Case trimmer- good, better, best?

[Obturation]

Hey all,
Trimming cases, woof. It's time consuming and tedious but a nessescary part of doing things right.
I trim everything, pistols cases included.
Up to this point I've done the deed with the lee quick trim thing that goes into a specific die and is adjusted with a click adjustable collar . let's be honest , it's bad. Let me elaborate.

When I got this device it seemed ok, trimmed a bunch of 357 mag cases and it was fairly consistent . a couple thousandths here and there, not perfect but good enough. I noticed an issue with trimming 454 casull cases, even adjusted to the longest possible case length it wouldn't stop cutting, in fact it cut to the max length for 45 colt- that's a die issue, mismarked or whatever. So when I'd trim 454 I would just check to make sure I didn't go too far. Talk about tedious .

Today I noted something unusual, trimming some 45-70 . inconsistent length, I just wanted to knock down a few long ones but what happened was a case that was too short. The trimmer head was adjusted all the way for max length. I've used this tool several other times without an issue (besides the binding and regular issues expected from this thing). I checked everything, nothing to see. Everything looked fine. Cut another, too short. Why? What's changed ? This die has done this job before but now it can somehow cut them too short, I'm at a loss. I didn't like this thing before but now it's ruining brass. I can't abide.

I'm not wealthy but I buy good tools. What's the best? What's the best for the money?
Anyone else ever experience this with the lee trimming system?
I don't want to spend more than I need to, I don't reload large volumes and my brass usually only needs occasional trimming- mainly straightwalled cases but want to be well equipped to trim anything I may need.

Thanks for the help!

 

[milsurpguy]

Use the Lee pencil sharpener, but it only works for bottle neck.
The RCBS case trimmer does everything, rifle, straight wall, it's slow but not as slow as the Lee die.

 

[n2omike]

I like the Frankford Arsenal unit. The cutters are cheap, but are common sizes, and the RCBS trimming head interchanges. There's also some decent cutting heads on Amazon pretty cheap. They start with a J. Can't remember the name offhand.

 

[kmw1954]

Ob, I use that same Lee Quick Trim on my 223 brass and so far it's been working well. Slow but well and precise. Sorry I don't have a cure for your trimming too short.

One of the things I've been doing is putting on a light dab of White Lithium grease and after about every 50 or so I take it out and push it against a hard surface to remove the chips as explained in the directions and then wipe more grease. So far this is the only one I've tried.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I second the Frankford arsenal case trim and prep center. But for low volume I dont think it's a must have tool.

The chamfer and deburring bits I replaced with the one off of my lyman hand tool. Screw right in and stay sharp.

As for replacement bits if you call frankford arsenal they will send you some for free. But better off with a good lyman for the clean up tools and the rcbs cutter if you need one.

I've only done 3k with the original cutter and it seems it's starting to dull on the 223 but still fast. The 308 is still nice and sharp and trim fast.

 

[Obturation]

Ob, I use that same Lee Quick Trim on my 223 brass and so far it's been working well. Slow but well and precise. Sorry I don't have a cure for your trimming too short.

One of the things I've been doing is putting on a light dab of White Lithium grease and after about every 50 or so I take it out and push it against a hard surface to remove the chips as explained in the directions and then wipe more grease. So far this is the only one I've tried.

I have had some trouble with it getting gritty feeling and stopped to clean it up some and that works. This is different and seems like something is out of whack, I assume it's not 2 different dies that both have incorrect tolerances - when I've used the 45-70 die not long ago without an issue.
I would like to get something that's robust and adaptable to whatever case I want to cut. I've seen what I'm looking for but didn't want to mention any in the op as to not influence any responses , I honestly am not familiar enough with the various types to guess what's best and what's just overpriced .
I can still use my lee set but I got to be aware the thing will keep cutting . I'm thinking it would have to be in the collar where you dial up and down the length, that appears to work as it always has though. I'm aware that little knurled spacer with the o ring on it needs to be on there for longer cases . I feel like there's a "duhhhhhh" moment coming for me , but as if right now it hasn't occurred to me.

I'm going to look at the recommended trimmers and see .

 

[peels]

If you have to trim pistol brass and want something that have more versatility, I recommend the Forster trimmer. You will have to purchase the short base for shorter pistol brass. If you buy just the trimmer, make sure you buy caliber specific pilots. And get the collets that will have your calibers covered.

I think the Frankfort arsenal trimmer does rifle brass well, but might be tricky for straight walled pistol brass.

 

[Skgreen]

FA trimmer only works on brass w/shoulder. Does not work w straight wall.
I use a Hornady Cam-lock for straight wall. Very consistent.

 

[cfullgraf]

My favorite "manual" case trimmer is the Wilson with the Sinclair International base. It uses case holders for each case and does both straight walled and bottleneck cases.

The WFT trimmer is what I use for volume trimming but it only does bottleneck cases.

 

[db_tanker]

RCBS for my straight wall and the Lyman case trim express for the bottleneck cases.
RCBS case prep station for the finish out (deburring and flash hole if its stuff I haven't prepped before)

D

 

[gifbohane]

My 2 cents-

1) Giraud Trimmer stand alone

2) Wilson "lathe"

3) Giraud 3 way trimmer

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I use the lee ones that you chuck up in a drill. They wont cut deeper than the case should be.

 

[rfwobbly]

What's the best? What's the best for the money?

Not enough information given to make any recommendation.
The "Best" for trimming qty 10, is not the "Best" for qty 100, is not the "Best" for qty 1000.
.

 

[sisyphus]

I was set to buy the Redding but THR convinced me the Wilson is a better tool. Haven't picked it up yet.

 

[derek45]

 

[Walkalong]

Hand trimmers?

Good


Better


Best

 

[Herman B]

I don't have experience with various models but can say I'm very happy with the L.E. Wilson. Easy set-up, trims true (90 deg to axis) and consistent.

 

[koni]

I use the Redding 2400 and have no complaints so far. Easy set up, no extra shel holders, comes with primer pocket tools and a brush. Once you get your flow you can process bass at a good speed. Not as fast as the electric ones, but good enough for me.

 

[rabid wombat]

Wilson with the Sinclair “kit”. You will still need the shell holders. Simple and accurate....

https://www.sinclairintl.com/reload.../ultimate-trimmer-platform-kit-prod54116.aspx

 

[n2omike]

I like the Frankford Arsenal unit. The cutters are cheap, but are common sizes, and the RCBS trimming head interchanges. There's also some decent cutting heads on Amazon pretty cheap. They start with a J. Can't remember the name offhand.

McJ Tools is the brand. Everything in stock at Amazon. Seems like pretty good stuff, priced well and fits the Rockford Arsenal unit.

Trimming Head Cutter (Also works in RCBS. Uses pilots. Can get either 5/32" or 3/16" pilot shaft diameter) $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R983YZ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pilot Assortment (Can get either 5/32" or 3/16") $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R9735VY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Primer Pocket Cleaners (both sizes included) $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QD6H5WM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Female Deburring Tool $15.29
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QF9NBJP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Male Deburring Tool $15.29
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QGFQM15/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[kcofohio]

Hey all,
Trimming cases, woof. It's time consuming and tedious but a nessescary part of doing things right.
I trim everything, pistols cases included.
Up to this point I've done the deed with the lee quick trim thing that goes into a specific die and is adjusted with a click adjustable collar . let's be honest , it's bad. Let me elaborate.

When I got this device it seemed ok, trimmed a bunch of 357 mag cases and it was fairly consistent . a couple thousandths here and there, not perfect but good enough. I noticed an issue with trimming 454 casull cases, even adjusted to the longest possible case length it wouldn't stop cutting, in fact it cut to the max length for 45 colt- that's a die issue, mismarked or whatever. So when I'd trim 454 I would just check to make sure I didn't go too far. Talk about tedious .

Today I noted something unusual, trimming some 45-70 . inconsistent length, I just wanted to knock down a few long ones but what happened was a case that was too short. The trimmer head was adjusted all the way for max length. I've used this tool several other times without an issue (besides the binding and regular issues expected from this thing). I checked everything, nothing to see. Everything looked fine. Cut another, too short. Why? What's changed ? This die has done this job before but now it can somehow cut them too short, I'm at a loss. I didn't like this thing before but now it's ruining brass. I can't abide.

I'm not wealthy but I buy good tools. What's the best? What's the best for the money?
Anyone else ever experience this with the lee trimming system?
I don't want to spend more than I need to, I don't reload large volumes and my brass usually only needs occasional trimming- mainly straightwalled cases but want to be well equipped to trim anything I may need.

Thanks for the help!

Is your space in place on the trimmer? I can't think of why it would over trim because it has 2 dead stops. The space (collar) at the top of the die, and the base of the die to the shell holder.

 

[kcofohio]

Also with the Lee, I found after trimming thousands of 223, the debur cutters get gunked up and need a deep cleaning and possible smoothing with a stone. Mine started deburring the outside of the case mouth heavily after about 6-7k pieces. Took it apart cleaned stoned, now it's back to good.

 

[Obturation]

Is your space in place on the trimmer? I can't think of why it would over trim because it has 2 dead stops. The space (collar) at the top of the die, and the base of the die to the shell holder.

Yeah, the spacer is in place. That's why I'm boggled- I can't seem to figure how it could physically reach to continue cutting. I want a new trimming tool but will keep this anyway, if I need to replace the cutter I will but it's just the mystery of why it's doing this that's got me scratching my head

 

[Blue68f100]

Your stop loose?

 

[kcofohio]

Yeah, the spacer is in place. That's why I'm boggled- I can't seem to figure how it could physically reach to continue cutting. I want a new trimming tool but will keep this anyway, if I need to replace the cutter I will but it's just the mystery of why it's doing this that's got me scratching my head

Only two things I can think of. Either the thickness of the shell holder to the surface the headstamp sits is shallow. Or the cutter became backed out and something is preventing it from being screwed in all the way. Other than that, I got nuttin.