Lyman lathe trimmer or RCBS?

It's more money and a little slower, but the LE Wilson is much more consistent in finished OAL after trimming. Worth the extra money unless you need something faster.

I have 2 RCBS trim pro. They work well for me.

I’ve been using the Lyman’s as a quick substitute for my jewelry lathe. It works well and holds firm. Only problem I ever had with the RCBS was the collet slipping after about ten cases. Have to crank down on it. The fellow I gave it to says he doesn’t have that problem with it. Must have been me.

Ever consider a Forster? A little more expensive but a quality machine.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012702997?pid=614276

I motorized mine:

I have a Forster. Excellent build quality, works very well.

I have a vintage Lyman, and it's the only one I've ever used, so I can't really offer a comparison.
I can say that the Lyman is fast and easy, and once you set it, there is zero variation in lengths of cases.
Would buy again

I have both RCBS and Lyman.
I prefer the cam lock system on the Lyman trimmer.

I have 2 Lyman's and a Forster that work just fine but have just purchased my third" Little Crow, WFT" case trimmer in 308 (30-06 and 243 Win) .223/5.56 NATO and 6.8 SPC. Much faster and easier on the hands!

I have Lyman. It may not trim case mouths square. I outside neck turn with it also. The neck turning option has been discontinued. The chuck works with many different case heads, no adjustments. The pilots are needed.

The Forster case trimmer has an attachment to outside neck turn.

I have the RCBS Trim Pro-2 and I like it, it was a huge step-up from the Hornady trimmer that now sits in a box because it was so bad.

The only thing I would change on my Trim Pro-2 is I wouldn't mind downgrading to the old shell holder head style that used caliber specific plates. 45-70 is a pain to get in that universal case head jaw thingy. Takes my elbow on the lever, an allen wrench to pry the mouth open in one hand and the other with the case to slip it in. I should scour the used equipment areas for an old one since RCBS still sells the shell plates but not the old head style (but they do sell the new one, go figure) but just never have.

Apart from 45-70 it's not a problem with 30-30 which is the next biggest cast head cartridge I load.

Pro Trim 2 here! but it’s slow compared to something with a motor

I just ordered the Lyman with a carbide cutter and the pilot set. I love my Wilson but its a PITA to do pistol brass on. Once you get used to the Wilson its not much slower than any of the other lathe type trimmers.

Laphroaig said:

Ever consider a Forster? A little more expensive but a quality machine.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012702997?pid=614276

I motorized mine:

View attachment 1105601

Click to expand...

My very old RCBS uses the same system as the Forster, collets to hold the brass but on a much sturdier cast base than the Forster. It look like RCBS might have given up a little precision for speed with their new offering. Not having used the newer one I can't say for sure. Personally I wouldn't want the Lee and if buying one now I would choose the Forster. I have no need for speed when reloading. Careful and paying attention to detail is my motto at the loading bench.

I really like my RCBS trimmer. Fast and accurate. I bought an adapter so I can use a cordless screwdriver to operate it.

But @CoalCrackerAl don't need a trimmer when he buys factory loaded ammo!

so disappointed

I had the Lyman version, but motorized. Didn't care for the shell holder and the shavings built up underneath and arc'd the switch.

Eventually upgraded to the Forester one that uses a drill press. Go cruise garage sales till you find a used tabletop drill press for $20-40 and you're good to go. All the torque you could want and handling cases vertically is much more ergonomic than horizontal.

https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/power-case-trimmer/

CoalCrackerAl said:

I have lee ones now you chuck up in a drill. But the casings walk sometimes. Yes faster but a hassle too.

Click to expand...

After all these years[decades?], this is still what I use. I don't load a lot at one time, so, this works for me also.

Powered RCBS trim pro with 3 way cutters. Works great and consistent. Every piece of 223 brass is exactly the same. been using it for 27 years. Wouldn't trade it for any other trimmer.

My Forster turned 50 this year. Improved now with a 3-way cutter, vertical mount, foot pedal raises and lowers shaft, and a screw gun turns it. No discernible wear...still.



I would think one, could probably do the same thing with a Lyman or RCBS.