Anybody mass reloading .223 ?

[Lone_Gunman]

Questions about the Giraud trimmer

Ok, I have had enough of my old Lyman trimmer, and am thinking of upgrading to the Giraud.

I have a few questions that don't seem to be answered from the website and was hoping someone here would have some answers.

First, I want to size 223, 308, and maybe 30-06 at some point in the future as well. How do I do that with a Giraud? Do I just swap out a die?

Second, it looks like from the photos you must just stick the cartridge case into the die on the machine. But what determines the length the case will be cut? I guess I just don't understand exactly how it operates.

Can you adjust the length a cartridge case will be cut, and if so, how do you adjust?

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Dillon makes a power trimmer, don't they? Any good?

 

[bobhead]

First, let me say that the Giraud trimmer is great.

For each different size case you want to trim, you will need a different "Case Holder". If you look on the Giraud web site, you will see a entry in the product list for "Additional Case Holder for any of the calibers listed above". One comes with the unit (in whatever size you order).

If you look at the photo on their page, the thing with the large hex nut on the front of the gold housing is the Case Holder.

The blades that trim the mouth are inside the unit and would have to be adjusted for each different case size. That can be done but it's a bit of pain so that's why Giraud offers an "Additional Cutter Head w/ Blade". With an additional blade assembly, you just swap out the whole thing instead of having to move the blades within the assembly. I think you could use the same blade setup for both .308 and .30-06 since they are the same caliber (neck diameter).

Trim length is controlled by adjusting that large hex nut on the Case Holder. Basically, it works like setting a die in a reloading press. You have to size your brass before trimming. That gives you a consistent base to shoulder dimension on all your brass. The adjustment of the Case Holder sets the length from the shoulder (in the Case Holder) to the trim blades.
When you insert the brass in the Case Holder and push it forward to the blades, the case is trimmed to an total length determined by your base to shoulder length plus the shoulder to mouth length.

When I use my trimmer, I set the unit up vertically (there are feet on both sides of the base). I put three bins in front of the unit with brass to trim in the left and right most bins. With my right hand, I pick up brass from the right bin and press it into the Case Holder while I pick up brass from the left bin with my left hand. My right hand drops the trimmed case into the center bin as the brass in my left hand enters the case holder. My left hand drops the case in the center bin as the right starts the process over. Repeat.

I don't know what my case/minute rate is but it's fast. I never measure brass. I just trim every piece, every time. I could not possibly measure the brass and make any sort of decision as quickly and I can run it through that trimmer. I only wish the thing could be mounted on my progressive press.

HTH,
Bob

 

[LAH]

Creeker,
Try again. I just ordered 4,000. The item number is HOR2267B2000. For another $11 you can get soft point. Sublimaze41

Think I'll order them also. Thanks.......Creeker

 

[sublimaze41]

Creeker,
I just ordered 4,000 and they are on a two week back order. There is hardly any place in the country selling bulk .223 bullets. I suspect eveybody is getting geared up for the price increase next month. I understand it as being from 10-25% across the board for everything from bullets to reloading components.

 

[sublimaze41]

Is anybody out there having trouble locating .223 brass. First the bullets in bulk got difficult to get, now I am starting to see the trend in brass as well. Perhaps it's just me. ????

 

[LAH]

Creeker,
I just ordered 4,000 and they are on a two week back order. There is hardly any place in the country selling bulk .223 bullets. I suspect eveybody is getting geared up for the price increase next month. I understand it as being from 10-25% across the board for everything from bullets to reloading components.

Who did you order from?