Trimmers

[giggitygiggity]

What trimmer(s) do you recommend? I have looked at the Lee Zip Trim. The price is tempting, but I do not know if it is good or if it is crap. How about your suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

For general case trimming. Wilson, Forster, RCBS, in that order. I use my Wilson for 6PPC only. I use the other two for everything else. I prefer the Forster.

 

[giggitygiggity]

How do they work? I am reading about pilots and what not. Currently, I trim my brass by hand using the Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholders for each caliber. Are these required for crank trimmers? Thanks.

 

[dagger dog]

Shell holders, (plates) are required for the RCBS ,some of the others have a universal collet type holder. That Lee ZIP trimmer has a upgrade universal shell holder for extra $, but the base unit requires the stud and case length gauge.

The RCBS holds the case against a stop and a rotating cutter head with a caliber specific stud is inserted into the case mouth, then the cutter is cranked by hand or small electric drill. The length is maintained by a micrometer type depth stop on the shaft that holds the cutter head. RCBS also has a motor powered version. Other makers are similar, some reverse the process and turn the case against a hard mounted cutter with caliber specfic case mouth guides. There are simpler versions the mount to your press like a sizer and the case mouth protrudes through the top and is filed to spec, the top of the trim die is exceptionally hardened, to take the punishment of the file.

 

[aerod1]

I have a Lyman universal trimmer with the drill motor accessory and it works great .

 

[Winston_Smith]

The Forster Trimmer uses collets to hold the base of a case. If you buy the kit, the collets and pilots (keeps the mouth of the case centered) for common calibers are included. You adjust the length by moving a collar/adjustment screw on the shaft of the trimmer.

I hear Giraud trimmers are nice as well

 

[jbkebert]

I am pretty happy with my Hornady crank trimmer. It uses shell plates for the base and a trimmer pilot for the case mouth. Simple to adjust and cuts pretty fast. Your arm gets a little sore after a couple hundred rounds though.

 

[Tim the student]

I have an Rcbs trimmer I got on eBay for about 35 bucks. Worth a look if you are not anti eBay

 

[ForneyRider]

Lee zip trim works pretty good, but getting the drill attachment is much faster. Collet on the zip trim is nicer than the drill attachment, but with a cordless drill set at the right speed, you can go to town on brass prep.

I use a Redding flash hole debur tool and run it through after trimming brass, chamfering and deburring the case mouth.

 

[sniper5]

+1 on the Lee setup with a cordless drill. I use the zip trim collet in my drill and have the cutter with the wooden ball handle. Sweet setup. I usually slap a little flitz on with a rag to polish the rifle brass after trim, chamfer and deburr.

 

[qajaq59]

I use the Forster with the adapter for the drill. It works well for me.

 

[NuJudge]

Wilson is perhaps the most accurate, but is probably slowest. Get the spud that allows you to power it with a hand drill.

I used a Forster for better than 20 years. It is accurate. I got separate cutter shafts and lock rings for different calibers. Get the spud that allows hand drill power.

RCBS has a cutter head that cuts to length, plus inside and outside chamfers. No experience with it, but it's probably as accurate as the Forster. There is a self propelled version.

Gracey is a big step up in cost, but is quick, but has some accuracy issues, as it works on the horizontal. Any turnings or dirt getting in the shell holder area will give a longer length. The original cutter only cuts to length, but there are aftermarket cutters that inside and outside chamfer too.

Giraud is the best there is, but is another bigs step up in cost. Operates on the vertical. Accuracy is to about .001". Calibers are quick change. It takes 2-3 seconds to trim a case, inside and outside chamfered. My finger tips get really sore inserting cases and giving them half a twist. Thousands of cases in an evening.

 

[something vague]

Lyman Universal trimmer is what I use, only because it was given to me. The only thing i've done is buy extra pilots and replace the cutting head. I belive this trimmer to be 30 or so years old according to the old man who gave it to me. Still functions flawlessly. I am going to buy the power adapter rod for it to speed things up a bit, I've heard good things about it.

 

[RustyFN]

I use the Lee trimmer in a cordless drill also and am very happy with it. It is very fast and easy. I don't have any experience with other trimmers.

 

[The Bushmaster]

RCBS Case Trimmer II...

For over 20 years now...Just doesn't seem to wear out so I can try some of the "new" technology...

 

[ohioshooter]

I have the Fosters trimmer and it works great.