Trimmer Recommendations

I use a Forster Trimmer and I love it, hard to set but when you get it set it is great. Lots of them out there, all do the same thing, but differ in cost. Get what you can afford!!

I use the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer. It works great on matching head stamp brass. Mixed head stamp requires some sorting to get right, but any trimmer that indexes off of the shoulder will be the same. It takes a little bit of trial and error to get adjusting it down pat, but once it's set you're off to the races

Frankford Arsenal here as well. LOVE IT!
I did change the cutters for ones from a company called McJ or something like that.

Lyman case trimmer with cutter shaft that is 3/8" diameter to fit an electric drill. You don't want to crank it. Not cheap but very effective, simple, and accurate.

I have a Lyman and an RCBS Trim Pro. They both work well but I prefer the chuck on the Lyman. The Lyman uses a universal chuck while the RCBS uses different size plates much like shell holders for your press. For every different size shell holder you use, you'll need a matching plate for the RCBS trimmer.
RCBS customer service is excellent. I loaned my trimmer out and it came back with parts missing which RCBS replaced at no charge. You can't beat that kind of service.
I have not had any experience with Lyman CS.
I hope that helps.

I have been very happy with my cheap Lee trimmers. However this would not be my choice for a high output operation.

www.lewilson.com
Wilson makes the best manual trimmer I have seen or used.

South Prairie Jim said:

www.lewilson.com
Wilson makes the best manual trimmer I have seen or used.

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Probably more precision than I need but after set up it is dead nuts on. I like to spend once....

Have tried several brands. Pay attention that you don't have to continuously purchase more items for each caliber....this adds up.

I run Forster. Power with a cordless drill makes short work of trimming brass. They do make a 3 in 1 cutter now as well.
3-in-1 Case Mouth Cutters - Forster Products

If I am trimming large amounts of a particular caliber, I use Possum Hollow products.
Kwick Case Trimmer Power Adapter (possumhollowproducts.com)

Also have LEWilson on hand, but need to sell the lot. Just don't use when I have the above two options.

As I was putting together my reloading setup earlier in the year, the one thing that seemed way out of whack as far as expense for what it does were the case trimmers. But even with that, had decided on buying one.....except none were available. Eventually, a Lee trimmer showed up in Caliber I was needing, so bought one of those to get by. Not sure I will ever need anything else. Now up to 4 different calibers and total spent is still half of what one of the good ones would cost. Chuck it up in a drill and go to town.

gifbohane said:

Probably more precision than I need but after set up it is dead nuts on. I like to spend once....

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I don't use the stand or the micro adjust so that keeps the cost down.

I use a Lyman trimmer with and adapter for a drill.

You could also look into the PMA trimmer, Pat has very nice equipment. I have never regretted buying good tools from good people.

www.pmatool.com

South Prairie Jim said:

I don't use the stand or the micro adjust so that keeps the cost down.

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Me too. The adjuster that came with it works perfectly and I just fasten the unit into my workbench vise. BUT in full disclosure I was feeling rich a few months back and bought a GIRAUD table trimmer. It is the bomb. Not as accurate as the Wilson but darn close enough, variation of 3 thousands. (Mucho $$$$)

I have used the Lee lock stud and trimmer for 223 and 308 and the Lee Quick Trim for 30-30. The Lee lock stud is remarkably accurate and the Quick Trim is accurate and I like the adjustability for all the different lengths 30-30 range brass I find.

RCBS Trim Pro, the newer ones have the quick universal case holder. Excellent cost/performance choice.

For cases that I need to trim lots of cases, I use the WFT trimmers. There are several companies that make something similar to the WFT. The trimmer indexes off the shoulder.

For cases that I do not have a large volune to trim, the Wilson trimmer with the Sinclair International base is my choice. I have the micrometer adjuster that makes adjusting the trimmer easy and quick.

If one has a large volune of one style cases to trim, something like the Giraud trimmer is the most efficient. But efficiency comes at a price.

For cases that I need to trim lots of cases, I use the WFT trimmers

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I really like my WFT for trimming .223/5.56 brass. Money well spent IMO.
Everything else I do a a Hornady lathe type trimmer.
(note: I do not trim 9mm's!)

I kinda like the old school trim dies for rifle brass. Not sure you can even get them anymore. You can size & trim in one operation. No adjustments nessesary, no stupid tiny set screws to get lost, never need new cutters, pilots unnecessary. As close to foolproof as you can get.

I started with a Forster, and later on bought a Hornady. I like the Hornady a little better because it takes regular shell holders, and came with an assortment of pilots - more than I'll ever need.
Whichever trimmer you get, here's a hint if your loading bench is already as crowded as mine: don't mount your trimmer directly on your bench. Instead, mount it on a short piece of 1X6, or a small piece of 1/2" plywood, and clamp the board or plywood to your bench only when you need to trim cases. By doing that, you'll not only save space on your bench, you'll also find that most of the cuttings and shavings from your case trimming operation end up on the board or plywood your trimmer is mounted on, and clean-up is a breeze - you just unclamp it from your bench when you're through, turn it upside-down over your trash bucket, and brush it off.

Another using the Lee Quick Trim. Works very well with my 223.

Like most of the other folks I own multiple trimmers, but have found two to meet just about every need I have:

Franklin Arsenal Platinum Trimmer - GOOD: multiple calibers in one machine (through the changing of a neck bushing) and will also deburr and chamfer as well. Purchase a swager tool (Hornady small and large set was the one I got) and the 4th station will cut the swage. Excellent support and they will replace dull cutter heads. BAD: each case has to be presented individually, and turned/handled up to three times.

Lee Quick trim - GOOD: works well if you are using a progressive press and processing large amounts of the same caliber. Inexpensive and quick, accurate if used correctly. Excellent customer support. BAD: needs a separate die for each caliber being trimmed, and brass shavings need collection (or vacuuming) to keep press clear.