Case Trimming Startup

[dak0ta]

Hi,

I would like to get a case trimming kit to go along with my RCBS Rockchucker kit.

I want to reload .308, 6.5x55, 8mm mauser, .45 ACP, and .30-30.

Which hand trim kit is considered the best out of the box? Do I need to buy new pilots and shellholders for each of my calibers? I'd prefer to get a kit that has all this already.

Lyman Universal
RCBS Trim Pro
Forster
Wilson

Those are the brands I have seen, but Lyman/RCBS seem to be in my price range and come in a kit with almost everything.

Is there anything else I need to buy in addition to what comes in the kit?

 

[witchhunter]

I started with a Lyman universal, it has a universal base chuck. You will only need pilots and I think they come with a variety pack. They all work well though.

 

[GarySTL]

I had a Foster which I sold when I stopped reloading for a while. Now that I'm back in it, I have a Redding. Works fine and has a universal chuck. Came with several pilots from 22 to 30 Cal.

 

[GT1]

I have the Lyman Universal, I really like the chuck. It has a good variety of pilots from .22 to .45. (It has the pilots for the calibers you list.)

I like the RCBS in that it has a 3-way cutter upgrade(trim/debur/chamfer), but it is $150-ish for that. I'm not a fan of that long grip/release lever on that trimmer either. Why they did that I have no idea.

All the trimmers you list are good trimmers.

 

[kingmt]

I use the Lee. Great price & they woeful great.

 

[gamestalker]

I've been using the Lee since day #1 and don't plan on changing. They're inexpensive and get the job done, and using a drill makes it fairly quick and painless to trim, ream, and chamfer all in one step.
You'll need at least one cutter, 1 threaded stud, and a case length gauge for each cartridge, and a threaded shell holder for each cartridge, unless of course the same shell holder applies to more than 1 cartridge your loading. Once you have the cutter and threaded stud, I think it will cost about $8 for each case gauge / shell holder.
It took me about 1/2 hr. - 45 minutes to prep 100 .270 win. cases last night. Not too bad.

GS

 

[243winxb]

Been using the Lyman Universal for years. It may not cut the case mouth square. The steel cutter head will need replaced after a while. Easy to replace or buy a carbide head. It does an ok job of outside neck turning with the optional tool. I would buy one again.

 

[renomedia]

I use the RCBS Trim Pro II. The kit comes with a universal shell holder and most every pilot. I upgraded the cutter to a titanium nitride redding cutter and have used it to trim 223, 6mm, and 308. The lathe shaft allows me to use a cordless 1/2" drill to power my trimming. I used to use an older Pacific (Hornady) trimmer. I like the RCBS one much better.

 

[dak0ta]

I went for the Lee Zip trim. Good reviews, simple to use, and affordable.

 

[45lcshooter]

Had Lyman universal, Hornady, and now I use Lee Trimmer with ZipTrim. Won't go back to anything else but the Lee, so easy to use, no need for re-measurement with calipers.

 

[Hondo 60]

I have a Lyman & it came with 9 pilots.