Trimming with WFT

Lilswede1 · November 26, 2011, 09:45 AM

This little trimmer is fast.
I am experiencing a variance from 1.748" to 1.752" in finished OAl of my .223 cases. 89% are 1.750 - 1.751".
The variance must be attributed to the difference in shoulder lengths.
Finished ammo being sorted by length and will take various samples to shooting range soon to see if there is a difference in accuracy in my Tiika T3 related to OAL.
Was hoping for some input from people using the WFT.

**Unclenick** · November 26, 2011, 11:08 AM

I haven't used it, but own a Giraud for rimless rifle brass, which also registers off the shoulder (though it also chamfers and deburrs as it cuts, saving you a couple more steps). As you surmise, if the case headspace (head to shoulder) varies, as it often does a little, the overall trim length of the finished case will vary. For most rifles, though, the SAAMI spec has a span of 0.020", and you aren't near that much variance. Length is only critical for conventional crimping dies to get the exact same amount of crimp applied, though the Lee Factory Crimp die doesn't care.

You are actually trimming the neck lengths uniform. That's good for tension consistency. Now you just need some Clever Gus to come up with a bullet seating die that references the shoulder instead of the head, too, and you'll get bullet ogives that are the exact same distance off the lands ever time.

UtopiaTexasG19 · November 26, 2011, 11:26 AM

Are you full lenght sizing the cases before you use the trimmer?

tomt53 · November 26, 2011, 04:12 PM

I have the WFT in 308. I tried using it on neck sized caes and it was not consistent. I found it works very nicely on full length resized cases. I trimmed a 100 cases the other day in nothing flat with very little variation, must were spot on. I trim my .308 win to 2.008".

All in all this is a great trimmer, I will be ordering the 30-06 soon.

TNT · November 26, 2011, 05:20 PM

I got a RCBS Pro trimmer that I use made it so I could put on the cordless drill works great. Speeds things up too, RCBS did come out with a adapter for the trimmer it will be my next buy I think
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Mai...o+3-way+cutter
one for .30 the other for .22

November 26, 2011, 09:45 AM	#1
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	Trimming with WFT This little trimmer is fast. I am experiencing a variance from 1.748" to 1.752" in finished OAl of my .223 cases. 89% are 1.750 - 1.751". The variance must be attributed to the difference in shoulder lengths. Finished ammo being sorted by length and will take various samples to shooting range soon to see if there is a difference in accuracy in my Tiika T3 related to OAL. Was hoping for some input from people using the WFT.

November 26, 2011, 11:08 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	I haven't used it, but own a Giraud for rimless rifle brass, which also registers off the shoulder (though it also chamfers and deburrs as it cuts, saving you a couple more steps). As you surmise, if the case headspace (head to shoulder) varies, as it often does a little, the overall trim length of the finished case will vary. For most rifles, though, the SAAMI spec has a span of 0.020", and you aren't near that much variance. Length is only critical for conventional crimping dies to get the exact same amount of crimp applied, though the Lee Factory Crimp die doesn't care. You are actually trimming the neck lengths uniform. That's good for tension consistency. Now you just need some Clever Gus to come up with a bullet seating die that references the shoulder instead of the head, too, and you'll get bullet ogives that are the exact same distance off the lands ever time. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 26, 2011, 05:20 PM	#5
TNT Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: Back in glorious Nebraska Posts: 606	I got a RCBS Pro trimmer that I use made it so I could put on the cordless drill works great. Speeds things up too, RCBS did come out with a adapter for the trimmer it will be my next buy I think https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Mai...o+3-way+cutter one for .30 the other for .22 __________________ "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

November 26, 2011, 11:26 AM	#3
UtopiaTexasG19 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 743	Are you full lenght sizing the cases before you use the trimmer?

November 26, 2011, 04:12 PM	#4
tomt53 Member Join Date: April 2, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 15	I have the WFT in 308. I tried using it on neck sized caes and it was not consistent. I found it works very nicely on full length resized cases. I trimmed a 100 cases the other day in nothing flat with very little variation, must were spot on. I trim my .308 win to 2.008". All in all this is a great trimmer, I will be ordering the 30-06 soon.