Case Trimmer

Natemi

Natemi

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Looking at getting a case trimmer and have looked at the RCBS, Hornady, Lyman and several others and just want to get a good quality trimmer for the money. Was leaning towards the rcbs but wanted to see what y’all have used to try and make my decision easier.
thanks
 
@Natemi ...

Are you looking for a manual case trimmer or a powered case trimmer?
 
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I have the RCBS. They are all a PITA to set up. Low volume only with the RCBS. If was doing it all over again and going high volume on 223/556, I'd get a Giraud, $500. I size after trimming, chamfer and deburr. Only thing I dont know about Giraud if you have to resize first. All the other motorized ones that use something like a drill chuck in their design, have to resize first and that is a deal breaker.
 
I have used the Hornady cam-lock and it works well for low volume. It requires a Hornady Shell holder and pilot for the particular case/caliber you are trimming.

For higher volume, I have used the Lee trimmer setup, with the threaded cutter that works in a case prep center. This is the least expensive setup as well, and will work with straight walled cases that the shoulder-referenced trimmers won’t. This is also very inexpensive, so if you try it and don’t like it, you are not out of much money.
 
I’ve got a hornady manual trimmer I don’t need anymore since I upgraded to power. PM me if you’re interested.
 
jimmyjames8 said:
I have the RCBS. They are all a PITA to set up. Low volume only with the RCBS. If was doing it all over again and going high volume on 223/556, I'd get a Giraud, $500. I size after trimming, chamfer and deburr. Only thing I dont know about Giraud if you have to resize first. All the other motorized ones that use something like a drill chuck in their design, have to resize first and that is a deal breaker.
Click to expand...

I’d go with a Giraud too. The initial cost is daunting I know, I went manual then to one inserted into a drill then giraud, wasted time, energy & money on the journey.


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jimmyjames8 said:
I have the RCBS. They are all a PITA to set up. Low volume only with the RCBS. If was doing it all over again and going high volume on 223/556, I'd get a Giraud, $500. I size after trimming, chamfer and deburr. Only thing I dont know about Giraud if you have to resize first. All the other motorized ones that use something like a drill chuck in their design, have to resize first and that is a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
I have the Giraud and you do have to size first, it spaces off of the shoulder.
 
Timfoilhat said:
My personal favorite is a cheap Lyman.

Lyman 7821891 E-Zee Trim Hand Case - Knife Country, USA

You can chuck that up in a drill too.

Reloading Tip #1: 300 Blackout, Lyman E-Zee Trim & Safariland CLP - Bing video
Click to expand...

I use something similar to that from Lee for most of my trimming. I have an RCBS lathe trimmer and a Dillon power trimmer. I use the Dillon for large numbers of cases and have not used the RCBS for years. I did take the handle off the RCBS and chucked it up on a drill to make it easier. For lots of about 100 cases or less, the Lee tool works fine, and I do not have to go through a lengthy setting -up process every time I go to another chambering. It is very consistent since it gauges off the length of the case rather than off the shoulder.
 
+1 for the Giraud. If the power trimmer is too much for your need then Doug does make a smaller tri-way trimmer.
www.giraudtool.com

Giraud Tri-Way Trimmer

The Giraud Tri Way Trimmer is designed to be powered by your typical drill motor, drill press, or other dedicated rotating power source. Got an old motor laying around and some mechanical...
www.giraudtool.com www.giraudtool.com

For my manual trimming, I prefer the LE Wilson trimmer.
www.midwayusa.com

L.E. Wilson Case Trimmer Kit SS

L.E. Wilson has been making high-quality, precision reloading tools since 1936. The L.E. Wilson Case Trimmer is no exception. This case trimmer is known...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
 
This might help.

NC/SC - Reloading Dies, press, scales etc. Updated 1-14

All Brand New. Can be picked up in Florence or Fayetteville Area and Save Shipping Payment by USPS MO, PayPal F&F, or Personal Check If guaranteed by @Jeppo RCBS Special 5 Starter Kit Reloading Press Includes Press, Speer Manual, 5-0-5 Scale, Case Lube, Lube Pad, Cleaning Brushes, Deburring...
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com
 
If you go with a manual trimmer, some of the models come with a set of pilots and the trimmer has a built in holder for them, super convenient.
 
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