Best inexpensive case trimming set-ups

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Duke878

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Total newbie to reloading. Id like to see everyones set-ups for case trimming. I know there are many systems out there (from commercial to home made) that are relatively inexpensive. I KNOW this is everyones least liked part of the reloading process, but im sure we can help eachother out (esp us newbs) by sharing out set-ups.

Many thanks!

Please post pics, description and components used.
 
Duke878 said:
Total newbie to reloading. Id like to see everyones set-ups for case trimming. I know there are many systems out there (from commercial to home made) that are relatively inexpensive. I KNOW this is everyones least liked part of the reloading process, but im sure we can help eachother out (esp us newbs) by sharing out set-ups.

Many thanks!

Please post pics, description and components used.
Click to expand...

One word: Lee
 
right now, I am using a possum hollow trimmer in my drill press, with their power adapter. Run the drill press @ high speed, cuts down on chamfering required. I use this for .223 and .308, where I am doing thousands upon thousands of rounds. possum hollow trimmer and adapter will set you back about $50 or 60 shipped.
 
I started with the Lee trimmer almost 20yrs ago. It was a cheap way to get started and I thought I would upgrade later. Never did upgrade as it works so well. I put an electric drill into a padded vice and use it that way.


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The Lee trimmer system is the cheapest and perhaps the most frustrating commercial trimmer to use. If you chuck the cartridge holder stem into a hand drill, it can take some fooling around to get the cartridge case to spin true. Then the uniformity of your work is very dependent upon the input of the user, just a little more or a little less pressure on the cutter has a significant impact on the trimmed length. Sometimes achieving concentric case mouths can be challenging as well probably due to the undersized pilot rod. Still, once you get onto it, the Lee trimmer does alright, and it is inexpensive and quick to use compared to lathe style trimmers.
 
Boomer said:
If you chuck the cartridge holder stem into a hand drill, it can take some fooling around to get the cartridge case to spin true. Then the uniformity of your work is very dependent upon the input of the user
Click to expand...

If you put the drill in a vise or fix it stationary somehow and chuck the cutter assembly instead of the shell holder it's not as much of a PITA as the drill can be left running. Just hold the the shell holder in your hand and rotate slowly to get a nice square cut. Not sure how this would work with the larger calibers as I only use the Lee with 223, Wilson for everything else.
 
Boomer said:
The Lee trimmer system is the cheapest and perhaps the most frustrating commercial trimmer to use. If you chuck the cartridge holder stem into a hand drill, it can take some fooling around to get the cartridge case to spin true. Then the uniformity of your work is very dependent upon the input of the user, just a little more or a little less pressure on the cutter has a significant impact on the trimmed length. Sometimes achieving concentric case mouths can be challenging as well probably due to the undersized pilot rod. Still, once you get onto it, the Lee trimmer does alright, and it is inexpensive and quick to use compared to lathe style trimmers.
Click to expand...

I also find the lee a pain in the ass for that reason. I trim just as quick on my forster lathe and then I know everything is running true.

I have to admit you cant beat the Lee trimmers for price and ease of use (I do still use them from time to time)
 
Lee. In a drill. I prefer not to clean up the case mouth/chamfer using the drill for fear of cutting the case down further, so I relegate that chore to the hands.

Lee. 'nuff said.
 
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