LubeckTech
Member
Is there a good case trimmer in the $30.00 - $60.00 price range?
Case Trimmer
- Thread starter LubeckTech
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Well, close - Hornady, RCBS, etc make manual trimmers such as this one for $65. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=315831
Lee has a 'zip trim' that is cheaper - around $20 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=515804
All the manual tools get real tedious around 250 cases. Most can accept a power drive for a few extra $$. I've been satisfied with the adjustability and consistency of my Hornady manual trimmer - as long as it's used in measured doses - like all winter long to prep the cases for next summer.
/Bryan
Lee has a 'zip trim' that is cheaper - around $20 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=515804
All the manual tools get real tedious around 250 cases. Most can accept a power drive for a few extra $$. I've been satisfied with the adjustability and consistency of my Hornady manual trimmer - as long as it's used in measured doses - like all winter long to prep the cases for next summer.
/Bryan
Zip Trim
I just purchased the Zip Trim (Lee). I must say I was impressed with the performance for just $20. As already stated, I would not want to do large volumes, but I did 25 cases for a new load fairly quickly without a problem. By the way, I purchased the universal 3 jaw chuck which makes it a bit easier also.
Chuck
I just purchased the Zip Trim (Lee). I must say I was impressed with the performance for just $20. As already stated, I would not want to do large volumes, but I did 25 cases for a new load fairly quickly without a problem. By the way, I purchased the universal 3 jaw chuck which makes it a bit easier also.
Chuck
matrem
Member
Assuming you're not loading for "an army",and you own a drill, Lee's cutter,lock stud & case length gage can be had for less than $30.
And it works well.
And it works well.
I have this one and it works very well. It comes with all the common pilots. All you need is a shellholder and it is less then $50.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=755364
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=755364
I tried that lower priced Lyman and wasn't impressed with the amount of wobble - ok for plinker ammo but not for match stuff.
I should add to my post above - the Hornady trimmer has a quirk I only discovered after buying it - - it has to have Hornady shell holders, no other brands as the Hornady's are cut square through the center. The others I had around (Lee and RCBS IIRC) are tapered in the center and wouldn't fit. Annoying detail if you already own a bunch of holders - - no big deal if not, as the Hornady are fine for all other press functions and around the same price as everyone else's.
/B
I should add to my post above - the Hornady trimmer has a quirk I only discovered after buying it - - it has to have Hornady shell holders, no other brands as the Hornady's are cut square through the center. The others I had around (Lee and RCBS IIRC) are tapered in the center and wouldn't fit. Annoying detail if you already own a bunch of holders - - no big deal if not, as the Hornady are fine for all other press functions and around the same price as everyone else's.
/B
mongoose33
Member
Have you considered the Possum Hollow trimmer? I use it for .223 and it's golden. Fast, effective, and not all that expensive. It indexes off the shoulder, not the OAL measurement.
Here's the .223 version; they have them for a bunch of different calibers.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=295771
If you get one, get the power adapter so you can chuck it in a drill:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=127743
Here's the .223 version; they have them for a bunch of different calibers.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=295771
If you get one, get the power adapter so you can chuck it in a drill:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=127743
Hornady proprietary shell holders
Canuck,
I just ran into this yesterday when I tried to put my Redding .30-30 shell holder in the Hornady trim unit. No go, but I thought it was because it had the knurled edges on it. Nope, the Lyman, the RCBS and other's are a no go too.
It made me think about the variance in shell holders and ponder the issues brought up in Jeffery8mm's thread on .308 sizing issues where many mentioned shell holders as culprit.
Makes me wonder if all shell holders are created equal?
Back to the topic - As far as the case trimmer's out there go: Doesn't any trimmer that rotates the case instead of the cutter head create a compromise for keeping everything in line or with less run out variance?
I am putting the Redding 2400 on my Christmas list after seeing the descriptive video tha UltimateReloader put up on that unit. Anyone want a Hornday trimmer cheap?
Canuck,
I just ran into this yesterday when I tried to put my Redding .30-30 shell holder in the Hornady trim unit. No go, but I thought it was because it had the knurled edges on it. Nope, the Lyman, the RCBS and other's are a no go too.
It made me think about the variance in shell holders and ponder the issues brought up in Jeffery8mm's thread on .308 sizing issues where many mentioned shell holders as culprit.
Makes me wonder if all shell holders are created equal?
Back to the topic - As far as the case trimmer's out there go: Doesn't any trimmer that rotates the case instead of the cutter head create a compromise for keeping everything in line or with less run out variance?
I am putting the Redding 2400 on my Christmas list after seeing the descriptive video tha UltimateReloader put up on that unit. Anyone want a Hornday trimmer cheap?
Uncle Chan
Member
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- Nov 3, 2007
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- 326
I too have the Possum. It is quick and easy and I've done hundreds at a time.
G33InMyPocket
Member
I have the Possum Hollow for the 223. Throw in the drill option and an RCBS deburring tool and it is all get out.
At Midway, the Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud costs $4.99 and the Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder goes for $4.49 so for less $10 you're set for one case. For a different case it's just another $4.49 more. Can't go cheaper than that.
mongoose33
Member
Yes, it does allow you to adjust the depth of the cut. The cutter inside the tube is movable.
If I was starting over I would purchase nothing but RCBS (type) trim/form dies, if the hand loader can adjust a die in the press to the shell holder with .000 clearances cases can be trimmed to within .001 thousands of each other, this technique eliminates the debate, size first then trim or trim first then size and the pilot that does not fit after sizing.
The trim/form die pays for it self when forming cases, if the hand loader can adjust a die in the press to the shell holder the distance from the head of the case to it's shoulder can be controlled, it is easier to move a shoulder back than move it forward.
Even it the hand loader does not have a 308 W chambered rifle the 308 W trim form die is one of the best investment, it can be used to form 7.7 Japanese, 7mm57, 8mm57, 257 Roberts etc. if the hand loader can adjust a die in the press to the shell holder and operate a file and hack saw.
The same can be said for the investment in a set of 35 Whelen or 338/06 dies, it is a good investment even if if the hand loader does not have a rifle chambered in either, again moving the shoulder back when sizing is easy, the difficult part is moving it forward without firing first, I am a big fan of forming first then firing.
F. Guffey
The trim/form die pays for it self when forming cases, if the hand loader can adjust a die in the press to the shell holder the distance from the head of the case to it's shoulder can be controlled, it is easier to move a shoulder back than move it forward.
Even it the hand loader does not have a 308 W chambered rifle the 308 W trim form die is one of the best investment, it can be used to form 7.7 Japanese, 7mm57, 8mm57, 257 Roberts etc. if the hand loader can adjust a die in the press to the shell holder and operate a file and hack saw.
The same can be said for the investment in a set of 35 Whelen or 338/06 dies, it is a good investment even if if the hand loader does not have a rifle chambered in either, again moving the shoulder back when sizing is easy, the difficult part is moving it forward without firing first, I am a big fan of forming first then firing.
F. Guffey
Roccobro
Member
Another Possum Hollow .223 user. Love it.
Justin
Justin
BigJakeJ1s
Member
The L.E. Wilson trimmer is what I use and recommend for rifle cartridges. I use Lee trimmers for pistol cartridges (when I need to trim them, which is not often). Base trimmer is <$40 and case holders are $9 ea (same case holder is used for a family of cartridges with the same body, e.g. 243win, 260rem, 7mm08, 308win, 338fed & 358win all use the same holder). No pilots needed, just the case holder. The whole setup is amazingly simple, robust, accurate and easy to use. Sinclair has several very nice (and expensive) accessories, but the base trimmer works great without them.
Andy
Andy
1moa@500
Member
I know where to get the possumn hollow cutter but where do you guys find the power adapter
Roccobro
Member
I bought them both direct from PH themselves.
http://www.possumhollowproducts.com/power-adapter.html
Justin
http://www.possumhollowproducts.com/power-adapter.html
Justin
ForneyRider
Member
Used the Lee Zip trim for a while, then the Lee power adapter for a cordless drill. Works fast, but is non-adjustable.
+1 on LE Wilson trimmer.
Bolts into the bench vise on my work bench and trims each case to EXACTLY the same length (within the ability of my case gauges and calipers to measure them).
Grab a power converion kit for $17 and chuck it into a power screwdriver. Have done several hundred through mine in the past three months with zero complaints.
Oh, if you go the LE Wilson route REMEMBER to oil the entire thing. It is very solidly built out of machine steel. I didn't realize it wasn't stainless until I had a very slight coat of rust on it which came off when I oiled it with rem-oil.
madd0c
Bolts into the bench vise on my work bench and trims each case to EXACTLY the same length (within the ability of my case gauges and calipers to measure them).
Grab a power converion kit for $17 and chuck it into a power screwdriver. Have done several hundred through mine in the past three months with zero complaints.
Oh, if you go the LE Wilson route REMEMBER to oil the entire thing. It is very solidly built out of machine steel. I didn't realize it wasn't stainless until I had a very slight coat of rust on it which came off when I oiled it with rem-oil.
madd0c
giggitygiggity
Member
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- Mar 18, 2009
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- 2,251
What does the Lee 3 hole case holder attachment for the Zip Trim do ? Is it necessary/recommended?
rfwobbly
Member
I received a used Lyman someone had upgraded to the carbide cutter and drill motor adapter. This trimmer must be from the 70's since it's gray and not orange. Anyway, it's old as the hills and it still holds +/-.001", and the cut is parallel to the case base as measured with a set of caliper jaws.
Now I'm not shooting on the Olympic Team or anything, but this piece of hardware does a dandy job for me. I'm going to buy a modern trimmer just as soon as I wear this one out!
The Wilson trimmer is the best. The Forster is next. I also have an RCBS, and while it does a good job, it will flex some if you are not careful and give variances. If you are careful, it does a fine job. I use the Wilson for 6 PPC cases for a Bench gun. I use the Forster and RCBS for everything else.
Oh yea, I now have a Possum Hollow trimmer for .223, and it works great. Really beats any hand trimmer for getting a lot of cases done. The step up from there for speed is pricey. Giraud etc.
Oh yea, I now have a Possum Hollow trimmer for .223, and it works great. Really beats any hand trimmer for getting a lot of cases done. The step up from there for speed is pricey. Giraud etc.
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