Some dumb questions on case trimming

But I'll ask anyway. :D :runaway:

Ok, I need a case trimmer and I'm not sure what to buy! :eek:

I was thinking of the Lee case trimmer but it looks like it needs a Case Length Gauge (Pilot) and shell holder for each caliber. Not sure if I need all their case length gauges as I already have a case length gauge? I already have dies on hand for 15 different calibers and all the shell holders needed for both the Lee-auto prime and RCBS press.

So what's the best way to go? Thanks. :)
 
I use the LEE system whenever the calibre is available. They work great, you need one cutter and base. THe shellholder comes with the length guage, I use an electric drill.

It is much simpler than resetting a trimmer like the RCBS or lyman. I use the
lyman unversal for cartidges I can't get the lee ones for.
 
I use the lee system as well but use the lee zip trim power head. I have an RCBS manual trimmer with the three way cutter head, its just to time consuming to set for each cal.
:)
 
Thanks very much guys. I think I'll go with the Lee system for now. They seem to have all the case length Gauges and shellholder sizes I need at the moment. Which is....

22 Hornet 90111
222 REM 90113
223 REM 90114
243 WIN 90119
6.5 x 55 Mauser 90126
270 WIN 90128
7 x 57 Mauser 90130
7.62 x 54 Russian 90147
30/30 WIN 90136
308 WIN 90139
30/06 Springfield 90140
303 British 90144
8 x 57 Mauser 90148
338 WIN MAG 90149
375 H&H 90164
44 MAG 90161
 
The Lyman Universal trimmer needs different pilots too, right? which mean you may need to acquire different pilots later on if you need them? Or it already comes with all the pilots it needs so that there is no subsequent purchase? I assume you trim cases with this tool with your own discretion, because it lacks of the case length gauges?
 
The Lyman Universal trimmer needs different pilots too, right? which mean you may need to acquire different pilots later on if you need them? Or it already comes with all the pilots it needs so that there is no subsequent purchase? I assume you trim cases with this tool with your own discretion, because it lacks of the case length gauges?

It comes with 9 pilots, but you need a set of calipers too.
 
I use the Lee trimmers but without the base. I chuck the trimmer in my drill press and hold the case in my fingers while bringing the cutter down with the case sitting on a sheet of steel. I works well, is fast and is inexpensive (if you already have a drill press).

I also use the drill press to remove primer pocket crimps using a countersink.

Run the drill press at a low speed for both operations.
 
Thanks very much guys. I think I'll go with the Lee system for now. They seem to have all the case length Gauges and shellholder sizes I need at the moment. Which is....

22 Hornet 90111
222 REM 90113
223 REM 90114
243 WIN 90119
6.5 x 55 Mauser 90126
270 WIN 90128
7 x 57 Mauser 90130
7.62 x 54 Russian 90147
30/30 WIN 90136
308 WIN 90139
30/06 Springfield 90140
303 British 90144
8 x 57 Mauser 90148
338 WIN MAG 90149
375 H&H 90164
44 MAG 90161

And for the 300 Remington Ultramag you would buy the Lee 300 H & H case length gauge and shell holder.
 
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