case trimmer

[shoot-em-dead]

I bought a Lyman case trimmer because it was about $20 cheaper than the rcbs. I'm having trouble with it cutting to a constant size. It can very .009 so I'm measuring every case. Do I have to toss the ones that get cut too short? So far the short ones are 1.900 and the book says that they should be trimmed to 1.902. I have the trimmer set at 1.905 but it varies a lot. This is for a 22-250 round. Also would I have better success with rcbs? I thank you in advance.

[Jamieb]

If this is the one I'm thinking it is, (hand crank) then slow down and try to be more consistent on the pressure, there's a "feel" you'll pick up. Speed will come but consistency first. Or, put a case in and push hard while trimming, this case will be as short as your going to get one where the trimmer is set at that time. Set your trimmer up this way and push hard, trimming every case.

BTW, I HATE TRIMMING BRASS

[jmkuhlman]

I do as well, and I'm looking at getting an electric trimmer. 

One trick on short brass is to run it back through the resizing die.  This will stretch the brass back out a few .001s.  Especially if you push hard as Jamieb mentions.  It's a pain, but you will get better consistency with the pressure. 

I do not try to trim to the exact length either.  I generally target a few .001s longer.  I have also used short brass and not had any problems.  When I say short, I'm talking .002 or .003 less than the trim to length.     

 

[Crisptrigr]

Don't throw away your shorter cases they're still usable. Some shooters usually (I'm one) trim a few thousandths short of specs, this will buy you a few more shots before you have trim again depending on caliber.