Dillon 1200 trimmer problems

[trbon8r]

Do any of you guys use the Dillon 1200 case trimmer? I've got one and have been trying to get it set up to trim .308, but haven't had good results. I'm getting a lot of variation in length and headspace from one case to the next, enough that one case might pass on a case gauge, while the one sized right after it won't pass inspection. I talked to Dillon and they suggested that likely there is enough play in the tool head of the press (550B) to cause a variation in trimming lengths. Their suggestion was to "shim" the tool head to eliminate any movement. Sounds pretty Mickey Mouse to me for an expensive piece of equipment. I just wondered if anyone has had luck with one of these trimmers?

I'm wishing I had spent the money for the Giraud trimmer, but I'm stuck with this Dillon for awhile and need to try and make it work. I'd send the thing back to Dillon and request a refund, but the problem is I bought this trimmer at least five years ago. It sat in the box for a number of years and I had not even used it until recently. I doubt I could get a refund on something like that.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I use one with great results, but I mount it on my RCBS Rockchucker. I've never tried to use it on my progressive press. If you have a single stage press, I'd suggest using it that way.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Redbeard55]

The Dillon 1200 trimmer could be the most accurate trimmer on the market. The vacuum attachment however is a real POS. I would make my adjustment and have the case length just where I wanted it. I would then attach the vacuum attachment and my case length changed. Depending upon the pressure for the POS the case length will change. Eliminate the vacuum attachment and you eliminate the variability. There may still be some slight variance, but I typically only notice this among different brands of brass.

 

[layusn1]

I have always had minor variation using one for 223 on a 650. The variation has always been acceptable though. I dont know how it is with the 550 but lots of people recommended to me putting a die, like the sizing die, in station 1 to even out the pressure on the shellplate.

 

[mallc]

+1 For single stage mount

I mount mine on a RCBS reloader special. No variation within sorted batches of brass.

I also switched the lock nuts to Redding lock rings with set screws so I can reinstall them with minimal tinkering. I'll eventually drill and tap motor side lock rings so both ends of the trim die will be set for re use. Dillon SHOULD provide this capability but they're funny about stuff.

+1 for the POS vaccuum attachment. I use two hoses and put the vacuum outside to avoid the noise.

 

[Meatco]

I've been using the Rapid Trim since the 1st month they came out. I hated the long cord, but they have since taken care of that problem.

As far as consistancy goes, it is always right on the money. A PITA to set, but once set, It never varies.

However, I do use either my old Rockchucker, or the Lee Classic Cast as my trim platform. Perhaps, you would be better off using a single stage for trimming.

Richard