Anyone using the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer?

Suther

Suther

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Just came across the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer, and I'm looking for opinions from others.

https://www.hirschprecision.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=100_305&products_id=4801

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Anyone try this? What did you think? Is it faster and/or easier than using Lee case length gauges and cutter?

It looks like setting it up takes a bit of time compared to the Lee system, but once its dialed in you can rip through cases real fast.

Thanks!
 
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I have one… try using it, unfortunately I can’t seem to be able to make it consistent, I tried a bunch of things and there is always quite a bit of variation in the trimmed brass! I wouldn’t buy an other one that is for sure!
 
sixp5 said:
I have had the same problem, I use mine mostly for chamfering and primer pocket cleaning.

I use a Dillon for trimming.
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I feel like you might be referencing a different product? This isn't the case prep center/stand alone unit, its a trimmer that goes in a drill. Added a pic to the OP so people are clear on what I'm talking about.
 
I have 2 though recently upgraded to the frankford trim center. I love them. The trick is to ensure your sizing operation is as good as possible as they index off the shoulder and it does work. Also make sure the collect that centers the case is fairly snug so there is no wobble. I’m actually selling mine now because I moved to the full trim Centre. I had bought 2 to minimize time to change cartridges though I never used one because it doesn’t take long at all to change cartridges. There are adapters some people make so you can trim straight wall cartridges as that is the only downfall I have found so far.
 
Purchased one about two weeks ago and have ran about 200 cases through it. So far its been bang-on consistent and would recommend. As Kyndrick mentioned, you need to make sure the collett is seated properly and everything is locked in tight.
 
I found the simple LEE case length trimmers and de-burring tool, idiot proof for this idiot.
I sit in the family room, watching TV, with a lot of brass that has been de-primed only, (not resized), with something in the lap to catch the trimmings.
Mostly straight wall stuff for CAS and related now: .45 Colt; .45 Cowboy Special; .45 ACP; .45-70; 9mm and .38/.357
 
Have one, not consistent enough for the precision game.
Bought a Lyman xpress trimmer. Fast, consistent, well built, super easy to use. Only wish it had a 3 way cutter to chamfer and de-burr all at once
 
The Cold Lake Kid said:
I found the simple LEE case length trimmers and de-burring tool, idiot proof for this idiot.
I sit in the family room, watching TV, with a lot of brass that has been de-primed only, (not resized), with something in the lap to catch the trimmings.
Mostly straight wall stuff for CAS and related now: .45 Colt; .45 Cowboy Special; .45 ACP; .45-70; 9mm and .38/.357
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My problem with the Lee system is the lock stud. I find the cases often slip if I'm just making it hand tight and having to use pliers for every case is annoying.

I've heard the 3 jaw chuck is better but I haven't found one locally to try and don't want to spend $60 after shipping on one.

Also doesn't sizing lengthen cases, I've always read that you should trim after sizing not before? (Although I don't shoot straight wall stuff, maybe it's different from bottle neck?)
 
Mine is for sale, all parts are in, boxe and paper work! $100 plus shipping, you save yourself the tax and some! It is nearly new less than 50 brass through it!!
 
Suther said:
My problem with the Lee system is the lock stud. I find the cases often slip if I'm just making it hand tight and having to use pliers for every case is annoying.

I've heard the 3 jaw chuck is better but I haven't found one locally to try and don't want to spend $60 after shipping on one.

Also doesn't sizing lengthen cases, I've always read that you should trim after sizing not before? (Although I don't shoot straight wall stuff, maybe it's different from bottle neck?)
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I rarely have an issue with the brass slipping in the shell holder using the Lee's. Could you be pushing too hard?
I only finger tighten the cases in the shell holder and they are normally firm enough in place for a couple of quick turns of the trimmer.

I only trim and deburr new brass and brass I have used for a while, that start to show signs of lengthening.
The used brass, I intend to trim and deburr, I only deprime with a LEE Universal Deprimer, (that doesn't resize and deprimes only)
The resizing process with my RCBS dies makes the necks of the cases too narrow to get the LEE Case Length Trimmer into them.
I have noticed that happening with all the types and makes of brass I load: .45 Colt;.45 Cowboy Spl;.45-70; .45 ACP; 9mm; .38 Spl/.357M
FYI, I always trim/deburr and resize my new straight wall brass. I found if I didn't, the case mouth was too large for the bullet.

Not shooting much .30-06 or .338WM or any necked cartridge, anymore, due to bad knees and age, screwing up my ability to hunt.
 
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Suther said:
My problem with the Lee system is the lock stud. I find the cases often slip if I'm just making it hand tight and having to use pliers for every case is annoying.

I've heard the 3 jaw chuck is better but I haven't found one locally to try and don't want to spend $60 after shipping on one.

Also doesn't sizing lengthen cases, I've always read that you should trim after sizing not before? (Although I don't shoot straight wall stuff, maybe it's different from bottle neck?)
Click to expand...

From what I've seen and read on here is that some haven't even mastered to reload a 9.3 properly.

They wonder around giving advice on here but have no skill to do it, beakin' off...
 
I have one, it works. As consistent as your brass resizing technique, since it indexes off shoulder. Not super concentric though for whatever reason but quick second pass makes it good and square. Cutter could have been better though, but rcbs makes a better replacement.
 
I haven't played with any of the drill mtd cutters, have not researched if any cut 3way, maybe the Giraud?. But, I got to the point where 3 way cutters are req'd, in which case you either have to use a tumbler or a case prep ctr to clean primer pockets. Can't really win on them, the FA is the only one other than Hornady that can do it all, and the Hornady case prep/trim ctr is a fail on the trim side, and I didn't like the way the FA caseprep/trim ctr setup for cartridge changes either. The 3way cutters and a cheap prep ctr like the FA w/o the trimmer, beats any handtools all day long.
 
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