Lee trim die optimization

[RadBear]

I'm attempting to reload the 5.7 x 28mm and got the Lee trim die and power drill cutter. I'm getting inconsistent results in trim length ranging from 1.123" - 1.134". The Lyman 50th reloading manual lists the trim length at 1.130”. I've tried making adjustments with the selector in the cutter based on the length of the untrimmed case but haven't been able to get a consistent result. Any tips on optimizing my results to around 1.130”?

 

[Obturation]

I've had an impossible time getting consistent results with the lee trimmer. I've got a 454 trim die that trims to 45 colt length, I've got a 357 trim die that doesn't trim anything at all. I really don't like the system and I'm still kicking around which I'll buy . Weird because it used to work and nothing's changed except it's all goofy and inconsistent now.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I use these for trimming. So far good.

 

[Docendo Discimus]

I could never get consistent results with the trim die. I switched over to the cutter and lock stud design above with good results.

 

[Engineer1911]

And now you know why Lyman case trimmers are manufactured with universal chuck to hold the brass case. Get the cutter shaft that is a smaller diameter (3/8" ?) to fit an electric drill.

 

[entropy]

I use these, though I'm not familiar with loading that caliber:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011583072?pid=770975

I have them in .30-06 and .223.

 

[kmw1954]

Funny in that I have been using one of these; https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012843042?pid=717013 and one ea. of these; https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011223336?pid=994119 in 223 and 243 and have no problem obtaining my desired length for over a year and a half.. I trim 223 consistently to 1.750"...

 

[Obturation]

Funny in that I have been using one of these; https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012843042?pid=717013 and one ea. of these; https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011223336?pid=994119 in 223 and 243 and have no problem obtaining my desired length for over a year and a half.. I trim 223 consistently to 1.750"...

I've been meaning to get with you on that, I use that same setup but can't seem to get any consistency anymore. I took out the thin blades that are intended to chamfer because one was bent, with or without them I just get different lengths and some are fine. I don't think it's the dies, more likely the cutter itself but I tried every kind of adjustment with no luck. Like I said before, I'm getting ready to give up on it.

 

[kmw1954]

I have found that at times with brass that is getting hardened it takes more effort to get it trimmed.
Maybe I will have to run it in my die, see if I get the same results.

 

[Obturation]

Maybe I will have to run it in my die, see if I get the same results.

That'd be great , next time we meet up I'll bring it to see if you have the same issue. Just can't seem to figure it out, worked fine for a couple years but now it's pretty much unusable because of it.

 

[kmw1954]

And maybe it truly is that the cutters are worn out.

 

[RadBear]

I use these for trimming. So far good.
View attachment 1062472
View attachment 1062473

I went with this and it worked great. Thanks for the advice!

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Cool glad i could help.