A Bit Off Topic, But Looking To Purchase Case Trimmer

[painter777]

About all I find myself re-loading is for the .30 Carbine.
I've waded out into the World's Reviews on Case Trimmers and need help.

I normally re-load a few 100 at a time. Figure a Hand Crank model would be fine, since I've been trimming by hand.

Lyman Universal?
Lyman AccuTrimmer?
Hornady?
Redding?
Forster Original?
Other?

Would appreciate input,

THx,
Charlie-Painter777

Information

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[jimb16]

Charlie, I've been loading them for years. All I've ever used is the Lee trimmer. I chuck the base in a power drill and go at it. It is pretty quick once you get the hang of it, and does a decent job. I've had a number of the rail type hand cranked trimmers and ended up going back the the Lee trimmer in every caliber. For me, its just faster.

[USGI]

Same here - Lee with a cordless drill. I think mine gives about 1.287" and it's not really adjustable unless you do some tinkering. - Bob

[DaveHH]

Its versatile but slow. I wind up using a trimmer die which is just like a sizing die with a hardened face. You take a file and file off any brass that sticks up, hit it with the broaching tool to make it smooth and done. On the 30-06 I use an old Herter trim tool that you just slip the case into and file off the part that sicks out. Both are done AFTER resizing.

[Bill Hollinger]

Charlie, here you go and you would be helping my family

Match Prep, Home Page of the Gracey Power Cartridge Case Trimmer

[Curt]

Charlie, I bought a Forester original lathe type for the calibers I don't load alot of, I unscrewed the crank and threaded on a 1/4 bolt with the head cut off and run a cordless drill on it. Bought on Ebay $50 still have to chamfer in and out.but it's quick.
Being the hardcore highpower competitor I also have 2 Girauds one dedicated to 223 and 30'06 those are some bad boys............

[Tired Retired]

Put me down on the Lee trimmer in the power drill. Makes uniform length for every case EVERY time without having to reset the trimmer each time you use it. I have one for every caliber I shoot, not just carbines. I have a RCS and a Lyman in the bench drawer - doubt I will ever use eiter of them again.

Just my two cents

[emmagee1917]

I'm getting up in years . Used a forester for the last 30+ years . I had several thousand cases to do this last summer of different USGI calibers. The screwing of the hold down and pinching of the cutter handle was more than these fingers could take anymore. Bought a RCBS electric trimmer with the quick change plates for the bases. Use your forearm to open the holder and palm to work the motor.....no strain at all . A little pricey , but it'll prob'ly be the last one I'll need to buy .
Chris

[painter777]

Chris,
Same problem here...... hands and wrists getting worn down. Years of slinging paint and spray guns.
It didn't take long after reloading to run for the cordless and use it with the Lee trimmer. But @ 19 volt, it too gets heavy.
I'd have to go check, but seem to recall a problem with the Lee trimmer and Norma brass. IIRC the trimmer wouldn't fit inside (?) Or just to a certain depth.
I happen to have a ton of Norma brass from somewhere.

Now looking to buy a new Die set for .45auto. Had used the Lee 3 die set for years but gave it to a friend a few months ago. Now trying to figure out the 3 vs. 4 die sets.
I've got rusty, not a good thing.......

I appreciate everyones help.

Charlie-painter777

[USGI]

With the Lee, on some calibers you have to expand the case mouth before the trimmer will fit inside. Cant' remember off hand whether .30 Carbine requires this step or not. It's not an extra step, you just have to do things in a different order with the calibers that require it. - Bob