Trim dies, who is using them?

Remmy700

Remmy700

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So after a bit of a hiatus I’m back into the reloading game. I’ve upgraded a few pieces of equipment to help streamline the process and I’m thing a trim die might save me some time on the trimmer.

Who’s using what and what pro/cons can you share
 
I use the Lee ones for .38spl, .357mag, .44spl, .44mag, .45 Colt, .223rem, 6.5CM, 6.5x47L, and .308win. They work very well. They cut inside and outside the neck and give the proper angles for each cut. I used to have a Giraud. Got rid of it because these work so well for me. They are fast too.

The cutting surface seems to stay sharp forever. I have yet to replace even one of them and I have used them for about 2 years now.

I must say that trimming is the least favorite of my reloading activities. When I found trim dies, it changed that for me. I really don't mind trimming now. I use them in a Lee turret press. And of course, proper measuring is paramount to not trim too much off.

Please don't flame me. To each their own. If some people have their own ways of trimming, good for them. This works for me.
 
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Not flaming you, 6MT, but what you describe is not how a trim die works - I think - RCBS ones look sort of like a sizing die - top surface very hard - run case up into it - use hacksaw or file to cut off whatever protrudes - why the top face made so hard - so that saw teeth or file do not wear it down. Likely "older school" system - before the trimmers were very common, but not certain about that.
 
Never used a trim die. Used a Forster for years and still use it occasionally, my main cutter if doing more than 40 is a Frankford Arsenal unit.
 
Potashminer said:
Not flaming you, 6MT, but what you describe is not how a trim die works - I think - RCBS ones look sort of like a sizing die - top surface very hard - run case up into it - use hacksaw or file to cut off whatever protrudes - why the top face made so hard - so that saw teeth or file do not wear it down. Likely "older school" system - before the trimmers were very common, but not certain about that.
Click to expand...

I think the RCBS Lee trim dies are quite different from the LEE ones. The LEE ones take a LEE trimmer tool (https://leeprecision.com/case-conditioning-tools/case-trimming-tools/) and are used to trim cases to length.

I just bought a 7mm08 Quick Trim die because it was on clearance for $0.97 at Cabelas locally and I'm a sucker for anything 95% off. Might even get the cutter and give it a go one of these days... lol

OP Are you talking about LEE Quick Trim dies, RCBS Trim dies, or something else entirely?
 
Lee case length gauge works pretty simple.
Had a CT electric screw driver jig that fit the holder end and zoom zoom the brass
over a garbage can.
Hard to mess up too badly.
 
kamlooky said:
Lee case length gauge works pretty simple.
Had a CT electric screw driver jig that fit the holder end and zoom zoom the brass
over a garbage can.
Hard to mess up too badly.
Click to expand...

Is pretty much all that I use these days - there are multiple here - I set up the spinner stud in battery drill - resize lubed case - case into spinner - gauge with cutter to length, chamfer inside and out with RCBS (?) tool - maybe tool by Wilson for RCBS (?) - then wipe with rag that is damp with water to remove RCBS Case Lube II - on to next one. Likely takes longer to type out than to do it. When I was using a lathe type trimmer, found I could take a LOT of time to get set to same length as last batch of that cartridge - likely did not matter, really, for the type of shooting that I did - but sort of "bugged me" how challenging to get these the same as those. With the case gauge, no measuring - just go - about no difference this batch, to batches I did some years ago.
 
Is a bit odd - I googled "trim die" - apparently is several - Whidden Gunworks makes a "Trim Die" for a Dillon case trimer? Lee Quick Trim Die. RCBS Trim Die. Redding Trim Die. Is apparently multiple of them, using same or similar name ...
 
IMHO, trim dies work OK if you don't have anything better.

They will get the job done, but the case mouths need a lot of prep after they're trimmed.

Yomamma is doing the best next best option of motorizing his hand turned trimmer by taking off the crank lever and chucking up a hand drill to the shaft of his manual case trimmer.

The next best option after this is a factory motorized case trimmer or a lathe.

If you are only trimming a few cases, say less than 50, IMHO it isn't worth the expense of tooling up beyond the file and die method of trimming cases.
 
There is no further work needed with LEE quick trim dies. That is the point... They quickly and consistently trim the brass. If you are having to do any further prep work, let alone "a lot" you need to figure out what you are screwing up in the rather simple process.

My only real complaint is that the cutter can need significant changes done for certain cartridges like .300BLK and .454. I destroyed some brass with each before finding out through a rather unreasonable amount of searching that for whatever reason the cutter isn't just outright suitable for them. It would take such a big bite immediately as to destroy the case..?

By changing certain components in the cutter assembly I was able to use it as I would for the dozen other cartridges I was already having no trouble with.

I would imagine there are others that present the same or different problems as well. I have moved away from them a long time ago so it's moot for me.
 
I have a RCBS file trim die for 45/70 I bought in 1980, it’s my favourite way of trimming, especially for the 45/70.
 
I’m more less asking Lee’s gauge/cutter on a cordless, lyman case trimmer w/adapter for drill, something that speeds up the slow manual way. I’m looking to produce “quantity” vs “quality” range ammo.

I to fell sucker to the $0.97 Lee gauge/cutter at cabelas and although they work fine I have a injury that haunts me and the shell holder twisting irritates it, the 1/4 turn to lock the case in the lyman is much preferable. I also had a hell of a time initially getting the 357 gauge to seat, turns out it’s a common problem as they heat treat the cutter after the threads are cut.

I’m heavily leaning towards the adapter shaft for my lyman trimmer.
 
bunny said:
I have a RCBS file trim die for 45/70 I bought in 1980, it’s my favourite way of trimming, especially for the 45/70.
Click to expand...

Gartzs a few like this, but did 'nuff filing in me days awf yore.

Seen a gizmo thing with pilots owt the frunt.
Not sure iff'in it t'wuzz RCBS, but kewl look'in thing.

More reesearch izz in order.
 
Remmy700 said:
I’m more less asking Lee’s gauge/cutter on a cordless, lyman case trimmer w/adapter for drill, something that speeds up the slow manual way. I’m looking to produce “quantity” vs “quality” range ammo.

I to fell sucker to the $0.97 Lee gauge/cutter at cabelas and although they work fine I have a injury that haunts me and the shell holder twisting irritates it, the 1/4 turn to lock the case in the lyman is much preferable. I also had a hell of a time initially getting the 357 gauge to seat, turns out it’s a common problem as they heat treat the cutter after the threads are cut.

I’m heavily leaning towards the adapter shaft for my lyman trimmer.
Click to expand...

Lee has a "3 jaw chuck" that I have been told is much easier than the shell holder that comes with the Lee case length gauges. Looks pretty slick but I haven't gotten around to trying one yet.

The cutter with ball grip is a nice addition to the kit too.
 
Potashminer said:
Not flaming you, 6MT, but what you describe is not how a trim die works - I think - RCBS ones look sort of like a sizing die - top surface very hard - run case up into it - use hacksaw or file to cut off whatever protrudes - why the top face made so hard - so that saw teeth or file do not wear it down. Likely "older school" system - before the trimmers were very common, but not certain about that.
Click to expand...

They are Lee Quick Trim dies. I use the manual hand crank.

40-F06-A93-38-E2-477-E-9169-692-E5-B29835-F.jpg


Here is the cutter head.

BC55147-B-925-F-4-A10-8032-9-F9064-DC0-D48.jpg


This…

B said:
There is no further work needed with LEE quick trim dies. That is the point... They quickly and consistently trim the brass. If you are having to do any further prep work, let alone "a lot" you need to figure out what you are screwing up in the rather simple process.
Click to expand...

I’ve never had any problems with the calibers I trim with it.

bearhunter said:
IMHO, trim dies work OK if you don't have anything better.

They will get the job done, but the case mouths need a lot of prep after they're trimmed.
Click to expand...

And I have never needed to do anything after using these quick trim dies. I think the secret is patience and a light touch. As I mentioned in my first post, I sold a Giraud power trimmer. IMHO, this works as well or better. And I don’t need to buy all the different accessories to make it work for all the calibers I load for.

To each their own.
 
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I have not. But I do have one, still in the package. Why fix something that’s not broken? The hand crank works very well for me.

And as far as the shavings go, I have the vacume at the ready every time.
 
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