Best trimmer for .223/5.56?

WWWJD · June 2, 2014, 06:00 AM

I've been shooting/reloading for the AR lately; been burning through a case of XM193. The brass on this stuff is long and not very consistent on case length. My little Lee hand trimmer is giving me a workout, as some of them are 0.01 to 0.15 over what I'm shooting for.

What are you guys using to trim that little neck with? Any preferences? Was thinking about a zip trim, but I don't know...

mehavey · June 2, 2014, 07:24 AM

How much dinero are you willing to part with to make trimming a '30-cases-a-minute' no-brainer ?

WWWJD · June 2, 2014, 11:55 AM

Oh IDK... $100?

Wyosmith · June 2, 2014, 12:21 PM

I use a standard RCBS trimmer I converted to take an electric drill. I can trim about 9 cases a minute with it.
The crank handle is held on with a 10X32 screw. I took a longer screw and truned it in tight and then cut the head off. I grab it with the chuck on my drill. Fast and easy.

I don't know what it would cost today however.
I have had it for 40 years.

Jimro · June 2, 2014, 12:29 PM

I have been using the Possum Hollow trimmer. Love it.

Thinking about getting the 7.62 version as well.

Jimro

Romeo 33 Delta · June 2, 2014, 12:43 PM

Little Crow Gunworks ... WFT is the answer!

dangthathurt · June 2, 2014, 01:51 PM

Another shout out for the Worlds Finest Trimmer!

8Ball67 · June 2, 2014, 03:03 PM

Little Crow WFT works very well if you size before trimming. Chuck the trimmer in a drill and clamp the drill to the bench, then just feed the brass in until it stops trimming, give it a twist and you are done. It is sensitive to the position of the shoulder, i accidentally used a different shell holder that was .003" shorter and all my trimmed brass ended up .002" longer this week. not really a problem, i crimp with a Lee Factory crimp and it doesn't care. It will throw shavings around, i made a guard out of schedule 40 PVC, and hook it up to the shop vac. Pick up a drill that can be locked on and has speed adjustment.

HJ857 · June 2, 2014, 04:12 PM

I agree with the RCBS recommendation.

You need this
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/448...ProductFinding

Plus this
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/145...ProductFinding

and a corded or cordless drill that has a 1/2" chuck.

Remove the handle from the trimmer and chuck the whole thing in the drill, no adapter needed unless your chuck is smaller than 1/2".

You have to adjust the trimmer to cut the correct length and probably also have to adjust the debur blade but the chamfer blade is likely ok as is. None of this is hard to do and will likely only take a few minutes to do. Once it's cutting the way you like it, just tighten down the set screws nice and tight.

At this point it's a one step trim, chamfer and deburr for around $140.00. A bit less with the current rebate. You just missed a sale price that was in effect for quite a while. May be worth a look at other retailers to see if the lower price is still around.

Personally I have no comprehension why folks think any other trimmer that does not do all three steps at once is worth even a consideration.

Oh yeah, no need to buy the pilots, the three way cutter comes with the correct pilot.

Check out this video, which is not mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIlUBBNJ6zI

This vid uses the older model of the Trim Pro. The new version has a universal case holder and different locking system that is faster to use.

WWWJD · June 2, 2014, 06:17 PM

Feedback is much appreciated fellers.

1stmar · June 2, 2014, 06:24 PM

Check out cts eng, they have an equivalent to wft.

Brotherbadger · June 3, 2014, 02:52 AM

Quote:

I have been using the Possum Hollow trimmer. Love it.

Same. It's a great trimmer.

Bart B. · June 3, 2014, 09:15 AM

Some "AA" people (Accuracy Afficianados) like the Wilson trimmer. Its case holder puts the case axis perpindicular to the trimmer's end mill and makes case mouths exactly 90 degrees to the case axis. Those AA's reasoning is, gas escapes uniformly around the bullet's heel as it exits the case. And that's paramount to the accuracy they demand. So a couple of them have told me.

I've used Forster's trimmer chucked in a drill press and its base and shell holder anchored on the press' base. Fast and repeatable operation that seems to do plenty good enough for me with 30 caliber cases. I've no reason to thing it would do any less with 22 caliber cases.

Metal god · June 3, 2014, 01:00 PM

I like my Lyman trimmer http://www.midwayusa.com/product/720...ProductFinding

Is it the best ? probably not but works well for me . Some have said it starts to cut cases shorter . If you try to trim a case that is shorter the the case size you are going for . What I found was if I slam the cutting rod in each time . The locking ring can slip because the cutter never makes contact with the shorter case before the locking ring smacks the base . The shaft on the cutting rod is so smooth the locking rings only have so much grip . As long as I push the cutter to the case and not slam it my cases come out exactly the same size as one another .

I used the Lee cutter for a while . What I did was chuck the cutter part in my drill and clamp the case holder part in vice grips ( yep the opposite of the way it's intended to be used ) The piece that holds the case was not square and made the case wobble when used in the drill . I turned the whole thing around and was GTG . It made it quick and easy .

The vice grips are just to make it easier to hold . If your case holder spins true in your drill you can use the vice grips on the cutter to make it easier to hold in your hands

Ozzieman · June 3, 2014, 09:46 PM

Get a Wllson case trimmer. This is more like 50 a hour. With the 19$ power adapter and a drill more like 100.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/214...ProductFinding
http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/315...ProductFinding

8Ball67 · June 4, 2014, 01:07 AM

100 cases an hour? That's one thing i like about the W.F.T trimmer, is that it only takes me about 5 min to do 100 cases. Trim it, campher it, done.

mehavey · June 4, 2014, 05:52 AM

How about a dozen cases or more a minute....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYLmHvKVd0

Got one 6 years ago, and simply added case holders for 6-8 different cartridges over these years
Sits on the bench as a permanent fixture/step for every reloading session.
Lifetime investment that I'd never do without now.

Palmetto-Pride · June 4, 2014, 08:55 PM

This is what I use I love it. You don't have to worry about setting the cutter the proper depth. Just us the right pilot for your case and they will all be exactly the same every time.

tahunua001 · June 4, 2014, 09:12 PM

I normally dont worry about trimming. I just deburr nice and good and never have a problem.

kostner · June 4, 2014, 09:19 PM

Possum Hollow makes a great trimmer that works just a well as the WGT that cost three times as much.http://youtu.be/rHm13PF6o-o. Try to order direct from the factory because Midway has them on back order. I use mine every week and am very happy with their product and service.

June 2, 2014, 06:00 AM	#1
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Best trimmer for .223/5.56? I've been shooting/reloading for the AR lately; been burning through a case of XM193. The brass on this stuff is long and not very consistent on case length. My little Lee hand trimmer is giving me a workout, as some of them are 0.01 to 0.15 over what I'm shooting for. What are you guys using to trim that little neck with? Any preferences? Was thinking about a zip trim, but I don't know... __________________ *~Mark* NRA Endowment FTW

June 2, 2014, 12:29 PM	#5
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	I have been using the Possum Hollow trimmer. Love it. Thinking about getting the 7.62 version as well. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

June 3, 2014, 01:00 PM	#14
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,875	I like my Lyman trimmer http://www.midwayusa.com/product/720...ProductFinding Is it the best ? probably not but works well for me . Some have said it starts to cut cases shorter . If you try to trim a case that is shorter the the case size you are going for . What I found was if I slam the cutting rod in each time . The locking ring can slip because the cutter never makes contact with the shorter case before the locking ring smacks the base . The shaft on the cutting rod is so smooth the locking rings only have so much grip . As long as I push the cutter to the case and not slam it my cases come out exactly the same size as one another . I used the Lee cutter for a while . What I did was chuck the cutter part in my drill and clamp the case holder part in vice grips ( yep the opposite of the way it's intended to be used ) The piece that holds the case was not square and made the case wobble when used in the drill . I turned the whole thing around and was GTG . It made it quick and easy . The vice grips are just to make it easier to hold . If your case holder spins true in your drill you can use the vice grips on the cutter to make it easier to hold in your hands __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . Last edited by Metal god; June 3, 2014 at 01:15 PM.

June 3, 2014, 09:46 PM	#15
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Get a Wllson case trimmer. This is more like 50 a hour. With the 19$ power adapter and a drill more like 100. http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/214...ProductFinding http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/315...ProductFinding __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

June 4, 2014, 08:55 PM	#18
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	This is what I use I love it. You don't have to worry about setting the cutter the proper depth. Just us the right pilot for your case and they will all be exactly the same every time. __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

June 2, 2014, 07:24 AM	#2
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,883	How much dinero are you willing to part with to make trimming a '30-cases-a-minute' no-brainer ?

June 2, 2014, 11:55 AM	#3
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Oh IDK... $100?

June 2, 2014, 12:21 PM	#4
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I use a standard RCBS trimmer I converted to take an electric drill. I can trim about 9 cases a minute with it. The crank handle is held on with a 10X32 screw. I took a longer screw and truned it in tight and then cut the head off. I grab it with the chuck on my drill. Fast and easy. I don't know what it would cost today however. I have had it for 40 years.

June 2, 2014, 12:43 PM	#6
Romeo 33 Delta Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2009 Posts: 315	Little Crow Gunworks ... WFT is the answer!

June 2, 2014, 01:51 PM	#7
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	Another shout out for the Worlds Finest Trimmer!

June 2, 2014, 03:03 PM	#8
8Ball67 Member Join Date: April 29, 2014 Location: Billings, MT. Posts: 24	Little Crow WFT works very well if you size before trimming. Chuck the trimmer in a drill and clamp the drill to the bench, then just feed the brass in until it stops trimming, give it a twist and you are done. It is sensitive to the position of the shoulder, i accidentally used a different shell holder that was .003" shorter and all my trimmed brass ended up .002" longer this week. not really a problem, i crimp with a Lee Factory crimp and it doesn't care. It will throw shavings around, i made a guard out of schedule 40 PVC, and hook it up to the shop vac. Pick up a drill that can be locked on and has speed adjustment.

June 2, 2014, 04:12 PM	#9
HJ857 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 447	I agree with the RCBS recommendation. You need this http://www.midwayusa.com/product/448...ProductFinding Plus this http://www.midwayusa.com/product/145...ProductFinding and a corded or cordless drill that has a 1/2" chuck. Remove the handle from the trimmer and chuck the whole thing in the drill, no adapter needed unless your chuck is smaller than 1/2". You have to adjust the trimmer to cut the correct length and probably also have to adjust the debur blade but the chamfer blade is likely ok as is. None of this is hard to do and will likely only take a few minutes to do. Once it's cutting the way you like it, just tighten down the set screws nice and tight. At this point it's a one step trim, chamfer and deburr for around $140.00. A bit less with the current rebate. You just missed a sale price that was in effect for quite a while. May be worth a look at other retailers to see if the lower price is still around. Personally I have no comprehension why folks think any other trimmer that does not do all three steps at once is worth even a consideration. Oh yeah, no need to buy the pilots, the three way cutter comes with the correct pilot. Check out this video, which is not mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIlUBBNJ6zI This vid uses the older model of the Trim Pro. The new version has a universal case holder and different locking system that is faster to use.

June 2, 2014, 06:17 PM	#10
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Feedback is much appreciated fellers.

June 2, 2014, 06:24 PM	#11
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Check out cts eng, they have an equivalent to wft.

June 3, 2014, 09:15 AM	#13
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Some "AA" people (Accuracy Afficianados) like the Wilson trimmer. Its case holder puts the case axis perpindicular to the trimmer's end mill and makes case mouths exactly 90 degrees to the case axis. Those AA's reasoning is, gas escapes uniformly around the bullet's heel as it exits the case. And that's paramount to the accuracy they demand. So a couple of them have told me. I've used Forster's trimmer chucked in a drill press and its base and shell holder anchored on the press' base. Fast and repeatable operation that seems to do plenty good enough for me with 30 caliber cases. I've no reason to thing it would do any less with 22 caliber cases.

June 4, 2014, 05:52 AM	#17
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,883	How about a dozen cases or more a minute.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYLmHvKVd0 Got one 6 years ago, and simply added case holders for 6-8 different cartridges over these years Sits on the bench as a permanent fixture/step for every reloading session. Lifetime investment that I'd never do without now.

June 4, 2014, 09:12 PM	#19
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	I normally dont worry about trimming. I just deburr nice and good and never have a problem. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

June 4, 2014, 09:19 PM	#20
kostner Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Location: Kommifornia Posts: 120	Possum Hollow makes a great trimmer that works just a well as the WGT that cost three times as much.http://youtu.be/rHm13PF6o-o. Try to order direct from the factory because Midway has them on back order. I use mine every week and am very happy with their product and service.

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