Trimming

[Grizzgup]

Hello,

I have a few questions on trimming and long range shooting. I have an RPR in 300 PRC. I’m using Peterson brass, H1000 with Berger 220g hybrids. I’m very happy with results at 100 yards, but the new brass is a tad long and I’d like to trim it to the length of the current lot I have. The issue is the trimmer I’m using is the “ugly trimmer” and it’s not consistent, like 5-6k variance. I have the Lyman Xpress trimmer, but the collet for 300 PRC has been on back order since Jesus was here. So I’m looking for an affordable replacement until the collet is in stock. I called Lyman and they said July, but that was 3 months ago, and with everything going on I’m sure that time frame will get pushed back again (I was told April in January). Peterson brass in 300 PRC isn’t exactly cheap, so I’d appreciate any suggestions on a temporary trimmer that’s not pilot driven (as it marks up the inside of the neck). Also one that’s not going to break the bank. I don’t mind putting in the work, but I need consistency, and prefer one that’s adjustable. Also, I don’t mind selling my Lyman if there’s a good universal one that will do multiple calibers that’s consistent. My budget isn’t super high, but I’m willing to consider a more expensive one if it’s very consistent.

 

[Simonsza1]

Worlds finest trimmer!

 

[JerkyFreak]

Case Length Gauge & Shell Holder

Lee Case Length Gauge is a precise, easy way to trim to length and square the case mouth. Used with the Cutter and Lock Stud or Zip Trim

leeprecision.com

Case Conditioning Combo

Case conditioning kit includes cutter and lock stud, chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaner.

leeprecision.com

Not adjustable, bu still the cheapest way to fly. Slightly manual intensive, but all the cases will end up the same length with case necks square to the case head.

 

[JerkyFreak]

300 PRC Dies

300 PRC Dies

leeprecision.com

Deluxe Power Quick Trim

Trim, chamfer and deburr the inside and outside of case necks in a matter of seconds. Hex shank snaps in to cordless screwdriver or drill (sold separately). Includes power Quick Trim adapter, chip catcher, and deluxe cutter assembly. To complete your trimming setup, order cartridge specific...

leeprecision.com

Slightly more expensive but has some adjustment in it.

Both options are viable on a temporary basis.

 

[Maurygold]

I realize you’re asking for cheaper options. But if you want the end all king of trimmers it’s the giraud. They are seriously badass and probably the one tool I’d never give up

https://giraudtool.com/giraud-power-case-trimmer/

 

[Grizzgup]

I’d love to have a giraud, maybe someday I’ll get one. But I appreciate all the suggestions guys!

 

[loveha]

Probably more than you are wanting to spend. I know manual trimmers are not popular but an LE Wilson will set you back about $180 for just the trimmer and shell holder. No micrometer adjustment, and no stand. So you would need to affix it to something, and work your way shorter measuring each time. On a plus side, you can get an adapter to run it with a small drill or electric driver. Little better than the crank handle. I use the full kit ($275), but I only reload a few hundred a month so it's not that big a deal to me.

https://lewilson.com/stainless-standard-case-trimmer

Rifle Case Holders-CH-

https://lewilson.com/trimmer-power-adapter

So if anything, you could leave it setup for just your 300 PRC.

 

[Genin]

Worlds finest trimmer!

This. Pick one up from Little Crow Gunworks. I love mine.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

This post may be viewed as descriptions of the tools you don't want.
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My most accurate trimmer (+/- .001") is a '70s vintage Forster trimmer with a chamfering head. I replaced the hand crank with a 1/2" bolt and drive the thing with an electric drill. Note that it trims to absolute length - the case shoulder is not involved in any way. I use this because I've had it almost 50 years and it works for the relatively small amount of trimming I do - for example, I haven't had to trim my 6BR brass for the past 4 loadings, and I measure every time.
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I have a Giraud Tri-Way trimmer for .223 and it sucks. It "indexes" on the case shoulder, and I've found that every different brand of brass, or brass fired in different rifles, trims differently. Example: I bought 1000 new Starline .223 cases for my bolt guns years ago. Set the trimmer up for that. Trimmer works ok; a bit harder to get the +/- .001" consistency that is normal with the Forster.

So I was given several hundred semi-prepped (deprimed/resized, rough-trimmed) LC cases - ideal for AR use, but about one in ten of them needed .005" trimmed off the neck - base to shoulder was fine, determined by running cases through a Wilson gauge. So I ran the long ones through the Tri-Way - and the damn trimmer cut those LC cases so short that I discarded them. Back to Starline... yep, just fine.
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So, based on my experience, I would advise a budget-minded person new to reloading to avoid a Tri-Way unless he/she trims the same lot of brass every time. The Forster, driven with a hand drill, is commendably consistent but slow and clunky and the chamfering heads are expensive if one handloads multiple calibers.

If I was new to handloading and had the budget, I'd look into one of the top-tier trimmers recommended here on SH. The Giraud power trimmer is highly recommended, but it also indexes on the case shoulder, which makes me wonder.

Anyway. Carry on.