stupid reloading question of the week: RCBS case trimmer types

[1KPerDay]

Hi,
I've been reading reviews on the previous type (I think it's the "2" type) RCBS trimmer lathe, with the collet system. Generally good reviews, but in the "bad" reviews several people mentioned that the collet system doesnt' center/level the case properly so the case mouths don't come out square. They recommended the Forster from what I remember.

Anyone have trouble with this type of trimmer? I'm considering getting one and any info would be helpful.

 

[bloominonion]

From what I understand, no trimmer seems to do a perfect job centering the case, but it is the job of the pilot to do the centering.

I found with my Lyman universal trimmer, if I seat the pilot into the case while it's in the chuck, then tighten the chuck down, it will center it up perfectly. If it doesn't, give it one or two rotations before clamping it down.

I can rip through cases faster than I can load em in.

 

[BADUNAME37]

My Forster Trimmer centers and trims them perfectly whichever way I put them in (base-first or pilot-first) - it makes absolutely no difference. I can put cases into the collette and turn the neck down in the time it takes my left hand to get the next one out of the bucket, switch that next one to my right hand, release the base from the collette, insert the new one while putting the freshly-trimmed case into the other bucket and move along several hundred pieces just like that in about 20 minutes.

 

[burrhead]

LE Wilson is the best lathe type.

http://www.lewilson.com/

 

[slowbutsure]

I use the RCBS trimmer, and have never had a problem. sbs

 

[Steve in PA]

Had it before I upgraded to the new style trimmer. Never had a problem with the old style, but the newer style is much better.

 

[1KPerDay]

My Forster Trimmer centers and trims them perfectly whichever way I put them in (base-first or pilot-first) - it makes absolutely no difference. I can put cases into the collette and turn the neck down in the time it takes my left hand to get the next one out of the bucket, switch that next one to my right hand, release the base from the collette, insert the new one while putting the freshly-trimmed case into the other bucket and move along several hundred pieces just like that in about 20 minutes.

Do you have a drill attachment or do you use the hand-crank?

 

[winchester1886]

I use a Redding I don't know if it makes any difference but on a Redding the cutter stays stationary and the case slides over the collet before it contacts the cutter. It seems to do a good job. Oh by the way I use a cordless drill attachment.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I've had the RCBS for years and find it works just fine.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Do you have a drill attachment or do you use the hand-crank?

Hand-crank.
I am proficient with it as I have been doing this for over 25 years!

I used to run all my cases through the trimmer then realized about a year ago that if I use my dial caliper on the batch first, I can sort out even quicker which ones need trimming and which ones don't. I usually end up trimming about 25% of the lot and the other 75% are usually within spec.

 

[RidgwayCO]

I use the RCBS Trim Pro Power Case trimmer. I've had it for years, and thought it was ok, but recently got the 3-way cutter heads for .30 cal and .22 cal. It's the bee's-knees for the brass used in my M1 Garand and M4gery.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yeah, if I go this route I'm definitely getting the 3-way cutter. Thanks