Case Trimmers: Please can you help?

[marchboom]

I'm currently using a Frankford Arsenal trimmer station. After using a Wilson for 10 years I'm glad I switched and would never go back.
I used to absolutely dread trimming cases even to the point of puting it off longer than I should have.
The F/A is a pure joy to use and not only quick but accurate holding every case within .005. It bases off of the shoulder so once its set there is zero issues repeating.
Also it has additional stations to inside and outside chamfer and clean primer pockets.
I think it was $ 154.00 off Amazon plus I added a carbide cutter for another $ 30.00.
It's definitely worth looking at if your in the market for a trimmer.

I was thinking of getting the F/A trimmer but if it only holds case length to within .005", I'll stay with my Forster/RCBS hybrid. My trimmer gave me +/- .002" with the high speed cutter. Just changed to the RCBS carbide cutter and now the tolerance is +/- .0005-.001". Much faster too.

 

[muleman69]

Forster is same design as RCBS, Redding, Lyman, Hornady - and all spin a pilot inside the case neck- not good considering all the extreme care accuracy minded reloaders take in preserving the neck's ID carbon layer and controlling the dimensions including concentricity of the case and neck. As far as cost, You haven't checked the price on Forster pilots lately.

I have a RCBS and it is great for someone just starting out or for the hunting folks. My Wilson with the micrometer is the real deal ,Set the mic and start cranking . Cases come out on the money

 

[jds holler]

Just spotted this discussion/argument and had to post up a pic of a trimmer that I picked up awhile back. Wonder if anyone has seen one like it? It has a three way cutter, and the collet works pretty nice. Haven't even used it yet.




Also went to our local gun show today and picked up this Forster -- just because. Gonna get or make a pilot for my twenty, and probably leave it set up for that.


I use different trimmers depending on what I'm doing. Lee is one of my favorites. I've got the universal chuck that works for all cases, so individual pilots is all I need. Keep them in the die box they go with. jd

 

[#40Fan]

The Lee trimmer is not adjustable and it is one caliber specific. By the time you buy 20 of them they are no longer cheap and all you have a a bunch of loose parts.
Wilson trimmers require a caliber specific case holder and the case holders are not available for all cartridges.
The Forster trimmer with a set of collets and pilots will trim almost everything.

Lee might not come adjustable, but with a little ingenuity, they certainly are.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

FWIW,
Use a Giraud .50 BMG, circa 2008', and 4 plus Wilson's setup with Sinclair Bases and Wilson Ti Carbide plated Cutters...

Regards, Matt.

 

[headhunter1111]

Wilson all the way

 

[Hengehold]

I have had a Giraud trimmer for a couple years and it is awesome!!! Wish I bought it 10 years ago. It is VERY fast and repeatable.

-T