Upgrading Case Trimmer

[GHatfield]

I am getting back into reloading after taking about 8-9 years off. I started trimming some cases tonight using my Lyman Universal and noticed it was not trimming the cases very even. I would like to upgrade to a better trimmer as this was an entry level setup. Can anyone recommend a good consistent trimmer? I am thinking a power trimmer is probably the way to go but I am mostly looking for quality vs. quantity.

 

[lazy21]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

I bought this one

(Wilson mic case trimmer)

[/

 

[justinbaker]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KOTM-Direct</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am getting back into reloading after taking about 8-9 years off. I started trimming some cases tonight using my Lyman Universal and noticed it was not trimming the cases very even. I would like to upgrade to a better trimmer as this was an entry level setup. Can anyone recommend a good consistent trimmer? I am thinking a power trimmer is probably the way to go but I am mostly looking for quality vs. quantity. </div></div>


whats your budget?

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2921751&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[GHatfield]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

The Giraud looks nice but is it not caliber specific?

 

[GHatfield]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought this one

(Wilson mic case trimmer)

[/ </div></div>


What did you use for a base? That looks like a great setup.

 

[a_bishop]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

Giraud trimmer is the only way to fly

 

[lazy21]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KOTM-Direct</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought this one

(Wilson mic case trimmer)

[/ </div></div>


What did you use for a base? That looks like a great setup.

</div></div>

sinclair sells them with the base

 

[TexIndian]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KOTM-Direct</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Giraud looks nice but is it not caliber specific? </div></div>

You need a caliber specific case holder for each caliber. The cutter blade is adjusted from one caliber to the next so the chamfer/debur fits the neck dimensions. You can also buy different cutter heads so you don't have to adjust the blades, but instead use a different cutter head when swapping calibers.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KOTM-Direct</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Giraud looks nice but is it not caliber specific? </div></div>

Yes it is

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

I like the RCBS power trim pro with the three way cutterheads for each caliber I use. Used in conjuction with the trim mate it is pretty efficient.
I couldn't even imagine hand cranking the amount of brass I do at a time, or over a period of time.
I'd say whatever brand you buy make sure it will take a 3-way cutter of some brand. The Redding 2400 has to rival the Wilson or Sinclair and it has some merit spinning the case, not the cutter head.

 

[2clicks]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

Hey said Quality, not Quantity my vote in this "quality" application is the Wilson case trimmer with the micrometer adjustment option. Otherwise the giraurd gets the nod.

 

[sinister]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

The Giraud does three functions -- trim, outside chamfer, and inside bevel for boat-tails.

A Wilson-Sinclair will take forever for the same number of cases. The Giraud gives consistency as good (if not better) for the time invested.

 

[GHatfield]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

I just watched a couple of videos on youtube and the Giraud makes quick work of trimming. How easy is it to setup the depth?

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

Super easy, swap out the jam nut for a Forster Die Lock Ring and turn the shell holder in a little bit at a time, when you reach your desired length lock it in place, now I have a 223 and 308 shell holder and cutting blades for each, switch over is less than 5 minutes with no loss of adjustment, I could do it faster but I clean it up when I do swaps.

 

[X-fan]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

The Little Crow WFT works pretty well for the money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UWyWz-tzJ10

 

[Heretic]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Giraud does three functions -- trim, outside chamfer, and inside bevel for boat-tails.
</div></div>

This. I've had mine for about 2 years and it is worth the investment. Different caliber shell holders are about $35. The blade will outlast you.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

A couple years ago I was in this same boat. At the time I went with the RCBS Trim Pro Power and 3 way cutters for .223, .270, and .308. Good trimmer but slow 2 to 3 cases a minute. Easy set up. Consistant, I just finished running a thousand cases measured about one in ten no problems from start to finish. I didn't have more than plus or minus .001 difference.

After watching the Giraud in action (20 to 30 a minute) I'll get one one of these days. Maybe if I burn out the RCBS.

If I were buying one today knowing what I know now I'd go with the Giraud, even with the higher price. It took 5 evenings to do the batch I just finished. Even though I watch TV while I run the trimmer one night instead of five would be better.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

Giraud is the way to go. It indexes off the shoulder which I prefer.

 

[GHatfield]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

Thanks everyone, It sounds like Giraud is the way to go.

 

[slm9s]

Re: Upgrading Case Trimmer

If you don't do BIG numbers of one cartridge, I'd at least check out the Lee system before spending the money on a Giraud. Fast and precise IME.