Trimmer

bigtuna81

bigtuna81

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Well I need to buy one last piece of equipment to complete my reloading setup, and that's a case trimmer. Is there any advantage to one over another. I will mostly be reloading rifle cartridges for hunting and at the range but nothing competitive. I have mostly new or slightly used hornady and rcbs stuff with no brand preference of any kind. I don't mind buying used but lots always mention missing pilots. Are these easy to replace? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to move this summer into our new home and get everything set up

Thanks
Tuna
 
I have the Wilson case trimmer and I've been really happy with it. Pretty much can't be beat for it's ability to trim the case square. I turn the handle by hand, but if you want to spend a lot of money you can get some super fast, high quality trimmers, like a Giraud trimmer.
 
If you aren't too worried about consistency and accuracy the Lee case trimmer is very inexpensive and fast if you get the drill attachment for your shell holder.

I have since moved to a lathe type just to squeeze every bit out of my brass for accuracy, not really needed for your application unless you wanna move into more accurate shooting.
 
SouthPaw700 said:
I have the Wilson case trimmer and I've been really happy with it. Pretty much can't be beat for it's ability to trim the case square. I turn the handle by hand, but if you want to spend a lot of money you can get some super fast, high quality trimmers, like a Giraud trimmer.
Click to expand...

Who in Canada has shell holders for the Wilsons?
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
If you aren't too worried about consistency and accuracy the Lee case trimmer is very inexpensive and fast if you get the drill attachment for your shell holder.

I have since moved to a lathe type just to squeeze every bit out of my brass for accuracy, not really needed for your application unless you wanna move into more accurate shooting.
Click to expand...

Why would you suggest a problem with consistency and accuracy with the Lee case trimmer? It is a steel rod that is fixed in length.
I have the Hornady trimmer and I find it works well for the type of loading described. Since it uses the same shellholders as the press there is one less thing to worry about.
 
Al-Sway said:
Why would you suggest a problem with consistency and accuracy with the Lee case trimmer? It is a steel rod that is fixed in length.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with what you said. Once the Lee case length gauge is screwed into the proper length, there is no inaccuracy in them. It is what it is.
 
If you want the trimmer that is the easiest to use and most accurate, then go with the Lee. It is nearly impossible to make a mistake in length. They trim perfectly square and to the same length every time. The mini lathe type trimmers just make a simple job complicated.
 
I had a Lee once and it worked fine, only problem is I could never get those shell holders to work nicely for me, but I know others have never had a real problem.
 
If you want a certain length the Lee only offers your minimum, which is fine, but if you need a particular length then you cannot achieve that with the Lee.

Just some are better than others at various things.
 
Lee case length gauges are good if you do minimal calibers...you need a different one for every cal.
I use them quite a bit and exclusively for jobs like shortening 38spl brass to 38 S&W length.
I use a Lyman universal for a bench top unit.
It doesn't use shell holders and comes with the most popular pilots.
Does the job for under $100.
 
I like the Lee for triming for safeties sake. Like a bunch of 308 for the M14 etc.

If you're going for super accurate or want a specific length of trim buy a lathe type and buy a nice one. I bought a cheaper Lyman and wish I had spent the money on a Wilson or Forster type.

Lee is coming out with a die that trims like a pencil sharpener. It wont be out till next year but is shown on Richard Lees you tube account. I will be checkin it out when released.
 
I have used the Lee setup for many years but switched to the Lyman when I got a 204 (no pilot for 204 for the Lee) and now prefer it to the Lee system. The universal shell holder works great IMO. When I upgrade again (isn't reloading great for gear whores?) I will get the hornady prep centre.
 
If money isn't an issue the Giuard trimmer is one of the best on the market. I bought one several years ago and love it, makes trimming easy and is the best for large volumes of brass. Recently did about 12K of 5.56mm on mine and enjoyed it, something that usually isn't associated with trimming brass.
 
I had a Lyman universal trimmer, but it was a pita as I trim for 3 rifle calibers. I switched to Lee trimmers and use a portable drill. This set up is way easier to use and cost less than half of what the Lyman cost.
 
Pick up a Lee Zip Trim and the appropiate case gage and your good. All my cases trim within 1/1000 inch. Best $30 I ever spent.
 
My first was a Forester and it served me well for many years. When I purchased a 500 S&W, I found I needed something with a larger diameter cutting head. I settled on a Lyman Universal and no complaints.
 
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