Case Trimming advice needed...

[cowtownup]

I have been using the little Lee trimmer that you pull the cord to spin because it was cheap and got me started. Now that I've destroyed it I need to move up to something better. I shoot two rifle calibers (308 and 223) and I really like the WFT trimmer but obviously I'd need to buy two trimmers to do each caliber. Any advice here would be appreciated?

On the other hand, I recently trimmed about 150 cases of 223 too short because the Lee case length guage had loosened up from my ball handle and when I tightened it down, it moved past the cutting plane ultimately shortening the guage. So the shorter cases measure 1.730" when they should actually be 1.750". My question is can I seat the bullets to my normal 2.240" so long as there is enough neck tension and shoot these or should I consider these cases a loss?

 

[deadeye dick]

I think you can as the OAL is what counts and as long as the bullet is not set to deep in the case to increase pressure you should be OK and the bullet stays seated.

 

[Gadawg88]

Lyman Universal trimmer works well for me. Can do multiple calibers and can chuck it to a power drill to speed things up for high volume .223 trimming. Very consistent. Lots of options out there though.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/case-trimmers/universal-trimmer-combo.php

$86 at Cheaper than dirt. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/7-7862003

 

[Dr.Zubrato]

go for the WFT, i have one for the 223, and I wouldnt hesitate to buy for another caliber. it's quick, and painless to use and its super consistent. i would love to have a machine with rotating chamfer and debur tools. I don't think it's necessary but I'm used to doing so and adds confidence to my reloads.

 

[gahunter12]

I have been using the same Lee case gage trimmer for .223. I just received the new Lyman E-ZEE Trim today. So far I am Very pleased with it. It's much faster than the Lee trimmer, easier to remove cases from the case holder because the case holder is much bigger. Also the trimmer/pilot is chucked in the drill which reduces case wobble, and allows you to only tighten the case holder finger tight instead of wrenching it down like on the Lee. Also the pilots are NOT threaded, but are held in by a nice set screw.

I trimmed 50 .300WM cases tonight. The trimmer trimmed all cases to 2.616" which is .006" above the trim to length, and .004" below the Max case length of 2.620".


Here's a pic of the Lyman E-ZEE trim on top, and the Lee Trim on bottom

 

[gamestalker]

Use the same OAL, but not necessarily the seating depth. In this respect, I don't know what will change with internal ballistics due to.020" less neck? I would imagine it would make a very small difference, but maybe someone with more experience will come along. Other than that, just give the neck tension a check and shoot em.

As far as trimmers go, I've been using the little Lee case length gauge trimmer on a cordless drill for years. I wore the first cutter out about 10 or so years ago. I replaced it with a carbide one, and have had zero issues with it since.

GS

 

[Eb1]

I use a Possum Trimmer for .223. It is fast and trims accurately.

 

[cowtownup]

I appreciate the help folks...

 

[bellyrubber]

when using the lee case trimmer do you remove the primer 1st?

 

[Moreno]

I am using the Lyman Universal case trimmer. Really like it. Easy to use and precise. Once adjusted every brass comes out the same length. No chance of making them too short.

 

[aklaunch]

223 Trim Die

I use the RCBS trim die.

It is hard work and slow but does good even work.

They are a little over $20.00

Then you need to get a flat bastard file. (the real name)

Those cost around $12.00

It is not clean, fast or easy. But it produces great results that make the cases near identical all the time.

Total comes out to less than $35.00 USD

 

[Eb1]

Yes. Remove the primer by using a sizing die.

 

[oldillini]

I have been using the same Lee case gage trimmer for .223. I just received the new Lyman E-ZEE Trim today. So far I am Very pleased with it. It's much faster than the Lee trimmer, easier to remove cases from the case holder because the case holder is much bigger. Also the trimmer/pilot is chucked in the drill which reduces case wobble, and allows you to only tighten the case holder finger tight instead of wrenching it down like on the Lee. Also the pilots are NOT threaded, but are held in by a nice set screw.

I trimmed 50 .300WM cases tonight. The trimmer trimmed all cases to 2.616" which is .006" above the trim to length, and .004" below the Max case length of 2.620".


Here's a pic of the Lyman E-ZEE trim on top, and the Lee Trim on bottom

I was given the E-Zee trimmer as Christmas gift. Looks like it should work well, but have not tried it. My kit came with the pilots for .223, .270, .308 and 30-06.

 

[41 Mag]

Well if your only mass trimming one or two calibers like the .223 or .308 then the WFT would be the way to go for sure. One thing about reloading is that if you look down the road a bit you will find $30 spent on the good stuff now beats $10 spent several times on replacing the cheaper versions as you go.

I myself have both the Lyman hand trimmer that I haul to the country or range, and the RCBS Trim Pro I use for the bigger bulk jobs. What I both love and hate about the Trim Pro are the pilots which chamfer as you trim, I just hate that they don't make them in pistol and revolver calibers as well.

 

[gahunter12]

Oldillini.... I couldn't find the rifle kit, but .223, 7mm, 300wm, and now 300RUM are the only rifle calibers I load. The kit really didn't benifit my since the .223 was the Oly pilot I could use. By buying this way I was able to get the pilots I needed, and still have the same money invested. I have been really happy so far.