Lee Zip Trim

[toecutter]

So normally I am skeptical of anything lee precision makes. However, I recently purchased a Lee Zip Trim on clearance at a local gun store. All I have to say is wow. this works way better than using a power drill, or any other kind of mechanism for using the cutter/lockstud-case length/shell holder combos. It also comes in handy for doing a quick polish, as well as deburring the case mouth. This is definately one of the best things I've yet purchased as an "accessory". Even at full price, I'd buy one again!

 

[Caimlas]

Don't be so sleptical of Lee. They make good products; better, I'd argue, than RCBS. They're still innovating where the others seem to have stagnated and offshored.

 

[SSN Vet]

I'm a brand spankin' new reloader.....so nothing to compare to....

but I trimmed, deburred, polished (quick hit with steel wool) and swabbed out the neck on 80 .30-30 cases this weekend using my little zip trim for the first time.......worked "slick as butter"

I mounted mine to an old cutting board and I just secure it to my bench top with a large spring clamp.

 

[armoredman]

I have considered it, might buy it.

 

[IDriveB5]

What corresponding parts do I need to trim for .357MAG?

 

[SSN Vet]

you'll need to get the case length gage for your specific cartridge. This comes with the shell holder that threads onto the zip trim.

you'll need to get the cutter (I sprang the extra 2 bucks for the one with the wood ball handle). The cutter is generic in size and the case length gage screws right into it.

you'll need to get the de-burring chamfer tool.

These are all the generic to Lee, whether you use the zip trim or not.

Reading the reveiws @ Midway for the Lee .357 case lenght gage, there's a couple posters who say they feel it was a waste of $ as they wind up never having to trim their .357 brass.

I set up for .30-30 and am not sure if I'm going to buy the gage for .357 or not. I guess it can't hurt as it only costs ~$3.

 

[IDriveB5]

SSN Vet-
Thanks. Most of my .357 brass doesnt need to be trimmed, but there are a few that are getting out of spec. Will be reloading for rifle soon, so I might as well get the equipment.

Side note: there is a cool video on youtube.com of the zip trim. Search: "Lee Zip Trim"

 

[SSN Vet]

Lee's got a pretty good little video on their web site as well.

 

[bakert]

"reading the reveiws @ Midway for the Lee .357 case lenght gage, there's a couple posters who say they feel it was a waste of $ as they wind up never having to trim their .357 brass"
I don't know what kind of loads those people were shooting but unless they're very light loads, .357 brass can and dang will stretch a bit in my experience.
I've wondered about the Zip Trim and how it worked and now may buy one after reading this thread. I always trim new revolver brass before loading and check any used for heavier loads from time to time.