Case trimming advice

[Das Capitolin]

I've got a large collection of once-fired brass for 9mm, .40 S&W, and 5.56 NATO (reloading into .223). Although I can probably get away with reloading these cases a few times before trimming will be necessary, I know that the day is coming.

I presently reload using Lee single/turret presses, and already have the proper case length gauges and shell holders for each caliber. If I've done my research correctly, then all that remains is the actual case trimmer. It would be great to have the more experienced reloaders offers some advice on the most economical device for the purpose. Thank you in advance!

 

[Greg110]

Depends on what you want to spend, in time and dollars, and how many cases you have. If not too many cases and money is an issue, the Lee equipment works fine. On the other end of the scale is the Griraud unis which will trim to length and inside and outside chamfer. There's a whole lot between also.
If you will tell us more about your total situation,l our answers will be more specific.

 

[Das Capitolin]

Since I don't shoot more than 400-600 rounds of .223/year maximum, trimming on the Lee press might suffice for now; especially since I already have the gauges. I might not really ever need to trim the 9mm and .40 SW, since I've got about 2000 rounds of unfired factory ammo each, and the brass doesn't stretch as much. I just don't have any experience trimming on the Lee press, so I wasn't sure how well it worked.

 

[jonbearman]

I would get a wison hand trimmer,it is priced right and the holders are not expensive. When you buy the holders I would get the sized case holders and then trim to length and chamfer with a vld tool on the inside and get a wilson or lee or rcbs standard chamfer tool to do the outside.

 

[Das Capitolin]

Is the wilson hand trimmer any better than the Lee equipment? I would rather not buy more hardware, just for the sake of having a new name with the same speed/results.

 

[fa18hooker]

Just so we're on the same page: pistol brass doesn't need to be trimmed (it actually shrinks with repeated firings). If you're shooting military brass, your assumption about trimming is likely not true...Lake City brass tends to run long (some over 1.760 even before firing), so I'd trim back to 1.750 (SAAMI recommended trim length) on all the brass you have, then you can go quite a few before trimming again.

For those few rounds, the Lee trimmer is the solution. It's not press-based...it's used with a drill. Chuck up the case holder and insert the caliber specific mandrel into the neck, and the trimmer will do the work, stopping when the mandrel tip bottoms out through the flash hole. Tedious for a lot of brass, but for 400-600 it will be short work.

 

[Das Capitolin]

Is this what you're referring to: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=515804
This seems like an affordable solution to occasional case trimming needs.

 

[Shootinstick]

While the Zup trim can be used to spin the case, the following is what he was referring to:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=476992

It is used with individual caliber specific case holders and pilots:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=107333

Some don't like this style as you must deprime the case first as the pilot extends through the primer flash hole. I don't consider that an issue as your should trim after sizing. Only real down side of the Lee system is it only works for standard cases, not wildcats as pilots are not available, and you can not set the trim to length yourself. It is also not the fastest system with locking each case into the holder, one at a time.

 

[Das Capitolin]

Yep, that's the same as this: https://factorysales.com/html/xcart/CUTTER-and-LOCK-STUD.html
I've already got three sets of gauges and shell holders for each caliber.

 

[Shootinstick]

You are good to go then. As previously mentioned, I have never seen a need to trim non-rimmed pistol cases such as 9mm, 40, or 45 ACP. Even rare for rimmed cases like 38 Special or 45 Long Colt.

 

[Das Capitolin]

That simple trimmer already came with the Anniversary kit, and if it seems like too much of a chore I can upgrade from there without much money wasted. Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[Killshot]

Though they are caliber specific, I like the Possum Hollow trimmers. Chucked into a drill or press with the Wilson adapter, works great.

 

[markm87]

and 5.56 NATO (reloading into .223). Although I can probably get away with reloading these cases a few times before trimming will be necessary, I know that the day is coming.

Usually NATO once fired 5.56 is the longest/worst brass for needing trimming. Once you trim it, you might get a few loads without having to trim again.

+1 on the Wilson for your low volume. I use it for high volume which is tedious... but it does a great job. And get a $19 chamfer/debur hand tool too.

 

[gasph]

I would stay with the Lee trimmer setup you can't beat it for the cost investment. Just get the drill adaper to chuck in the case holder and use the large handled ball cutter and the case gauges you need. It is fairly fast also. You can probably find a demo video on utube or at the Lee wesite. It works well, you can also debur the cases after triming while the case is still chucked it the holder. I would invest in a good deburring tool like redding or LE wilson they work a little better that the Lee model.