Case Trimers

[zach1234]

So I'm going to buy a case trimmer so i can reload my ammo. I have used a rcbs and it worked good. But i want to see if any of you had one you liked a lot or did not like at all. I'm going try to get a used one to save some cash i think. If you know of a place i could pick one up that would be cool. Thanks for the help.

[wadu1]

Well I have used both the Forster Classic and Lyman Universal. I put the Forster on the shelf three years ago and prefer the Lyman only because I can get all the odd pilots. Like .36 cal for my 9.3. I load .223 to 45-70 and they all fit the Lyman. 

[Hunterman]

I have a case trimer, a RCBS that I've had for years, and don't use it.

Hunterman(Tony)

[JackOfAllTrades]

I've used the same Lyman case trimmer for the last 23 years. I like mine, but it appears that there was a few year run of bad ones so the reputation isn't all that great. Forster= good. RCBS= good.   I like that the Lyman has a place to store all of the pilots right there. I also like the universal case holder. The collet style rings for adjusting the cut depth is also pretty good. There's a powered unit available too. The RCBS requires purchase of different case collets and pilots.

-Steve

[shoot-em-dead]

I have the lynman universal and I don't like it that much because of the inaccuraccy. It does do the job but the cases never come out with the same accuraccy. keep in mind this is the only one I have used.

[carpsniperg2]

rcbs is the case trimmer i use for all my gun but the 50 and i use lee for it.

[Jamieb]

I hate trimming cases but sometimes it has to be done.
I've been using a redding for about ten years, its one of the cheaper trimmers that precise, around $65 I think.

[fremont]

I have the lynman universal and I don't like it that much because of the inaccuraccy. It does do the job but the cases never come out with the same accuraccy. keep in mind this is the only one I have used.

Ditto.  I don't like my Universal very much.

1) When you start trimming cases, I like to do mine in batches.  So, when I'm doing them, I kick myself for not buying a power unit.

2) I just had a relative buy the Lee reloading starter kit (which I think is a great deal).  Anyhow, he got some of their case trimming studs, etc.  Although a bit klugy, I started to see how easy it is with a power drill.

3) I see that Hornady is starting to offer a knock-off of the RCBS Case Prep device but I believe the Hornady one has a built-in trimmer.  Intriguing.

[Curly]

My favorite case trimmer is the Lee Trimmer and they are inexpensive (for about $10, you'll be set for one cartridge).

Just connect to your cordless drill and you'll quickly trim your cases.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/casecon.html

You will need the Cutter and lock stud AND the case length gauge and shellholder.

[AWS]

I use  Redding, Forester, Wilson and Lee case trimmers.  By far my favorite is the Wilson, very easy to set up(no pilots to change).  Second in line is the Lee, it is foolproof.  I use the Lee for odd Ball calibers that I load in small lots.  I keep the Redding and Forester set up for just one cartridge and don't change them.

Link to Wilson (Midway has them considerbly cheaper)  http://www.lewilson.com/productlisting.html

Link to C&H 4D Just like the Wilson  http://www.ch4d.com/  I'll be buying one of these next, the price is very good as they come with one case holder.

AWS

[Jekemi]

So, for the beginner, like myself, why do you need to trim your cases? How many times can you trim the case before you need to throw away the brass? What happens of you don't trim the case? Thanks for your answers in advance.

[Curly]

You need to check the length of your cases to make sure they haven't stretched too much and become too long.  Some cartridges will stretch more than others, so maybe you won't need to trim them if you are shooting a cartridge that isn't too hard on the brass?

If they get too long, the case could get stuck or the pressure in your chamber could be too high.

(Your reloading manual will list the max length of the brass.  You don't want to exceed that length.)

[BPturkeys]

Don't forget to buy a  case length gauge and a double end deburring tool when you buy the trimmer...very important!

[Jekemi]

thanks for your comments, that answers the questions

[Blacklab]

A little late for this game but I'll add  .

As Curley said the Lee trimmer works good and is cheap to purches. I have used one for many years. The problem for me is it's very time consuming and could not keep a consistant trim length but served it's purpose. Last year late in 09 I decided to upgrade to all RCBS power from the trimmer to the chargemaster 1500 and even the prep station. Though it cost some money for me it was worth it. Everything is faster more consistant more importantly accurate and easier on the fingers