I'm looking for a case trimmer. What do you guys recommend? Experience?
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Lots of choices and much of it is a matter of preference and budget. Powers trimmers (either with their own motor or using a power drill) are nice for volume trimming. At the high end there are systems like the Giraud Trimmer which processes batches of brass on its own. Most of the powered systems require you to process brass one-by-one. These include the RCBS system, Frankford Arsenal Platinum, Lyman, etc. Some are lathes type trimmers and others are prep centers with various spinning case prep tools.
There are also the trim systems that attach to a drill (press or hand drill). These include the World's Finest Trimmer from Little Crow and the Lee trim system.
The Giraud is on the high end ($500+) and the Lee is on the low end of the cost spectrum (~$20). There are also trim systems that attach to presses - in particular to the Dillon 650 and I think the 1050.
I use the Lee system as well as lathe type systems from Sinclair and RCBS. I'm thinking of upgrading to something that trims, chamfers and deburrs at the same time.
There are also the trim systems that attach to a drill (press or hand drill). These include the World's Finest Trimmer from Little Crow and the Lee trim system.
The Giraud is on the high end ($500+) and the Lee is on the low end of the cost spectrum (~$20). There are also trim systems that attach to presses - in particular to the Dillon 650 and I think the 1050.
I use the Lee system as well as lathe type systems from Sinclair and RCBS. I'm thinking of upgrading to something that trims, chamfers and deburrs at the same time.
I don't hand load for pistol, only rifle. I initially had a Wilson stainless micrometer trimmer which was very accurate but slow and you had to chamfer and debur after. I ended up getting a Giraud Powered case trimmer which trims, chamfers and deburs at once, very accurately as well. It does not process brass on its own though, you do it one piece of brass at a time but takes about 2 secs per case. The Giraud Annealer does, load up the hopper and away you go. The Giraud trimmer is one of those buy once cry once things but after I got it I wished I had bought it sooner.
Pistol cases are straight walled usually. I don't trim anybof my pistol brass cases.
For rifle, using a Lee case gauge. Also bought a Lyman universal trimmer with carbide tip. If you are going to hand load, I recommend case gauges to ensure brass is back to SAAMI spec.
For rifle, using a Lee case gauge. Also bought a Lyman universal trimmer with carbide tip. If you are going to hand load, I recommend case gauges to ensure brass is back to SAAMI spec.
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
You will have to trim 357 and 44 brass: I shoot and reload those and usually trim every load so the roll crimp is uniform. I only used to use the Lee trimmer system for these, but I like the increased speed of the Hornady LNL I also use now. (once it's set to the correct length)
Trimming pistol cases is a very important step in reliable, consistent and safe ammunition reloading.
As a matter of fact in pistols in 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 ACP etc. if the cases are too long you will not be able to chamber or fire the round, c'mon guys these are basic hand loading principles don't give advice if you don't have the knowledge people can get hurt with this unsafe advice.
For those that promote/encourage the no trim responses, me say I don't think so!
IMHO
bb
As a matter of fact in pistols in 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 ACP etc. if the cases are too long you will not be able to chamber or fire the round, c'mon guys these are basic hand loading principles don't give advice if you don't have the knowledge people can get hurt with this unsafe advice.
For those that promote/encourage the no trim responses, me say I don't think so!
IMHO
bb
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I don't know of anyone who's had to trim .45ACP.
Also - no on is saying 'you don't need to trim cases during reloading!' They're saying with straight walled pistol cases, you're unlikely to need to trim. Obviously reloaders will still VERIFY the length is still to spec, but it's likely you'll need to trim them before 5+ reloads.
Oh and carbide dies are a MUST.
Also - no on is saying 'you don't need to trim cases during reloading!' They're saying with straight walled pistol cases, you're unlikely to need to trim. Obviously reloaders will still VERIFY the length is still to spec, but it's likely you'll need to trim them before 5+ reloads.
Oh and carbide dies are a MUST.
I don't know of anyone who's had to trim .45ACP.
Also - no on is saying 'you don't need to trim cases during reloading!' They're saying with straight walled pistol cases, you're unlikely to need to trim. Obviously reloaders will still VERIFY the length is still to spec, but it's likely you'll need to trim them before 5+ reloads.
Oh and carbide dies are a MUST.
I agree. Yes many straight walled pistol cases need to be of a specified length for both headspacing and for consistent crimping but in 8,000+ rounds of 9 mm I've not found the need to trim a single cartridge. Same for 45 ACP.
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
I like the trimmer, but the extra speed comes with quite a higher initial cost.
The trimmer comes with a few pilots, but I don't remember off the top of my head which ones: It's listed on their webpage. Anyway, you might need to buy the correct size pilot if it isn't one of the popular that comes with the trimmer. Case holders are the same as those used on the reloading press: However there are two different sized holes in the holders and the Hornady case trimmer requires those with the larger hole. If you don't have the correct rim and the large primer hole in the shell holder, you will need to purchase those for the calibers you intend on trimming.
