Case trimmers

[Skeet 25]

Starting to purchase my reloading equipment , decided on a press and now my next decision will be a case trimmer. I don't think I will ever do a large volume at one time but I am a firm believer in a quality tool. That being said , the most expensive may not be needed for low volume , my desire is to have the most perfect ammo I can possibly make. I appreciate all advice and respect every opinion. Thank you for your consideration. Leaning toward the Frankford arsenal at this time.

 

[otisrush]

I'll put in a plug for RCBS. I bought my gear used from a friend. One of the items in the stash was a 20 yr old RCBS trimmer. The adjustment mechanism is a threaded collar mechanism that can be moved along the trimmer shaft. After sitting for 10-15 years in storage the threaded collar was frozen - presumably due to bi-metalic fusion or whatever that phenomenon is called. I soak it in solvent. Tried penetrating oil. Tried pliers. I tried everything....I could not get them to move.

I called RCBS. I told them I needed to buy a replacement mechanism. The nice gentleman asked me for a bunch of details....including my address.

Nice RCBS Gentleman: "OK....we'll get that shipped out to you."
Me: "Wait...I haven't given you a credit card yet."
Nice RCBS Gentleman: "Our products have a lifetime guarantee. There's no charge."
Me: "What? This thing is 20 years old. What has happened is a natural result of it sitting around."
Nice RCBS Gentleman: "It doesn't matter. A lifetime guarantee is a lifetime guarantee. You'll get it in a couple of days."

This sure made a lifetime RCBS customer out of me!

I know other companies do similar things. And I'm not claiming their trimmer is the best. But knowing that level of customer service is behind what they sell is huge in my book.

OR

 

[Indawind]

I have the Franklin Arsenal and it works well. I like the ability to put other things onto it like a nylon brush to clean necks quickly.

I got mine a couple of years back and the blades had a bad heat treat on them and stopped cutting very quickly. I called them and they said it was a know issue, that had be fixed, and sent me a new one in the mail.

 

[Axis II]

lyman easy trim. I do 50rds at a time and this works great for me a cheap.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have the RCBS. I removed the handle and replaced with a drill. Makes short work of the brass. Had a Hornady. It worked but wasn't was quick. So I sold it.

 

[hdwhit]

I have used a Forster for 20+ years. It is easy to set up and has always worked well for me.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

If you're after quality instead of quantity, then I would suggest the Wilson trimmer. With or without the micrometer. It's just as precise without the micrometer, but setup is faster if you have the mic.

 

[Skeet 25]

At first I thought this is the trimmer for me. Then I priced it , cost is more plus you still need the burring tools. The Frankford is 40.00 cheaper and the tools included and stored on the machine. This is the reason I'm drawn to this unit. 156.00 delivered. Never loaded a cartridge in my life and truly value your advice.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

At first I thought this is the trimmer for me. Then I priced it , cost is more plus you still need the burring tools. The Frankford is 40.00 cheaper and the tools included and stored on the machine. This is the reason I'm drawn to this unit. 156.00 delivered. Never loaded a cartridge in my life and truly value your advice.

I just checked and I guess they got rid of the carbon steel version, which was under $50. That's what I've got and I love it. Now you have to get the stainless version, which is $106 from Wilson. You need a case holder for each cartridge family for $14. Chamfer/deburr tools are $5-20, depending on brand.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

Actually, I checked Sinclair International and they have the basic stainless Wilson trimmer for $67. Micrometer version is $120.

You don't need the mounting bracket if you have a bench vise.

 

[rg1]

I can only recommend the Forster Original case trimmer. I've had the same trimmer for around 30 years. All kinds of accessories and if needed replacement parts. If you load long magnum rifle calibers you would need the longer accessory base. You just easily change the cutter and collet parts from the standard base to the longer base.

 

[burrhead]

You asked for the best and that would be the Wilson. You don't need the micrometer and, if you have a vise, you don't need the base but it's nice to have. The shark fin is more a hinderence than anything else so scratch that.To chamfer get a RCBS combo tool for $7-$10. I use mine for the times I need precision, otherwise I use a WFT for 223.

 

[MrSpiffy]

Actually, I checked Sinclair International and they have the basic stainless Wilson trimmer for $67. Micrometer version is $120.

You don't need the mounting bracket if you have a bench vise.

Too bad I didn't see this before buying my Hornady Cam-Lock case trimmer. But, as a new reloader, I'm sure it'll do just fine. If my Hornady bites the dust, I'll know where to go next.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a Lee Zip Trim as my first trimmer and it worked well enough but it is a cheap plastic tool. A few years later I bought a Forester trimmer. It is so much nicer and there are so many another attachments available other than just trimming. There is an adapter to use a drill to motorize it too. You might like it...

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/614276/forster-original-case-trimmer-kit

 

[rskent]

The Lee cutter with the appropriate length gauge, chucked in a drill press is a great way to trim brass if you don’t have too many to do. Just set the case on the drill press table and bring the cutter down till the length gauge bottoms out. Fast and easy. Wear gloves.

 

[Catpop]

Still using my 1971 Lyman. Mostly for preping rifle brass. Never had but one factory pilot, the rest I've made as needed thru the years. For ease of use, I mounted mine on a short 2x4 so I can clamp it to my reloading bench, into my vice, etc.

I use RC's trick on pistol brass. Set Lee pilot/cutter in drill press, adjust so tip of cutter touches an immovable object like table or compound vice on bottom of quill downstroke, raise up for new case, lower to trim and on and on!

I could debur cases same way except my 1971 Herter's tool is 5/8" and my craftsman drill press is only 1/2"
So I chuck it into my craftsman lathe. It makes fast work of that boring task!

Thanks RC, we miss you and your wisdom.
Catpop

 

[Skeet 25]

Thanks so much for all the info on trimmers , it sounds like a lot of good equipment and it's a matter of tweaking to ones satisfaction.

 

[Walkalong]

In my experience, the best is the Wilson, but better than most need. I use it for match ammo only. (And it's probably overkill) The next IMHO is the Forster, rigid and does a great job. Then you have the RCBS which does a great job if you are careful about putting too much pressure on the crank, which will flex it. I have all three of these. There are others out there which ill likely do a fine job. The best bang for the buck though, IMHO, is the Forster.

 

[RainDodger]

I've had a lot of different ones. If you want a perfect trim and a truly quality tool, the L.E. Wilson trimmer is the way. Yep, you pay more, and you need a holder for each family of cases, but you won't find a better trimmer. My opinion of course.

When I do bulk stuff (5.56 or .308, for me), I use a Trim-It on the end of a flex shaft, running off my drill press. When I'm loading a smaller number of rifle cartridges, I always go to the Wilson. No need for a picture, as a NeuseRvrRat kindly posted a video above.

 

[RussellC]

For .223/5.56, I use the original World's Finest Trimmer from little crow gunworks. When it dulls, use their carbon steel cutter replacement. On my 3rd batch of 1000 and it trims fine and is very fast. Drill in vise, WFT in drill.


Russellc

 

[KW-HD Rider]

I also use 2 trimmers for 2 different tasks. I have the Wilson micrometer trimmer for my precision .243 and .308 and it is simple and accurate to set up. I have it set for the .243 which trims .030 longer than the .308. When I do .308 i just move the micrometer .030 and trim. very exact. If you want precision this is a great trimmer and reasonable cost for the quality.

For .223 I use the WFT. While not as precise as the Wilson is it super fast and usually trims within +/- .003 which is good for me with my .223 loads. Again for the price it is fast and accurate enough for the purpose i use it for.

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

Mostly I use the girauld trimmer. I've had a forester since the 70's and cannot recommend one. Lee's new trimmer setup is pretty good as is the Frankfort. The Wilson is great, but not for volumes that us prairie dog shooters use.

 

[Captaingyro]

I started out with the Forster. It's excellent, but pricey and slow.
Next, a friend let me buy his barely-used RCBS motorized version for a great price. It's excellent, incredibly precise, and fast, but expensive if you have to buy new.
Finally, just last month my neighbor across the street loaned me his WFT in .223 to try out. I'm impressed to say the least. It sacrifices a tiny amount of accuracy for incredible speed and ease of use. If I were just starting out in reloading I have to say I'd go with the WFT.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

Is it true that the WFT produces a cut that doesn't require chamfer/deburr?

 

[roc1]

Wilson all way I have owned and used Lee Hornady Forster as well
Wilson hands down best most accurate repeatable. Get drill attachment very fast only way go for precision loading
Roc1