Wondering what you guys like for manual case trimmers. Have been using a Lee shell holder locked in a hand drill for a long time and am now looking for something dedicated, but unwilling to spend the $150+ on electronic models. Any recommendations as to which brand makes the best hand-cranked case trimmer? Thanks.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
You might do a search in this section. There used to be a tutorial on reloading by doc76251.
I use a Wilson or an old Lyman that I have had for years.
You might do a search in this section. There used to be a tutorial on reloading by doc76251.
I use a Wilson or an old Lyman that I have had for years.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
+1 for the Wilson
+1 for the Wilson
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer.
If you are not willing to spend $150 on a trimmer, this is out of your price range. But if you are looking for consistancy and precision, this is it.
Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer.
If you are not willing to spend $150 on a trimmer, this is out of your price range. But if you are looking for consistancy and precision, this is it.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Wilson all the way
Wilson all the way
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Forster is a good choice.
I have two and an older Lyman with the universal chuck. Stupid spring loaded ball kept bouncing out and I finally lost it for good. I guess I should get off my butt and call them for a new one, but the Forsters work like, groovy man.
Looky here;
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/class_trimmers.htm
Forster is a good choice.
I have two and an older Lyman with the universal chuck. Stupid spring loaded ball kept bouncing out and I finally lost it for good. I guess I should get off my butt and call them for a new one, but the Forsters work like, groovy man.
Looky here;
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/class_trimmers.htm
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Wilson....Cuts square case mouths and is fairly fast after you get the hang of it.
Wilson....Cuts square case mouths and is fairly fast after you get the hang of it.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I've had my RCBS trimmer for over a decade. It works well but takes longer to set up than my drill mounted Lee trimmer and case length gauge.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=114864
I've had my RCBS trimmer for over a decade. It works well but takes longer to set up than my drill mounted Lee trimmer and case length gauge.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=114864
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FIREMEDIC27</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer.
If you are not willing to spend $150 on a trimmer, this is out of your price range. But if you are looking for consistancy and precision, this is it. </div></div>
+1...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FIREMEDIC27</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer.
If you are not willing to spend $150 on a trimmer, this is out of your price range. But if you are looking for consistancy and precision, this is it. </div></div>
+1...
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
The Forester has worked fine for me for years... I also use the Possum Hollow when in a hurry...
The Forester has worked fine for me for years... I also use the Possum Hollow when in a hurry...
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Definitely check out the Possum Hollow trimmers. Very cheap and easier/faster than the Lee. Adjustable!
Definitely check out the Possum Hollow trimmers. Very cheap and easier/faster than the Lee. Adjustable!
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
If you're only trimming for one caliber, the Wilson only costs $70 without the micrometer feature. You don't need that if you're only trimming for one caliber. Set the length once and you'll never need to touch it again.
If you're only trimming for one caliber, the Wilson only costs $70 without the micrometer feature. You don't need that if you're only trimming for one caliber. Set the length once and you'll never need to touch it again.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
If loading multiple calibers, a set of master cases allows quick and easy setup of the Wilson w/o the micrometer.
If loading multiple calibers, a set of master cases allows quick and easy setup of the Wilson w/o the micrometer.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I'll sell you a Forster for a good price. They are great if you are doing multiple calibers. I replaced it with a Giraud.
I'll sell you a Forster for a good price. They are great if you are doing multiple calibers. I replaced it with a Giraud.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I am cheap, so I bought a Lee Zip Trim and universal shellholder for my Lee cutter. It makes quick work. I clean off the lube, Trim, chamfer, deburr and deburr the flash hole all on the Zip Trim.
It is actually easier than the electric drill method. It will hold me over until I can afford a Giraud.
I am cheap, so I bought a Lee Zip Trim and universal shellholder for my Lee cutter. It makes quick work. I clean off the lube, Trim, chamfer, deburr and deburr the flash hole all on the Zip Trim.
It is actually easier than the electric drill method. It will hold me over until I can afford a Giraud.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I have a question about the Lee shell holder and depth gadge tool with the trimmer, what is it suppost to get the piece of brass down to, I just checked 5 different pieces and they were all different.And with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it.
I have a question about the Lee shell holder and depth gadge tool with the trimmer, what is it suppost to get the piece of brass down to, I just checked 5 different pieces and they were all different.And with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Have a look at the Wilson one.
Sinclair has just released a new base for it.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5494/s
Have a look at the Wilson one.
Sinclair has just released a new base for it.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5494/s
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a question about the Lee shell holder and depth gadge tool with the trimmer, what is it suppost to get the piece of brass down to, I just checked 5 different pieces and they were all different.And with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it.</div></div>
They trim to 2.003-2.005 in .308 for me. I found using less rpms tends to keep the stubborn ones in the shellholder; it's not all of 'em, even a full speed, just some stubborn ones for some reason that like to twist out.
I have friends with the Redding 2400 w/ the drill adapter and it's quicker to change out shells, not to mention a one size fits all shellholder, than the Lee, but definately not as fast as the Gracey/Girauds style trimmers, which are really stupid fast and um kinda fun
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a question about the Lee shell holder and depth gadge tool with the trimmer, what is it suppost to get the piece of brass down to, I just checked 5 different pieces and they were all different.And with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it.</div></div>
They trim to 2.003-2.005 in .308 for me. I found using less rpms tends to keep the stubborn ones in the shellholder; it's not all of 'em, even a full speed, just some stubborn ones for some reason that like to twist out.
I have friends with the Redding 2400 w/ the drill adapter and it's quicker to change out shells, not to mention a one size fits all shellholder, than the Lee, but definately not as fast as the Gracey/Girauds style trimmers, which are really stupid fast and um kinda fun
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.....with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it. </div></div>
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=352653
The answer to the brass twisting out.
Also lower RPM is your friend. Too fast will dull your cutter quickly.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.....with the shell holder tightened down, when I try to use the thing, and the brass just twists out of it. </div></div>
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=352653
The answer to the brass twisting out.
Also lower RPM is your friend. Too fast will dull your cutter quickly.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I have used the Forester and the Wilson. Prefer the Wilson for ease of use. The Giraud is the best if you are doing alot of cases.
Randy P.
I have used the Forester and the Wilson. Prefer the Wilson for ease of use. The Giraud is the best if you are doing alot of cases.
Randy P.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
The thing with the Lee is this, when the shells were spinning out, I was doing it by hand.
The thing with the Lee is this, when the shells were spinning out, I was doing it by hand.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I feel the wilson is the most precise, but a thousandths or two difference in length won't hurt anything. The specific caliber shell holders suck, especially with a cartridge that will require a fired case holder and a unfired case holder.
I feel the wilson is the most precise, but a thousandths or two difference in length won't hurt anything. The specific caliber shell holders suck, especially with a cartridge that will require a fired case holder and a unfired case holder.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBass</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer +1
Spend the money once & use it for life. Very well built. </div></div>
Isint this what people say about Accuracy International rifles too?
Funny because I use one so that I can "use" the other.
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBass</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilson/Sinclair Micrometer case trimmer +1
Spend the money once & use it for life. Very well built. </div></div>
Isint this what people say about Accuracy International rifles too?
Funny because I use one so that I can "use" the other.
+1
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
Almost forgot, anyone with the Sinclair/Wilson needs to check out their new base for it.
It is especially great for people with an arbor press who loads at the coffee table. It helps to keep the table cleaner and gives you a spot to knock the brass out of the case holders.
Almost forgot, anyone with the Sinclair/Wilson needs to check out their new base for it.
It is especially great for people with an arbor press who loads at the coffee table. It helps to keep the table cleaner and gives you a spot to knock the brass out of the case holders.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
+1 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: queequeg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forster is a good choice.
I have two and an older Lyman with the universal chuck. Stupid spring loaded ball kept bouncing out and I finally lost it for good. I guess I should get off my butt and call them for a new one, but the Forsters work like, groovy man.
Looky here;
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/class_trimmers.htm </div></div>
+1 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: queequeg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forster is a good choice.
I have two and an older Lyman with the universal chuck. Stupid spring loaded ball kept bouncing out and I finally lost it for good. I guess I should get off my butt and call them for a new one, but the Forsters work like, groovy man.
Looky here;
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/class_trimmers.htm </div></div>
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I just want thie thing to work really, just got it and anything to do with reloading here is a pain in the @$$ to get. What can I do to get it to work better?
I found that using the drill and tighting down the lock nut way lots seems to work.
It is brand new to, will it gett looser and work better after i get a couple dozen cases done?
I just want thie thing to work really, just got it and anything to do with reloading here is a pain in the @$$ to get. What can I do to get it to work better?
I found that using the drill and tighting down the lock nut way lots seems to work.
It is brand new to, will it gett looser and work better after i get a couple dozen cases done?
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
I have the Wilson, Forster, RCBS, Lee, and cobbled up stuff of my own invention.
The trick is NOT trimming the brass:
A) It does not need to be as short as the load book's max case length.
B) You can stop making it grow with your FL sizing, by neck sizing or partial FL sizing.
If you can get the shooting next to the reloading, a population of brass can be put through it's lifetime in one experimental sitting. The .223 is SAAMI registered at 55kpsi, but if I run it closer to 70kpsi, I can only get one firing, FL sizing, and with .0100" growth it is time to trim again. With the Lee Collet neck die and .0005" growth, I can get 20 firings between trimmings. It is cost effective to just throw the brass away then, and never trim.
I have the Wilson, Forster, RCBS, Lee, and cobbled up stuff of my own invention.
The trick is NOT trimming the brass:
A) It does not need to be as short as the load book's max case length.
B) You can stop making it grow with your FL sizing, by neck sizing or partial FL sizing.
If you can get the shooting next to the reloading, a population of brass can be put through it's lifetime in one experimental sitting. The .223 is SAAMI registered at 55kpsi, but if I run it closer to 70kpsi, I can only get one firing, FL sizing, and with .0100" growth it is time to trim again. With the Lee Collet neck die and .0005" growth, I can get 20 firings between trimmings. It is cost effective to just throw the brass away then, and never trim.
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just want thie thing to work really, just got it and anything to do with reloading here is a pain in the @$$ to get. What can I do to get it to work better?
I found that using the drill and tighting down the lock nut way lots seems to work.
It is brand new to, will it gett looser and work better after i get a couple dozen cases done? </div></div>
Reverse the way you are trimming. Instead of putting the shell holder in the drill put the cutter in there. Make a handle to mount the shell holder in. I put my drill in a vice and lock the trigger at a slow rpm and let it run until I finish all the cases. You don't have to tighten the lock collar down near as tight because you can use your free hand to keep the case from spinning when the cutter gets a good bite. I can trim, debur, and chamfer 100 cases in about 30 minutes using this method.
David
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: honkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just want thie thing to work really, just got it and anything to do with reloading here is a pain in the @$$ to get. What can I do to get it to work better?
I found that using the drill and tighting down the lock nut way lots seems to work.
It is brand new to, will it gett looser and work better after i get a couple dozen cases done? </div></div>
Reverse the way you are trimming. Instead of putting the shell holder in the drill put the cutter in there. Make a handle to mount the shell holder in. I put my drill in a vice and lock the trigger at a slow rpm and let it run until I finish all the cases. You don't have to tighten the lock collar down near as tight because you can use your free hand to keep the case from spinning when the cutter gets a good bite. I can trim, debur, and chamfer 100 cases in about 30 minutes using this method.
David
Re: Best manual case trimmer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bravo2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any built there own Girauds style trimmer? I wonder if there is a diy version out there on the cheap I could build? </div></div>
I would be in on that
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bravo2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any built there own Girauds style trimmer? I wonder if there is a diy version out there on the cheap I could build? </div></div>
I would be in on that
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