Brass prep sucks.... (RCBS trimmer attachment?)

[Emmett Dibble]

I know there are nicer trimmers out there but I already own this one and have had it forever and it works fine...

That being said.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well where all you have to do is brush, primer pocket and wash?

 

[603Country]

I resize, trim with the RCBS 3 way trimmer, clean the primer pocket, and prepare to prime and reload. But before all that I clean the outside of the neck with steel wool.

When the brass is real dirty, I’ll run it through a vibratory unit with ground walnut shell.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I know there are nicer trimmers out there but I already own this one and have had it forever and it works fine...

That being said.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well where all you have to do is brush, primer pocket and wash?

Are you talking about the Giraud Tri-Way Trimmers? Those do work XLNT, and not only do they trim the case length, but also chamfer both inside and outside the neck also. I use the Little Crow Gunworks WFT and WFT2 trimmers, and they do offer a decent trimmer, but it doesn't chamfer. However, Doug only has 3 different Tri-Way trimmers, so it all depends on what caliper you plan to trim.

See this page for that info:

Giraud Tri-Way Trimers

If you plan to trim 2 or 3 cartridges, consider getting the Giraud Power Trimmer. It has the most cartridge support. If you only have 1 or 2 cartridges, the Tri-Way or WFT(2) will be less expensive. You can do the math for yourself. I originally didn't plan to load for so many cartridges, and now I have 3 of the Tri-Ways, 1 WFT, and 1 WFT2 with 4 trim chambers. I wish I would have bit the bullet and gotten the Giraud Power Trimmer to start with. I believe all of his chamfer inside and outside of neck. For me, I primarily load boat tails, so I can get by without chamfer. But also, I don't process so much that chamfering the neck becomes painful. Yes, it is a convenience, and I think you'll find most avid shooters will want all brass prepped the same with a chamfer.

Both the Tri-Way and WFT(2) can be used in a lathe, mill, drill press, or cordless drill. I use a mill or drill press, but have used a cordless drill for only a few cases. I like to be comfortable when I trim.

 

[thatguyshm]

Went down that path for years. It sure works, but you need new pilots for all your calibers you trim since one of the three ways is an inside chamfer thats on the pilots. It gets the job done but there's three settings to get right each swap.

Now I just use the Frankfort Arsenal prep center. Sets up the trim off the shoulder. I like to use a cleaning brush on one of the stations for cleaning inside of necks after neck turning. So many different ways to use it.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I haven't used the Frankfort Arsenal, so can't speak to it one way or the other. It sounds like it works for your needs. The Tri-Way is a bit tricky to setup, but I don't change them between family cartridges. I use the 223, 308 and 300 blackout, seems Doug may have 1 or 2 others, but I don't have any others. I think the Tri-Way is a pretty good value, easy and quick on a mill. They are tricky to setup, as I say, you need to align it on the neck rim as I recall. I haven't used one in a while. If I recall correctly, the chamfer moves in/out on the neck diameter, and it needs to be centered for the chamfer to come out correct. I'm not looking at one at the moment, though. Then the cutter moves up/down on the neck to adjust overall length. Both work together.

One of the beauties about the WFT(2) is that it uses a standard end mill, so you can get the proper size end mill, no proprietary cutters. Given I don't need to process too many, and I don't need to do them every firing, chamfering by hand is not an issue. Power chamfer would be better, but not a showstopper for me.

 

[std7mag]

Shoot, I'm still using the Lee Case Length Gauges and a drill.

 

[bozo699]

I resize, trim with the RCBS 3 way trimmer, clean the primer pocket, and prepare to prime and reload. But before all that I clean the outside of the neck with steel wool.

When the brass is real dirty, I’ll run it through a vibratory unit with ground walnut shell.

^^^^^^^^^
Wayne

 

[bozo699]

Shoot, I'm still using the Lee Case Length Gauges and a drill.

I use the Lee and cordless screwdriver for all straight wall cases. They work fine. My Wilson for everything else.
Wayne

 

[BKA]

OP question.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well?
Answer = Yes, they (all brands) just need to be set up properly.
IMHO - sounds perverted but none the less, once you go 3-way you'll never go back to solo

 

[spike-55]

I know there are nicer trimmers out there but I already own this one and have had it forever and it works fine...

That being said.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well where all you have to do is brush, primer pocket and wash?

Emmitt,
Yes, it works great!!!! I removed the Pilot that came with it and ordered the pilots that trimmed the inside of the case. That way you can trim the inside for donuts and turn the OD as well. I found a really cheap Ryobi corded drill that turns at 500 rpm max with a self adjusting chuck that I hooked up where the crank unit was and it turns really pretty brass. With all the pilot sizes (midway or such) and the drill and RCBS unti I have less that 130.00 in the whole process
stan

 

[jghoghunter]

OP question.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well?
Answer = Yes, they (all brands) just need to be set up properly.
IMHO - sounds perverted but none the less, once you go 3-way you'll never go back to solo

Brian I'm going to have to talk to your misses about this "3-way" thing!!

 

[bozo699]

Emmitt,
Yes, it works great!!!! I removed the Pilot that came with it and ordered the pilots that trimmed the inside of the case. That way you can trim the inside for donuts and turn the OD as well. I found a really cheap Ryobi corded drill that turns at 500 rpm max with a self adjusting chuck that I hooked up where the crank unit was and it turns really pretty brass. With all the pilot sizes (midway or such) and the drill and RCBS unti I have less that 130.00 in the whole process
stan

How does this turn inside case for donuts ? Where do you get a pilot like that? Thanks
Wayne

 

[Rat Rifle]

How does this turn inside case for donuts ? Where do you get a pilot like that? Thanks
Wayne

The RCBS Inside Neck Reamer.

 

[bozo699]

The RCBS Inside Neck Reamer.

Once that’s installed it won’t do the inside chamfer anymore correct?
Wayne

 

[Rat Rifle]

Once that’s installed it won’t do the inside chamfer anymore correct?
Wayne

I defer to spike-55 for that answer.

 

[D-4297]

Been using the Three-way Trimmer for about three years now . Biggest issue was getting it "set" for the chamfers I wanted on the case-mouths . After that ? No sweat , G.I.
I did have to "polish" the Pilot to reduce the diameter slightly , to fit inside the case-mouth ,

 

[spike-55]

How does this turn inside case for donuts ? Where do you get a pilot like that? Thanks
Wayne

These are the pilots that turn the inside of the neck. Replace the 3way pilot and your brass will slide down this pilot to the base of the shoulder
Stan

 

[spike-55]

I defer to spike-55 for that answer.

correct-the long pilots do NOT chamfer.
stan

 

[Old Navy]

I know there are nicer trimmers out there but I already own this one and have had it forever and it works fine...

That being said.... does this "three way trimmer" or one like really work well where all you have to do is brush, primer pocket and wash?

I have the same one. Works great.

 

[Old Navy]

These are the pilots that turn the inside of the neck. Replace the 3way pilot and your brass will slide down this pilot to the base of the shoulder
Stan

I learned something new today. So now it is a four way tool? Thanks