School me on trimmers

[Pelo801]

I've been reloading for a while now, but mostly for pistol. I have a bunch of 7mm-08 brass that needs to be trimmed now. The other uses for this trimmer will be for 30 carbine brass that gets shot from a Ruger BH and maybe turning 9x19 into 9x18.
I would like something that is ridiculously easy to use, something that will be reliable and last for a long time and I won't mind paying a few extra dollars for that.
Now bear in mind that I know little about trimmers. But I could use some help to steer me in the right direction for something that will suit my needs. Thanks in advance.

 

[TrickyDick]

Keep it simple and get a Lee trim kit. They make specific gauge trimmers for each caliber. They're inexpensive and easy to use, the only drawback is they trim to the minimal size, whereas some people prefer to trim cases specific to their chamber. But if you're not too finicky, it'll be ideal for your needs.

 

[TrickyDick]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/798410/lee-case-length-gauge-and-shellholder-7mm-08-remington

You will also need this
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud

 

[entropy]

The easiest to use is RCBS trim dies, but they aren't cheap. You'd need a specific trim die for each caliber, and they are @$50 ea., but simple to use; run the case up into the die, file off anything sticking up, and chamfer to clean up the edges. Easy peasy. They last forever. My .30-06 one is 45 years old, still works great.

 

[243winxb]

Lyman Universal Trimmer Power Pack with Case Trimmer Kit, Power Adapter and 9 Pilots $98.

Order the carbide cutter head to go with it.

Some units will not cut the case mouth square. Not good for benchrest accuracy.
If you load a lot of different cartridges, its good for that.

There is an outside neck turning attachment , optional.

Mine is about 40 years old.

www.midwayusa.com/product/720825/lyman-universal-trimmer-power-pack-with-case-trimmer-kit-power-adapter-and-9-pilots

 

[USSR]

L.E. Wilson is the gold standard for trimmers. Work just like a mini lathe. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/214923/le-wilson-case-trimmer-kit-stainless-steel

Don

 

[rg1]

I can only recommend the Forster Original case trimmer since I've been trimming with it since the early 80's and many thousands of cases trimmed. It comes with pilots and collets that will hold most all pistol and rifle cases. I hold mine in my lap rather than mounting It to the bench. For extra long magnum cases you might need the longer accessory base. The Forster has several accessories you can add such as the case neck turning tool.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/614276/forster-original-case-trimmer-kit

 

[Ironicaintit]

My old Lyman is dirt simple to use, has untold thousands of rounds under its belt, and is still chugging along fine. Definitely opt for the carbide cutter though, if you go this route.

I loaned it to a friend who I've been kindof schooling on reloadings ins and outs, so he could take it for a spin and see if he liked it.
He brought it back a few days later and said he was going to get his own just like it.

 

[oldreloader]

The Lee trimmer is the least expensive and will work . I own one for everything I reload. I also have an old Redding 13K and a Lyman Accutrimmer. For me the Accutrimmer works great.

 

[rfwobbly]

My old Lyman is dirt simple to use, has untold thousands of rounds under its belt, and is still chugging along fine. Definitely opt for the carbide cutter though, if you go this route.

+1. I inherited an older Lyman trimmer. No telling how old this thing is, and it still cuts within 0.001".

The choice of trimmers has got to be based on volume of brass. But if you do less than ~100 cases per session, then a "hand trimmer" is all you need.

If you fall into that category, then buy a gray or orange Lyman trimmer used on Ebay and add the optional Lyman carbide cutter. At some point, if you feel the need to motorize the trimmer, then Lyman also offers a drill motor option. Mounting it on a board will make things go much easier. Here's what it looks like...

Very simple. Very straightforward.

 

[Pelo801]

Thanks for all the help guys. Right now, I'm leaning towards one of the Lyman trimmers. I've seen some good deals on ebay, so thanks for that tip rfwobbly.

 

[wizard1911]

I've been reloading for a while now, but mostly for pistol. I have a bunch of 7mm-08 brass that needs to be trimmed now. The other uses for this trimmer will be for 30 carbine brass that gets shot from a Ruger BH and maybe turning 9x19 into 9x18.
I would like something that is ridiculously easy to use, something that will be reliable and last for a long time and I won't mind paying a few extra dollars for that.
Now bear in mind that I know little about trimmers. But I could use some help to steer me in the right direction for something that will suit my needs. Thanks in advance.

Take a look at "Worlds Finest Trimmer" or "Worlds Cheapest Trimmer". I use the first one on 308 for my M1A. I've done hundreds since purchasing it.

 

[MrSpiffy]

I ended up with the Hornady Cam-Lock case trimmer. I'm new to reloading, so I can't really provide any experience with anything else. But, it's been easy to adjust and use, so far. And it has pilots to keep your cases square as it trims them down. Just be aware it requires the use of Hornady shell holders. Other shell holders will not fit this trimmer. (I discovered this after buying it.)

 

[2011redrider]

I ended up with the Hornady Cam-Lock case trimmer. I'm new to reloading, so I can't really provide any experience with anything else. But, it's been easy to adjust and use, so far. And it has pilots to keep your cases square as it trims them down. Just be aware it requires the use of Hornady shell holders. Other shell holders will not fit this trimmer. (I discovered this after buying it.)

I found that out about their shell holders too. Switched to a Forster now that was 40 bucks on Fleabay. Got the Hornady on sale at PSA for 50.00.

 

[1stmarine]

I have tried many methods through the years.
Check out the Forster trimmer and neck turner.
They also sell the 3 way cutters for every bore size that along with a motorized unit is the
fastest most consistent trimming system I have found. I prepare match brass this way.
There is no need for chambering and deburring after trimming and the spreads are within 1 thousand
that is amazing for a powered trimmer. It will trim any caliber this way for every bore size cutter you buy.
It is best to buy the large base so one can do the largest cases.