Budget Case Trimmer ?

[Kondor]

I am currently on a budget but looking for a decent case trimmer for resizing my .270 & .303 brass back to what it needs to be, looking for any recommendations thank you fairly new to reloading and specifically handloading , i do have a tumbler i bought on sale a few months back,

 

[woofer2609]

You know, I am just getting into reloading and thought "Damn, now it looks like I have to spend another $150 bucks on a case trimmer." Since then, I have done a fair amount of research and it looks like the Lee Precision hand held trimmers do the job if you aren't trimming 500 cases at a time. Looks to be around $20 set up. I'm getting one this weekend.

 

[Pr589]

Combining the Lee trim system with a drill press ( if you have one) is a fast, economical way to trim. Best bang for your buck out there.

 

[Kryogen]

For low volume budget lee trimmers with a drill cant be beat.
You can even do it by hand if you dont have a drill.

I use their trimmers for really low volume odd calibers, like my father in law 308 norma, i just trim 20 or so, the lee perfectly does it.
For more than 100 consider something else....
To do 3000 223 cases you need at least a giraud tri way on a drill press or you will never be done...

 

[Redblack]

Lee trimmers are the cheapest but it gets old after a while when your processing brass in the 100's. I ended up will a frankford arsenal one and couldn't be happier.

 

[dirtybarry]

Currently having very good success with the Lee Quick Trim die ($12-14) and the deluxe trimmer with the speed knob ($30-40) used on a Lee turret press. The cases are coming out at exactly the right length with nice smooth even chamfering.
One thing that I did learn tonight is to start the cutter turning before seating the case fully into the die and to keeping turning it until there is a noticeable change in resistance. Saves having to deburr the odd case by hand.

The set up that has the shell holder that fits in a drill and uses a guage pin and cutter works but requires a lot more hand work to chamfer the inside and outside of the neck. And honestly, the quick trim set up does a better more consistent job that is far easier on the fingers.

 

[jon1985]

I just ordered a Giraud Tri-Way trimmer for my .223 brass. Good price, very friendly people when you call.

I will use it in a drill in the short term, but may mount it to a motor eventually.

 

[Kryogen]

I have two WFT trimmers.

The 223 one works fine, the 308 one has never worked. (very uneven cases, the trimming chamber is probably crooked or something) Cases look like they come out of a hacksaw.
And then, you have to chamfer and debur...

No time for that, I am ordering two giraud tri-way trimmers, 223 and 308, to be mounted on my drill press.

 

[Barnard308]

I started with a Lee shell holder in my cordless drill and a Lee case trimmer, always worked well for me.

 

[torontogungal]

You can't get cheaper or more consistent than the Lee Case Trimmer.
I polish the case inside and out with a nylon or copper brush and fine steel wool right after the trim using a variable speed electric drill while the case is still in the holder.
If you can't find the arbor for your caliber the Lee Custom Shop will make it for you.

 

[SuperCub]

You can't get cheaper or more consistent than the Lee Case Trimmer.

^^ This ^^ ..... I've used this system for 25yrs. Hold a hand drill in a vice and chuck the shell holder in that. For the avg shooter, it can't be beat. Might want something else it more volume is req'd.

 

[1831tyler]

I also use the Lee case trimmer with a cordless drill. It works great and doesn't take up any space on your bench.

 

[torontogungal]

I've trimmed thousands of cases with the Lee case trimmers and have yet to see a cutting head get dull or wear out.

 

[Kryogen]

I've trimmed thousands of cases with the Lee case trimmers and have yet to see a cutting head get dull or wear out.

When I was processing 223, I noticed that after 400 rounds or so, the "pin" that sets the trim length gets worn down, and it starts to trim cases more and more.

Real good for low volume, not for high volume.

 

[MIRAMICHIER]

Try Little Crow Gunworks finest little trimmer at Brownells.Hook the Mandril in your drill and hold the cartridge it is easy as that and it saves a lot of time.Good Luck

 

[Archer Sam]

Go to a few gun shows. You can pick up used RCBS or Forester trimmers used for as low as $70. Or post a WTB add in the EE.
Scott...

 

[jethunter]

Here is my home built $20 power case trimmer that I've been using for a few years now. http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/845440-20-Power-Trimmer

 

[silverfoxdj]

Try Little Crow Gunworks finest little trimmer at Brownells.Hook the Mandril in your drill and hold the cartridge it is easy as that and it saves a lot of time.Good Luck

^^^ It works pretty well, but I found it a little fussy to adjust..

 

[vrex]

I'm using the Lee Deluxe Power Quick Trim with a cordless drill for .223 and it works quite well. Trims and chamfers inside and outside all in one step right on the press.
About $25 for the Quick Trim cutter and $20 for the case specific dies

 

[Kryogen]

Try Little Crow Gunworks finest little trimmer at Brownells.Hook the Mandril in your drill and hold the cartridge it is easy as that and it saves a lot of time.Good Luck

For almost the same price I would get the giraud tri way trimmer that does the same, plus chamfer and debur at the same time.
Plus, I think that the quality control will be better with giraud vs the wft. I have a wft in 308 that is not usable, it hacksaws the cases...

When I bought mine, the tri way from giraud did not exist.
Now they do, so I have two on order (approx 150$ each in cad shipped)

When I get those I will just sell my wft trimmers on the EE... Might try to send back the defective one for replacement and sell it after it comes back.

With the wft or giraud on a drill press, its a case ready every 3 seconds....