Case trimmer... no collars

robc · March 31, 2008, 12:58 PM

Hi Guys (and gals),

Is there a case trimmer that works with no additional purchases? I have several calibers I'd like to reload, and if I can avoid purchasing collars, well, that would be nice.

TIA for any info.

fourrobert13 · March 31, 2008, 01:46 PM

Possum Hollow trimmers can do multiple calibers with one trimmer, but you would still need a drill, but one power adapter would work for all of the different cutters. It trims off of the datam of the case shoulder.

wncchester · March 31, 2008, 01:48 PM

Lyman's Universal Case Trimmer needs no shell holders and comes with a set of nine pilots for the most popular calibers. A good tool.

**Unclenick** · March 31, 2008, 02:04 PM

The Lyman uses a universal chuck, but you still need caliber specific pilots. The Wilson uses just one cutter and needs no pilot, but you have to get a separate case holder for each chambering. The Lee system has a separate trimmer/cutter for each case length and internal mouth dimension, but they don't cost much. The problem is how to hold all those different case shapes in alignment with the cutter without adapting a special holder or using a special pilot, and still get it to trim square to the case axis? I don't know any way to do that unless you own a lathe and can do tool setup and truing.

The Lyman units come with pilots for the 9 most popular calibers already included. So does the RCBS, but if requires changing shell holders. I think the Wilson has the best precision because it allows no wobble, as long as you press firmly on the case holder. You can get a stand through Sinclair that does that for you, but it takes the cost up. The basic Wilson unit is also the least expensive, at 31.50 without any case holders, but it costs the most per chambering, at $6.50 per case holder. The case holders will cross some calibers if the parent cases are the same. .30-06, .25-06, 270 Winchester, and 280 Remington all use the same holder, for example. A list is here. These are available from either Bruno or Sinclair.

T.A.Sharps · March 31, 2008, 06:35 PM

What about the little Lee or Lyman (not sure which) case trimmers that are two little parts you hold together by hand and spin, the case sets in the shell holder with a "pin" that goes up through the primer hole, and the trimmer sets on top of it at the length it need trimed too?

I'm not relaoding yet, but if you only do a few calibers it seems pretty easy if it works.

cheezhed · April 1, 2008, 12:29 AM

I use the lee trimmer a lot, it seems to hold the lengths a lot closer than my rcbs trimmer

mniesen89 · April 1, 2008, 01:48 AM

I use the lyman universal case trimmer, great tool if you have the power tool adapter.

March 31, 2008, 12:58 PM	#1
robc Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 422	Case trimmer... no collars Hi Guys (and gals), Is there a case trimmer that works with no additional purchases? I have several calibers I'd like to reload, and if I can avoid purchasing collars, well, that would be nice. TIA for any info. __________________ "If it bleeds, we can kill it."

March 31, 2008, 01:46 PM	#2
fourrobert13 Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: South West Ohio Posts: 336	Possum Hollow trimmers can do multiple calibers with one trimmer, but you would still need a drill, but one power adapter would work for all of the different cutters. It trims off of the datam of the case shoulder. __________________ Be aware of yourself and everything around you.

March 31, 2008, 02:04 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,057	The Lyman uses a universal chuck, but you still need caliber specific pilots. The Wilson uses just one cutter and needs no pilot, but you have to get a separate case holder for each chambering. The Lee system has a separate trimmer/cutter for each case length and internal mouth dimension, but they don't cost much. The problem is how to hold all those different case shapes in alignment with the cutter without adapting a special holder or using a special pilot, and still get it to trim square to the case axis? I don't know any way to do that unless you own a lathe and can do tool setup and truing. The Lyman units come with pilots for the 9 most popular calibers already included. So does the RCBS, but if requires changing shell holders. I think the Wilson has the best precision because it allows no wobble, as long as you press firmly on the case holder. You can get a stand through Sinclair that does that for you, but it takes the cost up. The basic Wilson unit is also the least expensive, at 31.50 without any case holders, but it costs the most per chambering, at $6.50 per case holder. The case holders will cross some calibers if the parent cases are the same. .30-06, .25-06, 270 Winchester, and 280 Remington all use the same holder, for example. A list is here. These are available from either Bruno or Sinclair. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 31, 2008, 06:35 PM	#5
T.A.Sharps Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2007 Posts: 675	What about the little Lee or Lyman (not sure which) case trimmers that are two little parts you hold together by hand and spin, the case sets in the shell holder with a "pin" that goes up through the primer hole, and the trimmer sets on top of it at the length it need trimed too? I'm not relaoding yet, but if you only do a few calibers it seems pretty easy if it works. __________________ " ...Said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it..." "Your reality, sir, is lies and bladerdash, and I am delighted to say I have no grasp of it whatsoever!"

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March 31, 2008, 01:48 PM	#3
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Lyman's Universal Case Trimmer needs no shell holders and comes with a set of nine pilots for the most popular calibers. A good tool.

April 1, 2008, 12:29 AM	#6
cheezhed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Posts: 302	I use the lee trimmer a lot, it seems to hold the lengths a lot closer than my rcbs trimmer

April 1, 2008, 01:48 AM	#7
mniesen89 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: deland,fl Posts: 238	I use the lyman universal case trimmer, great tool if you have the power tool adapter.