Case Trimmer

[casey b]

I am new to reloading and am trying to find the best way to trim cases. Does anyone have any suggestions? Does the Lee zip trim work? I am currently using my cordless drill.

 

[taliv]

do a search on 'giraud' and ...dang i can't remember the other guy's name


edit: gracie i think

 

[lgbloader]

I use a Redding 2400 for all rifle except 223. For this, I use a Lee Case gauge and cutter on a hand drill. I have lee case gauge/shell holders for all pistols I load/shoot as well but I RARELY need to trim them.

I have a zip trim as well and it does work but I find using the cordless drill on the 223 is much faster, thus it is now a paper weight. For the other calibers, I really like the 2400. the Micrometer is really cool...



Cheers...

 

[nambu1]

I am with lgbloader, a cordless drill with the Lee trimmers is faster and cheaper.

 

[Idano]

casey b,

My money is on the Possum Hollow Kwick Case trimmer. I have been using them for just over a year and I have been very happy with them. I chuck it up in my bench top drill press and personally I think they are next best thing to owing a Giraud or Gracey for the fraction of the cost.

 

[Roccobro]

I agree with Idano. I'm still toying with my PH kwick trimmer to make it even easier and quicker to use like a Giraud.

Justin

 

[jmorris]

how many? With the Dillon trimmer I can size and trim 4000 cases in about 2.5 hours. If you have a pile it's worth looking into.

 

[casey b]

Thanks for all the replies I'll check all those out.

 

[HJ857]

I really like the Kwick Trim as well. You can also get a drill adapter for the Kwick Trim, which is the ONLY way to use Kwick Trim. Using the Kwick Trim by hand is a losing proposition.

The biggest problem is finding a place that has both the Trim and the adapter in stock at the same time, depending on what caliber trimmer you need.

Midway has adapters last time I checked. Grafs has had a good number of trimmers in stock too.

 

[45ACPUSER]

www.gunstop.com is a great source of Kwik Trim trimmer and holder!

As your budget allows this speeds up the process. A Giruard is the Ferrari of case trimers....the license plate would say EatMyDst

That said with say Dillon 650/case feeder installed along with a Dillon Trimmer you could make tracks....but again.....the Giraud is the best....Doug sells upgrades to the Gracie....

 

[Matt Dillon]

I Like the Lee trimming system - just chuck up the cases in the drill, and trimming takes just a few seconds.

 

[tiger rag]

Yep I agree Lee trimmer and cordless drill is the way to go for me.

 

[ants]

Since casey b is a beginner and reloading is brand new to him, we need to be careful suggesting that he buy more than he needs. It's really easy for us experienced reloaders to spend money that these rookies don't have.

casey b, all of the case trimmers mentioned above do the job. I sincerely doubt that a beginner needs to trim 4000 cases in 2.5 hours, although some day you might want to do that. For now, the cheapest and simplest case trimmer will help you learn your reloading craft. Besides, thousands of guys get into reloading then they lose interest, and never go back. You might want to watch your investment until you decide it's really the best thing for you.

 

[Wilburt]

If you have the money get a giraurd hands down. I have one and its fast and produced good results. Love it

 

[Soybomb]

www.gunstop.com is a great source of Kwik Trim trimmer and holder!

I'm not having any luck finding it on their site, any advice on what its under? Must be something other than possum hollow or I'm looking in the wrong place

 

[Will Learn]

Got me a used Gracey on the way for $150, 20 cases per minute http://www.matchprep.com/trimmer.htm

 

[jhansman]

You didn't say what caliber, but if it's rifle, the Possum Hollow Kwik Case trimmer works wonderfully (http://www.possumhollowproducts.com/kwick-case-trimmers.html). I used one to process about 1500 pieces of once-fired .223 and along with my cordless drill, it made the chore less of a chore. If you decide to try it, get the power adapter for your drill. Highly recommended. I got both parts online through Lock, Stock, and Barrel. There's a video somewhere on Youtube of it in action; just search for Possum Hollow and you'll find it.

 

[docgary]

I'm surprised no one mentions the Wilson trimmer.

By itself in a vise, it garantees perfect perpendicular cuts...

With Sinclair's holder and base, its next to perfect and holds its settings forever.

and...its a beautiful piece of of form and function!



Picture is without base - sold by Sinclair intl....

The base is not available in image on site...
I've only seen it in Sinclairs print catalog.
Although pricy, It's one tool I've never regretted buying!


docgary

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

The basic Wilson trimmer is about $35, and shell holders are ~$8 ea, but common parent cases (i.e. 270 & 30-06) share the same holder. Wilson also has a power adapter to allow driving it with a cordless drill/screwdriver.

Lee trimmers are good too, but are not adjustable. If you don't need the adjustment, they are hard to beat for simplicity.

Andy

 

[joneb]

I'm surprised no one mentions the Wilson trimmer.

I use this trimmer for my tapered walled cases, it is simple and precise.

 

[jmorris]

I sincerely doubt that a beginner needs to trim 4000 cases in 2.5 hours, although some day you might want to do that.

That is why I asked how many. Also some like to start out with equipment that they won't out grow. I’ll admit I started out with some of the tools suggested in this thread and that’s a lot of wasted money today

 

[Jayman]

I bought a RCBS trimmer. It works fine, it is SLOW. If you're looking at 1000 .223 cases to be trimmed, you may stop trimming and go drink yourself in a stupor out of depression instead. After trimming like 30-40 cases with the RCBS, I called up Giraud and got one of his case trimmers. $400 (ouch!) but I processed all 1000 cases last weekend, loaded them up, and they're shooting quite nicely. (8 shot MOA group out of my crummy AR.)

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

I use the Lee dril type trimmer for .223.

Does anyoen here have problems with the shell holder coming loose while you trim? I feel like I really have to tighten the snot out of it to hold almost to the point of useing pliers, and I an't dainty!!!