lyman un-accutrimmer

antlery

antlery

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Hi guys. Im having some problems with my lyman accu trimmer. For starters, I cant seem to get a consistent case length. Yes, everything is tight and free from lube. Yet I'm still getting cases varying in length by .006"

Secondly, it doesnt seem to trim very square. For example, when I put a case in the shell holder and tighten it down, the case opening does not perfectly line up with the trimmer pilot. So I have to leave the case loose, slide the trimmer in to place, and then tighten the case with the pilot in the case mouth. This mis-alignment results in a case opening that is not square and can be out .0005 - .0020" from one side of the case to the other.

I have not been reloading very long, maybe this is normal? Or my expectations for accuracy is unreasonable? Any input is appreciated.
 
I also use Lyman Trimmer, but no issues. All my rifle cases are trimmed perfect in length. Maybe your unit has some misalignment problem. There is a tolerance for rifle cases per loading manuals. If you cut them slightly shorter like 0.002", it's fine, once you shoot the round then it'll get slightly longer.

I have noticed using a digital caliper on new factory Rifle Brass different lengths, not all perfectly the same.
 
I had one many years ago. Junk. Sold it and went to a Forster. I wouldn't buy another accutrimmer if they only cost a buck.
 
If you need to do many of one case, look into the Worlds Finest Trimmer.

I bought one for prepping .308 for my M-305 and it's been great
 
Holleyman said:
I was having similar issues, not cutting square and inconsistent case length.
I fixed to by going to Lee trimmers.
Click to expand...


The same story here. Lyman Accutrimmer described in one word: FRUSTRATING

I sold it at a garage sale for $20 and never regretted selling it - chalk one up to learning the hard way!

I now use the Lee Quick Trim System (after some initial problems relating to a out-of-spec cutter head)
 
K-C said:
The same story here. Lyman Accutrimmer described in one word: FRUSTRATING

I sold it at a garage sale for $20 and never regretted selling it - chalk one up to learning the hard way!

I now use the Lee Quick Trim System (after some initial problems relating to a out-of-spec cutter head)
Click to expand...


Ok, well effective immediately I am discontinuing use of the Lyman... Maybe I will call their customer service...
I was looking at the deluxe lee quick trimmer. Seems pretty affordable seeing as I am only trimming one calibre. I'm assuming these will work on a RCBS press?
 
I had the same issue. I remedied it by guiding the primer pocket onto the nub inside the shell holder while tightening it. Made it more consistent and the casings lined up centred.
 
mine works fine. you arent supposed to tighten the case in the shell holder till youve moved the case over the pilot. the pilot lines up the case it cant line up by screwing the cartridge base tight to the top of the shell holder. the set screw settings arent a good system but i dont know if other trimmers are any better i never tried them. i dont see how you can get significant length difference if you have a good feel for when its done cutting.
 
Wilson trimmers from Sinclair work good. Inexpensive, precise, and compact. Use mine for cleaning up rim irregularities on Win and Rem bulk brass. CH-4D make a similar trimmer, it's listed on their website.
 
K-C said:
The same story here. Lyman Accutrimmer described in one word: FRUSTRATING

I sold it at a garage sale for $20 and never regretted selling it - chalk one up to learning the hard way!

I now use the Lee Quick Trim System (after some initial problems relating to a out-of-spec cutter head)
Click to expand...

I've been very curious about the LEE quick trim as well. Trim and chamfer all at once....nice.
 
Ive got one and havent had any problems with getting the same length, just got to make sure your stop is tight enough not to move, mine always ends up .001-.002 max difference but that could just be my measurement error.
 
antlery

I have the Lyman universal case trimmer I bought in 1974 and there a big difference in the jaws that hold the case. When my jaws close they "pull" the case to the rear against a fixed point, your jaws "push" the case forward and stops on the inside of the rim. Therefore variations in rim thickness and any dings in the rim can cause trimming errors. When I use my Lyman trimmer I loosen the jaws and let the case slightly rotate once or twice while trimming to take care of these type irregularities. Your type trimmer is even worse with cases fired in semi-autos that chew up the rim but work fine with cases without any rim damage or irregularities. And remember many of these cheaper case trimmers use the same clamping method and you get what you pay for.

I also have the Worlds Finest Trimer like silverfoxdj and it indexes off the shoulder and will also give variations in case length due to shoulder location caused by brass spring back after sizing.

Read the directions again and only tighten the T-handle enough to keep the case from spinning. If your not a benchrest shooter you have .010 between min and max case length and as long as you are not crimping your bullets it should not be a problem.
NOTE: Measure your once fired factory loaded cases for length and you will see what I mean, they are all over the place and they all went bang.

Below my 40 year old Lyman Universal trimmer and my Lee cheap bastards backup trimmer which I have for all my cases I reload for. The only problem I had with my Lyman trimmer was worn set screws that hold the adjustment on the shaft and a worn cutter which were replaced and I'm good for another 200,000 miles. (don't forget to change your oil) ;)

trimmers_zps3471139a.jpg
 
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