Trimming .223
- Thread starter stiffdogg06
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I recently started using the WFT trimmers. They are great. I have a Possum Hollow for 223 Remington and it works on the same principle but I never got around to adjusting mine.
I find using a drill motor cumbersome but ok for small batches of like a 100 or 200.
For large batches, I will probably chuck the WFT in the lathe.
The Giraud is the cat's meow as it has its own power source but the initial price tag is high. But, trimming units for other cartridges cost about the same cost as the WFT. They can be preset and make changing set-ups for trimming pretty quick.
I will still use my Wilson/Sinclair trimmer for cartridges where I do not have an WFT trimmer.
I find using a drill motor cumbersome but ok for small batches of like a 100 or 200.
For large batches, I will probably chuck the WFT in the lathe.
The Giraud is the cat's meow as it has its own power source but the initial price tag is high. But, trimming units for other cartridges cost about the same cost as the WFT. They can be preset and make changing set-ups for trimming pretty quick.
I will still use my Wilson/Sinclair trimmer for cartridges where I do not have an WFT trimmer.
RainDodger
Member
When I trim mass quantities of 5.56, I use the WFT. It is truly excellent. I have mine mounted on flex shaft off of a drill press, so I can stand at my bench with the flex shaft in one hand and put the case in with the other, holding the WFT in a horizontal position. Trim, drop in bowl directly below, etc.
You can trim hundreds in very little time and it's simple.
For all other large rifle... I use the L.E.Wilson, because I'm never doing over about 50 cases.
You can trim hundreds in very little time and it's simple.
For all other large rifle... I use the L.E.Wilson, because I'm never doing over about 50 cases.
witchhunter
Member
Boy was I glad to see Lyman come out with the power trimmer! I think I got the first one. Just got back from a pdog shooting weekend and when I measured my bucket of brass, it seemed like it all needed trimming. When I saw it advertized, it didn't take me long to decide on it. I don't know if there are better or faster ways to trim a thousand pieces. I have used this exclusively since the 80's....
CTS cutter like above, but I made a motorized base.
Deburring is no big deal with the adapter I setup. It can be flipped for the outside of the case. I don't usually even bother to debur as my flare die/or boat tail bullets and crimp dies will knock off the sharp edge. The most precise shooting I do right now is 3 gun, so I am not as picky as some. I also setup a lee flash hole cleaning tool to fit in the same machine. I have CTS trimmers for 223, 30-30, 30-06, and 460 Mag straight wall brass. It is the best bang for the buck in regards to price vs. speed and quality.
Deburring is no big deal with the adapter I setup. It can be flipped for the outside of the case. I don't usually even bother to debur as my flare die/or boat tail bullets and crimp dies will knock off the sharp edge. The most precise shooting I do right now is 3 gun, so I am not as picky as some. I also setup a lee flash hole cleaning tool to fit in the same machine. I have CTS trimmers for 223, 30-30, 30-06, and 460 Mag straight wall brass. It is the best bang for the buck in regards to price vs. speed and quality.
1KPerDay
Member
This is my current setup, RCBS trim pro with Exibar's drill adapter and 3-way cutter. Pretty slick, but not as fast or easy as the Giraud, of course
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIlUBBNJ6zI
With the giraud... do you have to buy different cutters/whatever for different calibers? Or can you somehow adjust the cutting/chamfer/debur blades for all calibers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIlUBBNJ6zI
With the giraud... do you have to buy different cutters/whatever for different calibers? Or can you somehow adjust the cutting/chamfer/debur blades for all calibers?
HighExpert
Member
+2 on the possum hollow. I got a cheap little drill press from Harbor freight and it makes it easier than using a hand held drill, though.
Cherokee
Member
Giraud is the top of the line, works great and haven't regretted the price. But I undeerstand its too expesive for lots of reloaders. I used a Lyman trimmer for many years and they work fine.
I too use a Giraud and nothing beats it. To help defray the cost, consider going in with partners. I know of two separate members who have done just that and have been able to purchase the Giraud for half or less than full price. Something to consider.
The price seems high, and I guess it is high if you only trim 223. If you trim many others, the price seems like a bargain. I HATE trimming but, I now trim after time the case is fired. And, (This is what made me pay the price!) My son is also an avid shooter/competitor/reloader, my Giraud will eventually be HIS Giraud. And, that makes me smile.
cactus02
Member
I bought the dillon sizer/trimmer 25 years ago. Bite the bullet and buy it once and use it for your lifetime.The pleasure of something good overrides the temperary pain of the cost.
I had a Giraud which I sold. I didn't like the way it chamfered the case mouths and the "extra step".
The setup I use now works perfectly for me and produces very uniform cases. I have an RCBS 2000 press setup as follows:
Station one has a Dillon decap die.
Station two is empty.
Station three (the one built into the press body) has the Dillon Trimmer.
Station four is empty.
Station five has a Sinclair carbide -.002 expander mandrel. This is the one they sell for case neck turning. They also have a tool steel version that is considerably cheaper. The mandrel irons out any burrs on the inside of the case neck and expands it to -.002 without stretching the case like a pull through ball can.
When I reload, the first station has a RCBS expander mandrel that slightly flares the case mouth. The last station has either a Redding taper crimp die or a Lee Factory crimp die. Adding a modest crimp takes care of the outside chamfer/burr issue.
If I wanted to use no crimp then I would lightly chamfer the outside of the case mouth.
The setup I use now works perfectly for me and produces very uniform cases. I have an RCBS 2000 press setup as follows:
Station one has a Dillon decap die.
Station two is empty.
Station three (the one built into the press body) has the Dillon Trimmer.
Station four is empty.
Station five has a Sinclair carbide -.002 expander mandrel. This is the one they sell for case neck turning. They also have a tool steel version that is considerably cheaper. The mandrel irons out any burrs on the inside of the case neck and expands it to -.002 without stretching the case like a pull through ball can.
When I reload, the first station has a RCBS expander mandrel that slightly flares the case mouth. The last station has either a Redding taper crimp die or a Lee Factory crimp die. Adding a modest crimp takes care of the outside chamfer/burr issue.
If I wanted to use no crimp then I would lightly chamfer the outside of the case mouth.
I agree this is the way to go. No inside chamfer, no case stretching, no neck lube. But I use the Lyman M die. It does the expanding and the chamfer in one die/step. I can't imagine going back to reloading a bottleneck rifle cartridge without one.
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