Alex's newbie Q of the day

[Alex]

Hi guys,

I just finished cleaning/resizing my first batch of brass (20). The length for '06 is supposed to be 2.494, I set my case trimmer to 2.494 and trimmed all 20 and deburred them. I then proceeded to measure them; they varied between 2.481 and 2.491.

I figure my case trimmer is getting a little old; the mechanism that holds the base is not that precise (( cases sometime wobble and are tough to align with cutting tool) and there are 4 blades, one of them, I believe is broken off.)

After seeing that I got 5 ''no good" brass and tried again with the same results...

#1: I think the problem is with my trimmer. Would you agree?

#2: Is 0.01" difference something to worry about?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[Boomer]

The variance you have experienced with your trimmed brass is not a reason to be concerned.

 

[guntech]

I figure my case trimmer is getting a little old; the mechanism that holds the base is not that precise (( cases sometime wobble and are tough to align with cutting tool) and there are 4 blades, one of them, I believe is broken off.)

What make of trimmer?

It sounds more like operator error to me...... possibly you were not consistant from case to case in what you were doing.... stating you were having trouble aligning with the cutting tool indicates you might not be familiar with that tool. Stating the base is not that precise and that you believe a blade is broken off....? I don't know how a blade gets broken off..... I have had my Forester Case Trimmer for 46 years aand it is still working fine......

 

[Alex]

What make of trimmer?

I'll check and get back to you on that.

I don't know how a blade gets broken off..... I have had my Forester Case Trimmer for 46 years aand it is still working fine......

The blades look sturdy so I am surprised that one is broken. It could also be made that way... Any hoo I'll post some pics...

Thanks,

Alex

 

[Alex]

Darn! Well here's the problem...

Here's the case trimmer, I'm surprised gunpowder was invented when it was built I bought it from a CGN member. Buyer beware I guess.....

Oh and while I'm at it. Imminent case separation or nothing at all?

Thanks again,

Alex

 

[guntech]

I would buy a new case trimmer....

As far as case separation goes.... your picture shows where it will separate but you can not tell by looking at a case.

If you take a piece of stiff wire and make a point at one end and then bend it 90 degrees, small enough so you can get inside a case with it... then go down to the corresponding area where cases are known to separate and feel inside with the point. If a case has stretched and is weak you will be able to feel the point catch in that area.... all the way around usually... if you find one, cut it open and have a look....