Case Trimming Question

[lotus]

I'm new to reloading, just set up my bench and press last week. Right now I'm looking over my Wilson case trimmer and the brass holder for .45 ACP. I have no clue how to use this thing! How do you set it precisely for ensuring uniform case length trimming? There are no adequate instructions that explain how you set this up. Any answers out there?

 

[Butch]

Not sure about the wilson but the way I set up my lyman is to get a new unfired case & chuck it up then adjust the slip collar so that the cutter just touches the case mouth.
This is the fastest way I have found. But always check with a caliper after you trim the 1st one to be sure that something isnt out of whack.

 

[labgrade]

Setting up case trimmers is a whole 'nother thread, but fer starters, I have never once in my life ever trimmed a pistol-caliber case - especially anything "auto."

They're always lost way before their case-life & I wouldn't even consider trimming 'em.

FWIW

Far as setting a case trimmer, what I do is always set the trimmer to about .010" above what I'd expect it to trim, trim the brass to limits set & then measure with a calibrated caliper.

Adjust the trimmer to what the caliper says & adjust the trimmer to that.

Kind of a trial by fit thing.

 

[stans]

I chuck a case into my trimmer, bring the cutter down to a point that it just barely kissed the case mouth, then make fine adjustments to get the length just right.

 

[burrhead]

Labgrade's right. No reason to trim hand gun ammunition except match revolver ammo to insure a uniform crimp. I've been reloading 25+ years and never trimmed straight wall brass. But, it's your time and brass.
Have fun.

 

[Steve in PA]

The thing didn't come with instructions??

I also have never ever trimmed handgun brass.