Lee's Deluxe Quick Trim: Good, Bad, So-so?

[kcofohio]

I would like one hear from the members here that have used this trimmer with much success, or lack of success. Looking to order a SA press and thought one of these trimmers could be handy. I would use it mainly for 223 and 8mm, especially the Berdan primed 8mm.

I see much mixed reviews. But I see that with several Lee products, and other reloading products, in general, I like.

Thank!

kc

 

[ericuda]

I haven't used the lee trimmer but with the mixed reviews and the way it mounts and operates makes me wonder. I would cry once and get the forster original. Mounted on the bench quick and easy use.

 

[rbernie]

I dunno about the QuickTrim, but when I used a single stage press I did my trimming off the press using the Lee case length gauges.

The Lee handheld trimmer approach is clever and works well for all but benchrest-quality needs. However, most folk don't bother with the zip-pull thingee and mount the Lee three-jaw chuck in a cordless drill. It's fast, and it works.

Just looking at the QuickTrim, I've gotta wonder where the chips go - I surely would not want chips all over the outside and inside of my press ram.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I dunno about the QuickTrim, but when I used a single stage press I did my trimming off the press using the Lee case length gauges.

The Lee handheld trimmer approach is clever and works well for all but benchrest-quality needs. However, most folk don't bother with the zip-pull thingee and mount the Lee three-jaw chuck in a cordless drill. It's fast, and it works.

Just looking at the QuickTrim, I've gotta wonder where the chips go - I surely would not want chips all over the outside and inside of my press ram.

They have a little tray that mounts over the shell holder to catch the trimmings. I don't know yet how effective it is yet since i just bought the trimmer and have not used it yet.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

 

[Saintsfan1977]

I got it for my 270wsm and didnt like the inconsistency. The adjustment didnt seem to make much of a difference and I found it cut one side of the case lower than the other. I used the hand held trimmer instead until I got a LE Wilson trimmer. I cant say I used enough to really give a great assessment but my first impression wasnt good so it went back in the box. Others might have better results with it.

 

[kcofohio]

ericuda, my bench space is limited, as my press is mounted on a tri-stand.
I have used somebody's L.E. Wilson case trimmer, with the mirco-adjustment. I like that one and would probably get it if I decide against the Lee.

Lee has a video on their site for the set-up. Looks simple enough. It is either chips there or on my puter desk.

 

[kcofohio]

I got it for my 270wsm and didnt like the inconsistency. The adjustment didnt seem to make much of a difference and I found it cut one side of the case lower than the other. I used the hand held trimmer instead until I got a LE Wilson trimmer. I cant say I used enough to really give a great assessment but my first impression wasnt good so it went back in the box. Others might have better results with it.

How does the die hold the case in place? Is it a taper fit that prevents the case from spinning?

 

[Saintsfan1977]

There is a rubber O-ring that keeps it from spinning. It is tapered and I think the O-ring is at the base if Im not mistaken. The case wont spin. Just the cutter.

 

[kcofohio]

There is a rubber O-ring that keeps it from spinning. It is tapered and I think the O-ring is at the base if Im not mistaken. The case wont spin. Just the cutter.

Thanks!

 

[HJ857]

I used this trimmer for a very short time. It's a good idea but not fully developed yet.

The chips fall both to the sides of the case and also inside the case and die.

At some point the chips will build up enough to interfere with the cutter head. As I recall it happens pretty fast too.

If there were a way to motorize the cutter it would be better, it takes more revolutions to make the cut than i thought it should, which I know is an arbitrary notation.

I still like the old Lee lock stud/length gauge/cutter system better. In my opinion the Lee system is good for just very small batches of case prep.

I picked up the new Lee system mostly out of curiosity. I use the RCBS Trim Pro with a three way cutter, which is worlds better, but much more expensive of course.

 

[Saintsfan1977]

If there were a way to motorize the cutter it would be better

There is. Lee has a Deluxe Power Quick Trim stud that attaches to the cutter so you can use a drill.

 

[ericuda]

kc, I hear ya, All I have set up is a 2' x 4' bench with the trimmer, pencil sharpener chamfer and a single stage or turret. I have used the tri-stand and it was handy for a small footprint. Just recommend you carefully choose and get something you will be happy with.

 

[CptnAwesome]

I used the quick trim on my 270 win brass. Loved it at first.
Did about 30 cases and after about 15 the quick trim started binding and grinding unevenly. Went through final cases slowly and carefully and they turned out okay. The last few cases seemed to be trimmed more course than the first but after chamfer and and deburring they were good.
I haven't had time to study it and figure out why it's binding, but if I can't then I'll look for another trimmer.

Loved it while it worked but got annoying when it started binding. Hope I can figure out the problem

 

[Schwing]

I used one for a short time as well and was very much unimpressed. I was never able to get anything close to consistency with it (+-.010 at best) and the little adjustment collar snapped after about 300 cases.

I sent mine back. It is one of the few times a Lee product didn't do it for me.

 

[kcofohio]

Thank you all for your responses! While I like pretty much all the Lee products I own. I don't mind challenges, but my plate is already full now. I believe I will skip this one and probably go with the L.E. Wilson case trimmer.

Again, thanks!

kc

 

[Saintsfan1977]

You wont go wrong with the Wilson trimmer. Its the most consistent there is.

 

[AnselHazen]

X2 I have a Wilson also. Just the basic one but it does the job well. Hope someday to add the micrometer adjustment to it.

 

[Saintsfan1977]

I got the one with the micrometer for $130. Its not the sinclair micrometer just the stainless one with the markings and it works. Made a base from a scrap piece of aluminum C-channel and screwed it to my bench. I love it. They all come out the same length.

 

[kcofohio]

Looking up the case holders, I noticed they (L. E. WILSON) list for new & fired casing. Since I trim after resizing, I don't see any reason to get any fired case holders. Any thoughts on that?