Hornady Case Prep Center & 3 in 1 Trimmers

[1J04]

Getting older, possibly lazier, and wanna cut down on Case Prep time. Having said that:

1. What do you think about the Hornady Case Prep Center as not only a time saver regarding one stop prepping, but also the results used properly.

2. Considering one of the 3 in 1 Trimmers also as a cheaper alternative to achieve the same end of one stop prepping and being able to Debur, Chamfer, and cut the case to length.

I've never used either, nor do I know anyone with either. Curious if they're all "that" or not and how you've found them to perform. Appreciate your input.

 

[Twoboxer]

I have no experience with the Hornady Case Prep Center, but do have experience with the RCBS version (Universal Case Prep Center) which may be helpful to you.

The big advantage of these units (IMO) is the included trimmer . . . if it is accurate and easy to use.

The RCBS trimmer is extremely easy to set to length and adjust (micrometer), and it trims to remarkably consistent case lengths. With the standard blade, it does not chamfer/deburr while cutting - but the tools in the prep center work just fine. RCBS offers a blade that they say will, but I have not tested it.

The RCBS trimmer gives me much more consistent CLs than the WFT in (eg) 223. The WFT is difficult to adjust (set screws vs micrometer), the cutter cannot easily be kept clean because it's hidden inside the device, and CL varies not only with shoulder height but also with slight diffeences in shoulder profile. If you've got your shoulder consistent, the WFT will be consistent . . . once you get it set . . . if you keep the blades clean of brass shavings.

RCBS requires collets, but not shell holders - it uses the RCBS Universal chuck which works really well.

The Hornady unit is vertical - an advantage in bench space. And you may prefer vertical during use . . . or you may not.

The RCBS unit needs to be bolted down, or attached (as I did) to a base of 3/4" plywood for weight to prevent movement during use - dunno about the Hornady. Finally, the RCBS is pretty noisy.

 

[para72]

When I started reloading I had all the proper hand tools and didn't mind using them and learning. After a while it seemed like it took forever to get things prep. I bought the Hornady and since, the little time I do get to spend is more productive. Set up is easy and it runs cool.

Sent from my SCH-I605

 

[Rustybroadhead]

Check midway.... I think the hornady is on sale at the moment

 

[TheJ]

Takes a bit to get the length of the case dialed in on the trimmer, but then it works great.

The other drivers are just like a normal case prep center, those without the trimmer. The rotation could be 25-30% faster, but thats just splitting hairs. I love mine.

 

[roggom]

I have the Lee Quick trim, It trims, deburs and chamfers in about three turns. It just screws into your press and trim away. Only thing is you must buy a trimmer for each cartridge. It is a real improvement from my old school Lyman then hand debur then hand chamfer.

 

[bruddah]

I have the Lee Quick trim, It trims, deburs and chamfers in about three turns. It just screws into your press and trim away. Only thing is you must buy a trimmer for each cartridge. It is a real improvement from my old school Lyman then hand debur then hand chamfer.

Interesting.

 

[milo 2.0]

Getting older, possibly lazier, and wanna cut down on Case Prep time. Having said that:

1. What do you think about the Hornady Case Prep Center as not only a time saver regarding one stop prepping, but also the results used properly.

2. Considering one of the 3 in 1 Trimmers also as a cheaper alternative to achieve the same end of one stop prepping and being able to Debur, Chamfer, and cut the case to length.

I've never used either, nor do I know anyone with either. Curious if they're all "that" or not and how you've found them to perform. Appreciate your input.

RCBS's 3 way cutters screw right into the Hornady case prep center.

 

[pmclaine]

Your best bet would be a Giraud but that is a big investment.

I trim on a Dillon using the RT1200. Its a good trimmer but it leaves the necks square and sharp. I would get a little copper shaving during the seating stage.

I strarted using hand chamfer/debur tools to alleviate the problem and quicklt found out that process sucks.

I bought the 3 in 1 trimmer (Hornady). It has worked much better than hand twisting but is still a lengthy process. Benefit to this is with the third station I now give the primer pockets a quick scrape also.

If you are hand trimming I see RCBS makes a mini lathe with cutter head that both deburrs and chamfers.

You have lots of options.

 

[1J04]

Very helpful input. Thanks guys. The Giraud !! Now there's the Cadillac. I'm usually all in on the "Buy Once, Cry Once" train of thought, but if I wanna continue sleeping indoors during these chilly times I better continue putting that on the back burner Finally bit the bullet and justified the Thumlers Tumbler and SS media vice ultrasonic corn cob / walnut. Ultrasonic is gondy but the vibratory tumbler stays. Just ordered the RCBS 3 in 1 since I do have the base for it already. I'll give it a go and if it works out it and I will remain in the house. That LEE quick trim looks pretty cool. I can honestly say I've never seen that before. Makes sense to me. Thanks again. Your input is invaluable.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

The RCBS 3 in 1 trimmers work very well and are worth the money.

 

[AZ.noob]

I have the Lee Quick trim, It trims, deburs and chamfers in about three turns. It just screws into your press and trim away. Only thing is you must buy a trimmer for each cartridge. It is a real improvement from my old school Lyman then hand debur then hand chamfer.

That is pretty cool, and I like the price ($25-ish for both cutter and die)
Question: what keeps the case from rotating?

 

[1J04]

Apparently these are fairly fail safe. A bottle of Scotch ? and a Bud Light chaser to boot. Perfect LMAO

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SpMIWcjBcX4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[korykhunter]

I like the RCBS 3-way trimmers so well I have one for each caliber I load. 9 and counting.

 

[roggom]

That is pretty cool, and I like the price ($25-ish for both cutter and die)
Question: what keeps the case from rotating?

You place your case in the shell holder as normal and then push it up into the die, you keep pressure on the ram and then just push down and rotate the handle. It is much more efficient than my Lyman. All three actions are accomplished at the same time. Now it may not be benchrest quality, but considering how easy it is, I trim every time I load.

You can adjust the amount of trim with the die and a fine adjustment on the handle.

 

[1J04]

I like the RCBS 3-way trimmers so well I have one for each caliber I load. 9 and counting.

Wondering if it's a pain changing out the Pilot and setting up the Cutters for different calibers, hence 9 and counting. I think I see 3 or 4 of these in the near future if so. We'll see. Come on January 23rd ! And most importantly "GO HAWKS" !!!!!

 

[korykhunter]

It's fairly easy to switch pilots just takes a little time. I just got a little lazy and took the easier route.

 

[BIPMaster]

My case prep consists of the WFT and the RCBS prep center. May not be the absolute fastest way, but until I get a progressive press I don't really need to go any faster.
On the Lee trimmer in the above video, it looked like there was a lot of slop in the cutting handle. I wonder how that would affect getting the case neck good and square during the trim?

 

[1J04]

Noticed that too. Wonder if the quick change collet he has has something to do with that. That or it's the amendments on his bench?

I'm an idiot...... I posted this thinking of a different vid I saw on this with the quick change collet. It does appear to wobble around though.

My case prep consists of the WFT and the RCBS prep center. May not be the absolute fastest way, but until I get a progressive press I don't really need to go any faster.
On the Lee trimmer in the above video, it looked like there was a lot of slop in the cutting handle. I wonder how that would affect getting the case neck good and square during the trim?