Lee case length gauge

[deadeye1122]

I bought a Lee case length gauge and shell holder for .223 to trim cases to a uniform length in case I start to crimp. Anyway the package and web site state Trim to length 1.730 to 1.760..
When I screw the length gauge into the cutter and it bottoms out so where is the adjustment at?
Do you file the end of the gauge to adjust length of cut?
Set up that way it cuts 1.756.
Anyone familiar with this setup?

https://leeprecision.com/gage-holder-223-rem.html

 

[Cemetery21]

It's designed to be used with a cutter and lock stud. The pin will then bottom out on the lock stud and you can use the cutter in a drill press or drill to quickly trim, It should then hit close to 1.750. If long, you can shorten the pin (that goes thru the flash hole).

 

[deadeye1122]

It's designed to be used with a cutter and lock stud. The pin will then bottom out on the lock stud and you can use the cutter in a drill press or drill to quickly trim, It should then hit close to 1.750. If long, you can shorten the pin (that goes thru the flash hole).

 

[deadeye1122]

Sorry don't know what I did there. Anyway looks like trim the gauge to desired length or get creative with some sort of spacer in the shell holder/lock nut maybe. Thanks for your reply. deadeye.

 

[PWC]

This is the only trimmer I have and used for 38 yrs. Spindle and lock stud are caliber specific, the trimmer is universal and fits all Lee spindles.

When I bought mine, it came as a complete set, now cutter is sold separate.

 

[kelbro]

They are effective tools. One of Lee's better products.

 

[Cemetery21]

They are effective tools.

Indeed. 25 years or so ago, I agreed to process 1,000 rounds of 223 for a buddy. When it came to trimming, the old Lyman manual trimmer got old fast. I ordered the Lee set and a holder for my deburring tool and did it all on the drill press.

These days, I use a powered RCBS trimmer with 3-way cutters.

 

[sparkyv]

deadeye1122, you seem to be missing a piece, the lock stud. It is a base upon which the pin on the trimmer bottoms out. This results in a non-adjustable trim length that is most assuredly a proper one.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I use them and have found that my little 4v battery screwdriver works better than the 20v drill/driver. I've never trimmed to the minimum length but I like my trim length being consistent. I bought the trim die and cutter for 223 and 30-06 since that seems to be the rifle ammo I load the most.

 

[PWC]

Look further down on the website you reference, cutter and lock stud, lower left, $7.

 

[kelbro]

Yep, you need the cutter and lock stud. They used to have a wood ball that fit on the cutter and made it a lot more comfortable. I didn't see that listed. Don't waste your money on the Zip Trim.

 

[Archie]

I use the Lee case trimmer for a number of calibers, including less than common stuff, like 8x56mmR and .30-40 Krag. Much faster than a formal lathe type trimmer and so far, gives me consistency, convenience and speed.

I don't have the wood ball, but I found a .5 inch drill will bore the correct size hold in a bit of scrap wood and is a force fit on the cutter.

But I'm not cheap! I'm thrrrifty!

 

[deadeye1122]

I have all the required pieces (lock stud,shell holders cutter) to trim .223 and other calibers i have. My question was the package and web site state trims to 1.730 to 1.760 lengths. How do you adjust to these various lengths? Need additional pieces? deadeye.

 

[PWC]

If you want different case lengths, you will have to buy multiple "gages" and rework the tip where it impenges on the lock stud to get different lengths.

 

[deadeye1122]

I'll have to pick a length and go with that. In my search i read of a reloader that chucks the cutter and pin in their drill press and uses the table as their stop. Just hold the case and lower the quill, no shell holder or lock nut. Works pretty good and consistent. How about different depth dimple in the table to adjust case length? I know getting carried away but have to try. Thanks for all your reply's. deadeye

 

[PWC]

Deadeye - that will work too, but use the loweast speed. The cutter works best at slow speed and it is easier to hold the case. I made a holder to save my fingers.

I cut a piece of 3/4" X 1" scrap wood about 6-9" long, drill a hole the size of the lock stud's "stud." Cut a slot from the edge into the hole. Put the stud in the hole and use a wood screw to tighten down the slot on the stud. Put a case on the lock, and with the drill press turned off, lower the cutter and gauge onto the case to align everything. Clamp the scrap wood with the lock to the drill press table to maintain alignment. Test alignmemt with the power on. Unlock trimmed case and replace with another untrimmed case. Don't forget to deburr. Job goes fast and it's easier on the fingers.

 

[kelbro]

I have all the required pieces (lock stud,shell holders cutter) to trim .223 and other calibers i have. My question was the package and web site state trims to 1.730 to 1.760 lengths. How do you adjust to these various lengths? Need additional pieces? deadeye.

That is just their manufacturing tolerance on the pin length and lock stud. Cutting variable lengths is not a feature of this product.

My Lee set hardly gets used since I discovered the Possum Hollow trimmer.