Trimming larger than 45 caliber rounds

[ireload2]

Forster makes trimmer that requires a set of collets spefifically for the larger rounds but that is not what this post is about.
Some rounds will not even fit the Forster trimmer for one reason or another.
The Forster also does not fit some pocket books.
I have a number of the standard Wilson case trimmers that use a tapered chamber type shell holder to hold the cases for trimming.
I found a pair of the .50 cal cutter bearings on clearance at Midway for $7.50.
The carbide .612 diameter carbide cutter is about $24 at PTG.
Now all I have to do is get a custom case holder made for my 50-70 GOVT cases and I will be ready to buzz them off. In this case (terrible pun intended) I am going to shorten 50-90 Starline to exactly fit the chamber lenght.

So I will drop the hint. The cutter for this tool will actually trim a .577 Snider if you get a case holder made for the big fat round.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Does RCBS not make a trim die for your specific cartridge? They make a trimmer and collet for the rotary trimmer...I know they show painfully few trim dies but I assure you I have one for all calibers I shoot. I'm sure they'll make a custom order trim die and they're great. No errors involved and all cases are the same length. I had the die set for 577 at one time too...

[Sawfish]

Forster makes trimmer that requires a set of collets spefifically for the larger rounds but that is not what this post is about.
Some rounds will not even fit the Forster trimmer for one reason or another.

I had this problem with my Forster trimmer and the .460 Weatherby cartridge. Ordering the collet was no problem, but the case was too large for the trimmer. I learned that Forster would open up the collet end of the trimmer to accept the larger rounds at no charge, so I returned the part to Forster for the modification. Problem solved.

Caveat: This was a few years ago, and I do not know if this service is still offered.

[Johnny Peppers]

Don't know how many cases you have to do, but a trim die would be much faster. I have a small inexpensive hacksaw from sears that uses blades with very fine teeth, and it only takes a few seconds to smoothly cut off excessive brass rather than cutting it off in tiny spirals with a regular shell trimmer. A touch up with the deburring tool and you are ready to go.

[ireload2]

Many large bore rounds have rims larger than can be accomodated by modifying the standard Forster. A 45-70 has about the same rim diameter as a .460 and requires the same modification.
Use of file trim dies is very unappealing. Many of the file trim dies sell for $100 or more. More than one file trim die will pay for a really nice trimmer.

[Johnny Peppers]

Cheapest shouldn't be the criteria for reloading equipment. My time is worth something, and I don't enjoy making endless brass curls.

[browningautorifle]

I use trim dies for all my cartridges and still have a trimmer. By the way, I could sell that trimmer to one of you guys...cheap.

[ireload2]

I refuse to use trim dies for routine case trimming. No matter how you trim a case you still generate metal particles or shavings. Further more a trim die is silly for short rounds. Good luck finding a trim die for a 577 Snider.
I load more than 50 different rounds. My current Forster will trim all of them except the .50-70. The .50-70 rim is .660 in diameter - too large for even a modified Forster.
The .50-70 case mouth is about .533 in dia. so it is also too large for the Forster standard cutter.
I recently purchased a Wilson .50 BMG trimmer. All I will need for the .50-70 is the case holder. Wilson will make specials for $22.
Since the Wilson does not use a pilot all I will need for a .577 Snider is another $22 case holder.

[browningautorifle]

I refuse to use trim dies for routine case trimming.

Then don't...

[ireload2]

I don't ever - it is just a way to ruin a good file.
I got my trimmer in. Now I need to order a 50-70 case holder.