I built a .223 AI rifle for prairie dogs. I have about 750 LC cases to trim. I am trimming to 1.750. Some of the cases are .025" over that. The only trimmer that I have is a Forster hand trimmer. Am looking at a power trimmer that does not cost hundreds of dollars, like some of the brands mentioned in other posts. Forster has one that you use with a drill press. Was thinking about using this to get the bulk of brass removed and then finishing with the hand crank one for the last few thousands. Any other suggestions?
Case Trimmer Suggestions
- Thread starter centershot
- Start date
No trimmer is ideal for cutting large amounts off of necks. That being said, one of the trimmers that indexes off of the case shoulder might be worth considering. You can use one of the new, better driver adapters such as PMA or 21st Century make to drive your cases, and after you have finished trimming, while the case is still mounted, use hand chamfering and deburring tools to finish the job. The least expensive of these type trimmers is made by Possum Hollow. The fanciest and most feature laden by PMA Tool.
There are many others that probably all work just fine once properly adjusted. There is really no reason to go back and finish with your hand tool. Lengths will be as consistent as are your shoulder to head dimensions, and for your application, and probably any other, you will never need better than that (assuming that your sizing is reasonably consistent).
My question is when you trim off the shoulder and the cases don't have the same head space how can it be accurate ? Larry
dcali
Bullet Maker
I guess the better question is why don't your cases have the same head space?
I have a Giraud trimmer, and it's pretty consistent when used to trim my FL sized .308 brass - more so than I expected. It's not quite as perfect as a traditional RCBS/Forster type, but generally it varries by no more than .001-.0015" on the OAL. Given that trim length isn't the most critical of dimensions, I think that's pretty good.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
I vote for the pma in a benchrite case lathe. Knock em out real quick. Only thing faster is the big giraud if you can swing it
swd
Silver $$ Contributor
It's only as accurate as your sizing. The last batch I did with my WFT for my BRX were mostly spot on to a handful that were .001"off out of 80 cases.
Many times I use range brass. Then I trim then before sizing .
Like you said really what difference does it it make unless the case is too long . Larry
My cases do have the same head space. I make them that way.
My dashers do but it not the only gun l load for. Larry
I have done close to 1000 LC 5.56 brass recently. Most of mine were also .025-.030 over the 1.75" trim length. The RCBS three way cutter is the coolest cat on the block. It made the task rather enjoyable. Easy to set and my kids love to run the drill. I use a power adapter powered by my corded drill. Two seconds per and your done. I wish I had one of those years ago. I had a PILE of brass cuttings on the table! 
Give it a look.
Dan
Give it a look.Dan
The only thing I use that is different I have the rcbs power trimmerI have done close to 1000 LC 5.56 brass recently. Most of mine were also .025-.030 over the 1.75" trim length. The RCBS three way cutter is the coolest cat on the block. It made the task rather enjoyable. Easy to set and my kids love to run the drill. I use a power adapter powered by my corded drill. Two seconds per and your done. I wish I had one of those years ago. I had a PILE of brass cuttings on the table!
Dan
My 3 way cutter for the 6 mm has a vld ground inside cutter. Larry
For high volume I have a few gracey preset for certain cartridges where doing it by hand is way to tough to do at my age and physical difficulties. The Giraud seems to be the best out of the motorized trimmers however having what I have is great. For low volume it is hard to beat a Wilson hooked to a drill.
Trims, Deburrs, and Chamfers. Minus the price tag +1
The WFT is adjustable.
swd
Silver $$ Contributor
A
And easy and fast to adjust.
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