Opinions on the Best Case Trimmer

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Bruno2

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I was considering getting the Redding case trimmer. I like their products and couldn't imagine them making a bad product. I would like some input on others as well.

Thank You in advance for the replies!
 
Take a look at WFT worlds finesr trimmer. This is fast the fastes I have ever used 400+ an hr I have used it in .308 .223.
 
Lee trimmers, Lee Zip Trim/or flat based battery drill. That would be the cheapest to get started trimming cheap, and the length gauges are somewhere around 6.00 a piece. Take up a lot less room than a bench top trimmer. I've actually got ride of my bench top trimmers and got all the gauges I reload and time for, 14 rifle calibers.
 
Giraud - Speed, deburrs and chamfers

WFT - Speed, still have to deburr chamfer after

Forster - Slow, precise, still have to deburr and chamfer

Wilson - Slow, very precise, still have to deburr and chamfer.


I have all but the Giraud, plus the RCBS, and use them all. Can't go wrong with any I mentioned. I have no experience with the Reddiing.
 
Walkalong
I'm thinking about the RCBS, how is the consistency in trim length? I'll use it mostly for revolver cases for now until I start loading for rifle. I'm looking for repeatability even if using mixed brass.
 
The Redding with the micrometer adjustment is very nice, but pricey. I opted for the Lyman with it's easy to use case holder and carbide bit. You can get a drill attachment for it.
 
jeeptim said:
Take a look at WFT worlds finesr trimmer. This is fast the fastes I have ever used 400+ an hr I have used it in .308 .223.
Click to expand...
I just got this recently... very impressed with it and its speed

I noticed deburring is not needed... so I setup a chamfer bit in another drill and trim the case with the WFT and then chamfer with the other drill

Works great and Fast..
 
For thousands of cases in a progressive with a case feeder theDillon RT1200.
I have carpal tunnel syndrome and the less manual handling of cases is better for me.
I wet tumble after trimming to get the lube off and it cleans up the case mouths well enough for semi auto rifle rounds.

For all precision rounds I use the L.E. Wilson/Sinclair Ultimate Stainless Trimmer.
 
Walkalong
I'm thinking about the RCBS, how is the consistency in trim length? I'll use it mostly for revolver cases for now until I start loading for rifle.
Click to expand...
It does very well, just don't lean into it when trimming, as it will flex. When I bolted it down stopped holding it (Pushing in) on both ends while trimming, it does great.
 
The best case trimmer I ever had was my brother in law. I just have trouble getting him to do it sometimes.
When I do it myself, I just use the Lee stuff and a drill press.
 
I'm using the new trimmer by Lee and works well for me. The cutter comes in two version this one https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-deluxe-quick-trim-90437.html and a $4 cheaper version that doesn't chamfer. You simply use the die for your caliber and their is about 10 clicks from SAAMI spec down by .001" per click. I'm using it on 45 Colt, 454 Casull and hopefully soon (when they get the die in stock) 45-70 Gov.
 
The three way cutters made me drag my RCBS out from the back of the cabinet. Great tool. Trims and chamfers inside and out. Use it for 308 and 223.

Before that I mostly just used the Lee trimmer. Fast, consistent, cheap and easy.

Possum Hollow for my high-volume 223.
 
Walkalong said:
Giraud - Speed, deburrs and chamfers

WFT - Speed, still have to deburr chamfer after

Forster - Slow, precise, still have to deburr and chamfer

Wilson - Slow, very precise, still have to deburr and chamfer.


I have all but the Giraud, plus the RCBS, and use them all. Can't go wrong with any I mentioned. I have no experience with the Reddiing.
Click to expand...
Have used them all and sold all but the Giraud..... Worth its weight in gold I tell ya !!!
 
How does the Hornady case prep center compare against some of the other brands mentioned? I have the Hornady case prep center, and I think its pretty fast, but I've never used any others. It takes me about 20 seconds to trim, debur, chamfer, ream primer crimp, and clean the primer pocket.
That's a long time per case if you are processing a lot of brass....or is it? I don't know.
 
I can't imagine how a trimer could work any better / easier than a Giraud.

As long as price isn't a big issue.
 
jeeptim said:
Take a look at WFT worlds finesr trimmer. This is fast the fastes I have ever used 400+ an hr I have used it in .308 .223.
Click to expand...
+1. I really think this is the best case trimmer one can get at a reasonable price point. I prefer the press mounted Dillon, but it is quite pricey.
 
The Griaud is looking pretty good ! However, I just don't know if I am going to be trimming that much brass to justify it. When I load for my bolt guns I usually wont do more than 100-150 at a time and that's only 3 or 4 times a year. I may do quite a few AR rounds at a time though, but I don't have as much time as I used to for shooting and hunting.

Decisions decisions.
 
Bruno2 said:
The Griaud is looking pretty good ! However, I just don't know if I am going to be trimming that much brass to justify it. .
Click to expand...

Once past the original cost of the Giraud trimmer, additional, preset cutter head assemblies are about the same cost as a WFT trimmer. Swap out the assemblies and trim away. No re-adjustment.

If i had known this before getting heavily invested in WFT trimmers, I might have tried the Giraud.

I like the WFT trimmers but find using a drill motor cumbersome, in part, one hand is tied up holding the drill motor. I have not tried chucking them in my lathe yet. I am keeping my eye out for an alternate drive system for the WFT trimmers.

But, using a drill motor is handy in that everything stores away in a small area and it is quick to get out. I usually do not have a large amount of cases to trim at one time. I prep cases shortly after shooting and trim only those that are too long so I normally only have to trim 30-50 at a sitting. So, for now, I will put up with the drill motor.
 
Bruno2 said:
The Griaud is looking pretty good ! However, I just don't know if I am going to be trimming that much brass to justify it. When I load for my bolt guns I usually wont do more than 100-150 at a time....
Click to expand...
After the first 100-150 cases with a Giraud, you'll have all the justification you need. And a big grin on your face. :)
 
The Giraud is a fine trimmer but basically it is a knock-off of the Gracey. They both work the same way, at the same speed, but the Gracey costs a lot less.
 
Redding Match Case Trimmer

I purchased the redding match case trimmer and it is not up to redding standards. You can read my reviews for this product everywhere. I had numerous issues with the unit and purchased the sinclair ultimate trimmer with stand it is a good hand operated unit.

Ultimately if you are one to weight sort brass you need a very accurate trimmer. The redding did not meet my needs the sinclair is far better.

The biggest issues I had with the redding unit was the universal collet and the tin cutter would get dull after a few hundred rounds wont trim nickle plated cases but 100 or so times and when the unit gets dull the accuracy of the unit goes out the window.

Just my .02 good luck and shoot straight.
 
Well thanks for that scottishkat. I think you just changed my mind there. Now I need to figure out which one to go to now.
 
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