Case Trimmers ???

TINCUP AL · August 13, 2007, 01:27 PM

I need to buy a case trimmer, but I can't afford a powered one, so what is a good manual one to get ? There are plenty of the RCBS trimmers here locally, so are they any good ? What are some of the pros and cons of the different ones ? thanks

rwilson452 · August 13, 2007, 01:34 PM

You might want to look at the Lee case trimmer stuff. it's cheap and darn near idiot proof. the down side is it will only trim to SAMMI trim to length. it's not adjustable. you can take it and chuck it up in a drill motor. I use my Ryobi cordless. I don't use the Lee chamfer tool. It's too small for my hands. You can a setup for one caliber for under $20. Each additional caliber for less than $5 each.

870pilot · August 13, 2007, 02:08 PM

if you have access to even the smallest drill press or a hand drill, i bought the kwick trim from possum hollow and mounted it in a sinclair holder (which also holds popular chamfer/bevel tools) in my drill press... the kwicktrim is adjustable for different lengths... it made a pile of .223 brass ready to go... from the tool down the hole in the drill press table into the bin... not bad... measures from the shoulder like the guirard. i know, i know, its not a guirard (sp)

Rimrod · August 13, 2007, 02:30 PM

I use a Forster. They have an adaptor that replaces the handle and you can use an electric drill instead.

WCW · August 13, 2007, 03:29 PM

I personally like the Lee trimmer system. It’s priced right, and you only need one cutter and the various mandrels to cover any caliber you might be reloading for. They don’t always trim to the absolute minimum case length, but close enough. Unless you do a lot of shooting, or happen to own a rifle that is accurate enough to even benefit from something like neck turning or a few thousands of an inch in case length, you will be well served by the Lee trimmer.

Mr Kris · August 13, 2007, 03:36 PM

I'm also a fan of the Lee trimmers..... I don't even know that there's anything else in the <$10 price range. I chuck mine into a cordless screwdriver that has a right angle handle.... very comfortable to use.

UniversalFrost · August 13, 2007, 04:05 PM

I have a lyman that I love. plus this is a universal chuck and no need for even more special shell holders.

TINCUP AL · August 13, 2007, 04:13 PM

I have also looked at the Lyman. Any other opinions on it ? thanks

Smokey Joe · August 13, 2007, 05:03 PM

Tincup Al--Another vote here for Lee. I use the Zip Trim to turn the cases (mechanical, not powered; works like a recoil starter on a lawnmower) and the Lee cutter and length gauge.

As has been pointed out, you only get one length with that setup, but what you want is to have all the cases trimmed to a uniform length, so IMHO that's just fine.

One disadvantage: You DO have to buy the case-length gauge for each separate cartridge you trim, however, once that's bought, you're set for life, with that particular cartridge. I got the universal case holder with the Zip Trim, so the purchase of a case holder for each separate cartridge is unnecessary.

For chamfering in & outside case neck, I use the Lyman "Power Debur Accessory Set," p/n 7999050, which also comes with large and small primer pocket scrapers, and crimp reamers, as well as a couple of neck brushes. Each tool drops in to the socket of my power screwdriver, and they all work slick.

Could chamfer with the Zip Trim, but when chamfering I prefer a much slower rpm so for me the power screwdriver is nicer.

And BTW, the Lee customer service has been first-rate the few times I've needed it.

Good luck in yr search--Hope you find something that works for you.

FatWhiteMan · August 13, 2007, 09:44 PM

Yes vote on the Lee Trimmer stuff.

castnblast · August 13, 2007, 11:21 PM

The lee is machined and extremely precise. As long as they are screwed in all the way you can't over or under trim. If you own a variable speed drill, whala...you have a powered trimmer. They are so inexpensive that I bought a cutter/case length gauge for each caliber, and loc-tighted them in. No worries about over/under trimming...You don't need a $60.00+ trimmer that slips and needs adjusting and constant attention.

Save the $$$ AND the headaches...get the lee...

Rimrod · August 13, 2007, 11:52 PM

I have a number of the Lee trimmers too. They are nice becuase they aren't mounted to the bench and can be used in front of the T.V. or even at the range. I bought the Forster because I do alot of inside/outside reaming and non-standard trimming.

Crosshair · August 14, 2007, 04:17 AM

One more for Lee trimmers. I use a Lyman case gauge to sort brass that needs trimming and then use the Lee to trim. It is simply not possible to trim brass too short with the Lee. (Unless the case-length gauge gets into a fight with an angle grinder.

)

TINCUP AL · August 14, 2007, 09:22 AM

Wow- An overwelming response for the Lee. I'll have to look at it more closely.

Mtn Hawk · August 14, 2007, 10:17 PM

+1 for Lee.

I use the Zip Trim with the 3 Jaw Chuck and the Case Trimmer with the Ball Grip. Both methods work great for me.

**Shane Tuttle** · August 14, 2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

They don’t always trim to the absolute minimum case length, but close enough.

While there are good posts here, WCW's stood out on this statement. I can only get down to 1.910" on my 22.250 cases. It's right in the middle of the tolerance, but it would be nice to be able to go down just a hair more.

With that, for the price and ease of use, the Lee gets my vote too. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Besides, it will get you in the game sooner instead of waiting to purchase a more expensive setup...

Mtn Hawk · August 14, 2007, 10:32 PM

tuttle8-

If you have not already done so, degreasing and thoroughly cleaning all parts, as well as making sure the Case Length Gauge is screwed tightly into the Cutter, might help.

Smokey Joe · August 14, 2007, 11:03 PM

Tuttle 8--A way to get shorter cases with the Lee setup is to grind the guide pin a tad shorter--VERY carefully so as not to have it too short!

**Shane Tuttle** · August 15, 2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

If you have not already done so, degreasing and thoroughly cleaning all parts, as well as making sure the Case Length Gauge is screwed tightly into the Cutter, might help.

Good point, but I keep it squeaky clean. Also, I do make sure it's screwed tightly down. Thanks for the heads-up...

Quote:

A way to get shorter cases with the Lee setup is to grind the guide pin a tad shorter--VERY carefully so as not to have it too short!

I have considered this, but I haven't got the gumption to do it yet. Such a simple procedure, yet I'm a ninny when it comes to altering equipment from it's original construction....

OK,OK...I'll just do it and be done with it....

Trapper L · August 15, 2007, 10:45 PM

I've got the Lyman with the universal shell holder, the RCBS, and the Forrester. I use the Forrester more than any of the others. Probably because it was my first and I got accustomed to using it. It is adjustable to anything you want, has an adapter for using a drill, and the cutter is replacable at Midway for around $11.00. While most hobby loaders won't ever need to replace the cutter, I'm on my fifth. It will also turn necks inside or outside for precision ammo. I like the way it works and it is fully adjustable. Now on deburring tools, the cordless Lyman is the winner hands down.

August 13, 2007, 01:27 PM	#1
TINCUP AL Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: COLORADO Posts: 109	Case Trimmers ??? I need to buy a case trimmer, but I can't afford a powered one, so what is a good manual one to get ? There are plenty of the RCBS trimmers here locally, so are they any good ? What are some of the pros and cons of the different ones ? thanks

August 13, 2007, 02:08 PM	#3
870pilot Member Join Date: November 29, 2005 Posts: 70	i went with... if you have access to even the smallest drill press or a hand drill, i bought the kwick trim from possum hollow and mounted it in a sinclair holder (which also holds popular chamfer/bevel tools) in my drill press... the kwicktrim is adjustable for different lengths... it made a pile of .223 brass ready to go... from the tool down the hole in the drill press table into the bin... not bad... measures from the shoulder like the guirard. i know, i know, its not a guirard (sp)

August 13, 2007, 04:05 PM	#7
UniversalFrost Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,300	I have a lyman that I love. plus this is a universal chuck and no need for even more special shell holders. __________________ Lifetime member VFW and NRA "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (when all else fails play dead) -Red Green

August 13, 2007, 05:03 PM	#9
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	Case trimming... Tincup Al--Another vote here for Lee. I use the Zip Trim to turn the cases (mechanical, not powered; works like a recoil starter on a lawnmower) and the Lee cutter and length gauge. As has been pointed out, you only get one length with that setup, but what you want is to have all the cases trimmed to a uniform length, so IMHO that's just fine. One disadvantage: You DO have to buy the case-length gauge for each separate cartridge you trim, however, once that's bought, you're set for life, with that particular cartridge. I got the universal case holder with the Zip Trim, so the purchase of a case holder for each separate cartridge is unnecessary. For chamfering in & outside case neck, I use the Lyman "Power Debur Accessory Set," p/n 7999050, which also comes with large and small primer pocket scrapers, and crimp reamers, as well as a couple of neck brushes. Each tool drops in to the socket of my power screwdriver, and they all work slick. Could chamfer with the Zip Trim, but when chamfering I prefer a much slower rpm so for me the power screwdriver is nicer. And BTW, the Lee customer service has been first-rate the few times I've needed it. Good luck in yr search--Hope you find something that works for you. Last edited by Smokey Joe; August 13, 2007 at 05:05 PM. Reason: The usual--had another thought.

August 14, 2007, 04:17 AM	#13
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	One more for Lee trimmers. I use a Lyman case gauge to sort brass that needs trimming and then use the Lee to trim. It is simply not possible to trim brass too short with the Lee. (Unless the case-length gauge gets into a fight with an angle grinder.) __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

August 13, 2007, 01:34 PM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	You might want to look at the Lee case trimmer stuff. it's cheap and darn near idiot proof. the down side is it will only trim to SAMMI trim to length. it's not adjustable. you can take it and chuck it up in a drill motor. I use my Ryobi cordless. I don't use the Lee chamfer tool. It's too small for my hands. You can a setup for one caliber for under $20. Each additional caliber for less than $5 each.

August 13, 2007, 02:30 PM	#4
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	I use a Forster. They have an adaptor that replaces the handle and you can use an electric drill instead.

August 13, 2007, 03:29 PM	#5
WCW Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2007 Posts: 132	I personally like the Lee trimmer system. It’s priced right, and you only need one cutter and the various mandrels to cover any caliber you might be reloading for. They don’t always trim to the absolute minimum case length, but close enough. Unless you do a lot of shooting, or happen to own a rifle that is accurate enough to even benefit from something like neck turning or a few thousands of an inch in case length, you will be well served by the Lee trimmer.

August 13, 2007, 03:36 PM	#6
Mr Kris Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 111	I'm also a fan of the Lee trimmers..... I don't even know that there's anything else in the <$10 price range. I chuck mine into a cordless screwdriver that has a right angle handle.... very comfortable to use.

August 13, 2007, 04:13 PM	#8
TINCUP AL Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: COLORADO Posts: 109	I have also looked at the Lyman. Any other opinions on it ? thanks

August 13, 2007, 09:44 PM	#10
FatWhiteMan Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Appalachia Posts: 96	Yes vote on the Lee Trimmer stuff.

August 13, 2007, 11:21 PM	#11
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	The lee is machined and extremely precise. As long as they are screwed in all the way you can't over or under trim. If you own a variable speed drill, whala...you have a powered trimmer. They are so inexpensive that I bought a cutter/case length gauge for each caliber, and loc-tighted them in. No worries about over/under trimming...You don't need a $60.00+ trimmer that slips and needs adjusting and constant attention. Save the $$$ AND the headaches...get the lee...

August 13, 2007, 11:52 PM	#12
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	I have a number of the Lee trimmers too. They are nice becuase they aren't mounted to the bench and can be used in front of the T.V. or even at the range. I bought the Forster because I do alot of inside/outside reaming and non-standard trimming.

August 14, 2007, 09:22 AM	#14
TINCUP AL Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: COLORADO Posts: 109	Wow- An overwelming response for the Lee. I'll have to look at it more closely.

August 14, 2007, 10:17 PM	#15
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	+1 for Lee. I use the Zip Trim with the 3 Jaw Chuck and the Case Trimmer with the Ball Grip. Both methods work great for me.

August 14, 2007, 10:32 PM	#17
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	tuttle8- If you have not already done so, degreasing and thoroughly cleaning all parts, as well as making sure the Case Length Gauge is screwed tightly into the Cutter, might help.

August 14, 2007, 11:03 PM	#18
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	Shorter trim with the Lee... Tuttle 8--A way to get shorter cases with the Lee setup is to grind the guide pin a tad shorter--VERY carefully so as not to have it too short!

August 15, 2007, 10:45 PM	#20
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	I've got the Lyman with the universal shell holder, the RCBS, and the Forrester. I use the Forrester more than any of the others. Probably because it was my first and I got accustomed to using it. It is adjustable to anything you want, has an adapter for using a drill, and the cutter is replacable at Midway for around $11.00. While most hobby loaders won't ever need to replace the cutter, I'm on my fifth. It will also turn necks inside or outside for precision ammo. I like the way it works and it is fully adjustable. Now on deburring tools, the cordless Lyman is the winner hands down.