Case trimmers - What do you use

[ReverendX]

I use a case trimmer that looks like a pilot bit with a cutter head on a screw driver handle. I inherited it from some old dude. It works fine but is pretty tedious when it comes to trimming multiple cases.


How are the ones that mount on a drill?

What do you more experienced journeyman reloaders use?

 

[prarie_boy]

For precision work I use a LE Wilson case trimmer with the individual case holders and also a Lyman universal. For higher volume loading and varmint work I have a WFT-2 for the different cartridges I use, it works surprisingly well and is very consistent. It indexes off the shoulder and you must FL re size size your brass.

 

[Leatherstocking]

L.E.Wilson for me. Precise.
Also have the Lee trimmer. Fast. This might be of interest, Reverend.

 

[mactroneng]

I have the motorized RCBS Trim-Pro 2, still only one case at a time but it's pretty quick to swap cases and if you make yourself a set of length gauges from one of each case you trim, swapping the machine between case types is pretty damn quick too.

 

[Rod B]

I have an older RCBS trimmer & a Little Crow Gun Works trimmer for my 6BR. I also have a Lee trimmer for when I just have a few cases to trim

 

[Snider shooter]

I have a couple of Lyman trimmers. I bought the extra shaft so it could be attached to my cordless drill. Works well enough for what I want. I tried ordering more pilots for different calibers but was told over a month wait. I bought a lathe and started making my own pilots. I have a few odd ball calibers so would have need them custom made anyway. The second trimmer is set up for neck turning. One of the trimmers is over 30 years out and still going. Bearings have been replaced once after many thousands of cases trimmed.

 

[huntingfamily]

LE Wilson / Sinclair trimmer for me as well...

 

[nowarningshot]

Have a lyman and rcbs hand trimmer. LE Wilson with about 6 different holders....nice thing is one holder needed per family....ie: 308 parent, 3006 parent, 2.5" magnum...erltc

Bought a Frankford arsenal trimmer case centre, but have yet to use it.

 

[kthomas]

Giraud.

 

[Mean Steak]

“Worlds Finest trimmer” for a bunch of calibers like .308, .223, .338 Lapua, 7.62x54r and then 6.5 Creedmoor
Then for all other calibers I have a Lyman universal.
I do like the WFT as they are fast and easy, the wife timed me once and I trimmed 100 .223 cases in 15 minutes!
Well worth the money!

 

[iron cat]

I have used a mess of them over the years, and have settled on the Lee lock stud and shell holder system, chucked in a drill press. fast, easy, inexpensive and uniform.
Cat

 

[PPCLI-Jim]

There was a guy selling WFT copies with interchangeable sizes. I picked one up for a batch of 7.62x39 i was converting to 6.5 Grendel, and boy it works well. I have since contacted him and gotten a bunch of follow on sizes for other calibers.


https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2116269-3D-Printed-Drill-Powered-Case-Trimmer-Similar-to-WFT-Plus-Cut-Off-Saw-Trim-Jig?highlight=wft

 

[Potashminer]

I guess that I am x2 with iron cat - the Lee system - case gauge and shell holder for more than a dozen cartridges on hand, then three (?) spinner studs and cutters on hand. The chamfer tool says "Made for RCBS - By L.E. Wilson" - chamfer tool to put the inner and outer chamfer, while case is still in the spinner stud in the drill chuck. I use mine in a 3/8" battery drill on work bench, not in a drill press - the drill stands upright on its battery when I let go of it.

 

[257Wby]

L.E. Wilson/ Sinclair for precision.
Henderson for processing large batches. From the results I am seeing , my Henderson will be taking over the majority of my trimming needs.

 

[Munkey1973]

For precision/FTR, I use the 3 way trimming assembly for my existing 21st Century Shooting Neck turning lathe.
Because the 21st trimmer spins the case on drive shaft that is equipped with a u-joint, you are guaranteed to have a case mouth that is squared to the base.

I use a RCBS 3 way for everything else.

 

[209jones]

I started with a Forster, acquired a cartridge that I probably only needed a long bed to make work for it. Too big of a hurry to wait, so picked up a Hornady trimmer. Then I decided I wanted an all in one trimmer/prep ctr, grabbed a Hornady. Saw a deal on a motorised RCBS trimpro2, bought that too. I have no issue with the old Forster, not really any with the Hornady lathe style either, I have a 3way cutter for the Forster, can put RCBS 3 way on the Hornady. The Hornady trim/prep ctr is not very accurate on doing the trimming, it's a fussy ##### some days, prep side works fine. Haven't done a whole bunch on the Trimpro2 yet, not sure I like the universal jaws yet. With all that, I could have picked up a Giraud or Henderson and necc adaptors. At the time I was looking at the trim/prep ctr, there were a few adaptors or cutters I'd have to have custom built for cartridges I had, looked at Wilson, Henderson and Giraud, they all needed too many extras for me one way or the other. Also looked at the FA trim/prep ctr, didn't like the way it setup to change cartridges, and it didn't do all I had either.
For guy starting out, an RCBS or Lyman prep ctr with a Lee adaptor, which fits both units, for the Lee cutters would be adequate and practical.

 

[dead meat]

I used a Forster trimmer for 35 years, still have it. A few years ago i picked up a Frankfort Arsenal power trimmer for doing large batches. Love the FA unit.

 

[guy329]

I use a Frankfort Arsenal power trimmer, with a carbide upgrade. Very accurate and repeatable. The same unit deburs inside and out.

 

[kjohn]

I've only ever used a LEE setup, powered by a battery operated drill. Works just fine for me.

 

[jethunter]

I use a Lyman trimmer and Lee trimmers.

For some case conversions that need substantial case trimming I us a home made attachment on a drill press with Lee cutter. Some pics here: $20 Power Trimmer (canadiangunnutz.com)