Trimming .223 brass

MDS · April 2, 2009, 11:28 AM

I can't afford a 70.00 + case trimmer right now. Isn't there a way to put the Lee case trimmer in a drill or something like that? I have never loaded rifle ammo yet. I've searched but not found a lot.

**Unclenick** · April 2, 2009, 11:37 AM

Yes, the Lee case holder will chuck in a variable speed drill. Lee also makes their inexpensive pull-string tool that works with it. For a bench type trimmer, I prefer the inherent coaxiality of the L.E. Wilson trimmer. The base unit is half the price you mentioned, plus $6.50 for the .223 case holder.

ForneyRider · April 2, 2009, 01:16 PM

I use the Lee stuff to trim. There is an adapter I put in the Ryobi 14v cordless drill. There is a ball handle to hold the case length gage/trimmer. Works pretty good.

Getting the chamfer tool ($2-3 for Lee, $16+ for RCBS, Redding, or Hart) and a flashole deburr tool(RCBS, Redding Hart for ~$19), you can clean up the brass while holding it in the drill.

Loosening and tightening the brass in the shellholder will wear you a bit. I had the Zip Trim with the 3 jaw collet. But it worked you a bit as well.

I found the trimmers at a lot of places, even the local component resources.

MDS · April 2, 2009, 01:19 PM

Yeah the stores around here carry RCBS. I'll have to order off line.

PCJim · April 2, 2009, 11:24 PM

Take a look at the Possum Hollow case trimmer & the power adapter. I use them on 223 & 243. They make quick easy work of trimming. Also check YouTube for video of them in action.

jdscholer · April 2, 2009, 11:43 PM

I use the Lee trimmer a little backwards. I chuck the cutter/pilot in my 1/2" drill and spin it instead of the case. The case seems to stay locked in the shell holder better that way.

The Lee gives me more accurate and consistent length than my RCBS trimmer. Seems to give mobetta square of the case mouth also.--concentricity---perpendicularity--oh whatever.

jd

MDS · April 2, 2009, 11:55 PM

I think I'm going to get the Lee Ball handle cutter and case length gauge. I just hate paying 10.00 for shipping for something that cost 12.00$

April 2, 2009, 11:28 AM	#1
MDS Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 492	Trimming .223 brass I can't afford a 70.00 + case trimmer right now. Isn't there a way to put the Lee case trimmer in a drill or something like that? I have never loaded rifle ammo yet. I've searched but not found a lot.

April 2, 2009, 11:37 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Yes, the Lee case holder will chuck in a variable speed drill. Lee also makes their inexpensive pull-string tool that works with it. For a bench type trimmer, I prefer the inherent coaxiality of the L.E. Wilson trimmer. The base unit is half the price you mentioned, plus $6.50 for the .223 case holder. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 2, 2009, 01:16 PM	#3
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	I use the Lee stuff to trim. There is an adapter I put in the Ryobi 14v cordless drill. There is a ball handle to hold the case length gage/trimmer. Works pretty good. Getting the chamfer tool ($2-3 for Lee, $16+ for RCBS, Redding, or Hart) and a flashole deburr tool(RCBS, Redding Hart for ~$19), you can clean up the brass while holding it in the drill. Loosening and tightening the brass in the shellholder will wear you a bit. I had the Zip Trim with the 3 jaw collet. But it worked you a bit as well. I found the trimmers at a lot of places, even the local component resources. __________________ When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.

April 2, 2009, 11:43 PM	#6
jdscholer Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 1,197	I use the Lee trimmer a little backwards. I chuck the cutter/pilot in my 1/2" drill and spin it instead of the case. The case seems to stay locked in the shell holder better that way. The Lee gives me more accurate and consistent length than my RCBS trimmer. Seems to give mobetta square of the case mouth also.--concentricity---perpendicularity--oh whatever. jd __________________ "We're all dummies, just in different ways." Old Okie Philosopher

April 2, 2009, 01:19 PM	#4
MDS Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 492	Yeah the stores around here carry RCBS. I'll have to order off line.

April 2, 2009, 11:24 PM	#5
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Take a look at the Possum Hollow case trimmer & the power adapter. I use them on 223 & 243. They make quick easy work of trimming. Also check YouTube for video of them in action.

April 2, 2009, 11:55 PM	#7
MDS Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 492	I think I'm going to get the Lee Ball handle cutter and case length gauge. I just hate paying 10.00 for shipping for something that cost 12.00$