-06 cases. The RCBS file trim die also full length sizes the case, whereas the Redding does not.

2) The Forster trimmer is a lathe type trimmer and does a good job. You can also get attatchments to hollow point lead bullets and outside turn case necks. I have and use both of these attatchments.

3) The Wilsom trimmer is a precision lathe type trimmer. With this trimmer you can also turn the case around and square the head. You can also get attatchements to inside ream case necks and uniform primer pockets.

I have had the Wilson the longest (1959) and if I could only have one trimmer it would be the Wilson. I have no experience with the RCBS or Lee trimmers.

RSY · Post by **RSY** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:02 pm

I learned well on an RCBS, and then ultimately bought a Forster. Either will get the job done. At some point, I just became a Forster fan, so usually give them first shot at something.

Scott

Leverdude · Post by **Leverdude** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:26 pm

I like the Lee tool for most calibers but have an RCBS collet type too. The Lee is excellent but not adjustable. As I acquire more older guns I find I need a degree of flexability Lee dont offer in some calibers

mad mucus · Post by **mad mucus** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:43 pm

Redding, like a lathe it grips and turns the case giving me a nice square mouth, the chuck-jaw fits all brass sizes and small or large adjustments are easy/lockable. I also like being able to withdraw the cutter and run all the cases back through for fast deburring and chamfering with the Lee tool.

Mucus

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:57 pm

I have a Lee case trimmer for almost every caliber I own. Works fine, and they are very inexpensive. Now, if you are going to trim a lot of cases, the Lee would get pretty tiring. I picked up a Lyman hand-crank model that will handle pretty much any and all cases, and allows you to adjust the trim cut. Later I added the drill adapter so I don't even have to crank it. Then I purchased a Lyman "universal trimmer" from cubrock here on the forum. It is for use with a drill press. Here is a picture of it:

I purchased this one for trimming down .45-70 Government cases to .45-60 WCF specs. Built a base for it to slide onto my drill press:

So... it really depends on how much you think you'll use it (the case trimmers), how much you need to remove, and how many calibers you need to trim for.

Ben_Rumson · Post by **Ben_Rumson** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:58 pm

I like the Forster..Totaly adjustable..I long ago removed the crank handle & run it with a cordless drill.. the shaft is tool steel and hasn't been phased whatsoever..The crank still threads on...You can inside neck ream as has been said.. There is also a dead center that can be used..This set up shows it on the right in the shell holder.. I neck size a case..run the mandrel in the tight case mouth.. spin it up with the drill... then file a few thou off the base OD.. or off of the rim if need be for making custom brass for one of my old rifles.. For outside neck turning though I like another Forster product..Their hand held unit..It handles cases as short as the 44-40.. good luck

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:06 pm

I like the little Lee trimmers, but I made one modification; they have the case-holder portion 'turned down' so you can chuck it in a drill (I usually just do them by hand). When I do use a drill, I find it easier to chuck the trimmer, and hold the case-holder, since that is the one I'm constantly inserting and removing cases from. I suppose the lawyers told Lee not to do it that way in case someone stuck their finger on the bit instead of the cartridge to be trimmed.

Anyway, I turned down the bit-holder portion and with it in a small drill clamped to the workbench, can trim cases faster than any other method I've tried. If instead of tightening the 'shell holder' down on each case, you put some electric tape on the threads so it can be turned until it is just 'snug' to insert cases into, you can save that step too.

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:09 pm

I use the Lee trimmer with their little zip lathe. Looks like a rope starter on a lawn mower. It works quite well. One or two pulls to trim, one to bevel inside and one to bevel outside.

Kansas Ed · Post by **Kansas Ed** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:47 pm

Lyman with the universal chuck head. I haven't had any issues with it so far...except for a tired forearm from cranking it

Ed

Bullard4075 · Post by **Bullard4075** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:32 pm

I have had my Forester for 20+ years . It is as tight as when new. 10's of thousands of cases of probably 15 caliburs have been through it. I'm a fan !!

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:17 pm

Used a Redding for the las 15 years. I like it for trimming cases down below or no quite to standard length. Started using the Lee case trimers recently. Great little tool, inexpensive and it works great to trim cases to standard length.

Boomer

JP_TX · Post by **JP_TX** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 1:04 am

I use the Lee case trimmers, one for each caliber. I don't twist them in my hands anymore.

I have a P-C cordless drill with a flat bottom battery. I use the case holder with the hex stud and load it into the drill. Lock in a case poke in the the trimmer, 15 seconds, use the chamfer tool in and out another 15 seconds and then move on. I don't think it could be easier or cheaper to trim cases.

The beauty part is I have a case trimmer motor that also drills and drives screws... lol

JP

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:53 am

RCBS with the power attachment. Very happy with it as I am lazy. Some say the high end Redding is most accurate as it has a micrometer and it turns the case but it is relatively slow and not inexpensive. I would own one if I required that type of precision. Hope this helps. 1886.

pdawg.shooter · Post by **pdawg.shooter** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:05 am

Kansas Ed wrote:Lyman with the universal chuck head. I haven't had any issues with it so far...except for a tired forearm from cranking it

Ed

+1 on the Lyman.