Case Trimming Question

[dlebeck]

I would like your opinions on case trimmers. Do you use the Wilson type that turns the cutter and requires a shell holder, or do you like the Redding type where the cutter is stationary and the brass turns while centered on a pilot?

Doug

 

[Bullet94]

I like the Wilson type when I’m not using my Giraud Power Trimmer.

 

[ronemus]

I use a Gracey trimmer with a Giraud blade, as I trim every case after each firing; trimming is faster than gauging, and does an inside and outside chamfer at the same time. If I were buying today I'd get the Giraud, but the Gracey is 2/3 the cost and works every bit as well if you're doing one or a few calibers. The Giraud trimmer excels at quick changes of calibers since the cutters and holders can be swapped in seconds. The Gracey can be set for a new caliber in a couple of minutes, so you'll have to decide how those minutes add up for you and what they're worth. The keys to making the Gracey work well are the one-piece carbide cutter,the standard 3-piece steel cutter is a nightmare) and a stand to tip it back ~30 degrees,keeps the shavings out of the holder).

By the time you have bought one of the manual trimmers with tools and holders, you're looking at a major fraction of the price of a Gracey. I recommend the Gracey because the price difference is well worth the additional cost for the time saved.

 

[dlebeck]

I guess not that many opinions about trimmers?

Doug

 

[rayjay]

Wilson.

 

[dlebeck]

short - to the point - not too much information, but maybe just alittle more info would be nice

 

[Cheechako]

Doug

I think you're not getting a lot of response because your question is too general. What cases are you talking about? How many cases do you intend to trim? Do they need frequent trimming or just once in a while? How much are you wanting to spend? Is your time more important than the cost?

Personally, I use cartridges, loads, and case designs that result in little need to trim, even after multiple firings. I like the little hand tools that index on the case shoulder. I make it a habit to run each case into the trimmer as part of the reloading process. It only takes a second or two per each case. Of course, you have to have a seperate trimmer for each cartridge but they are cheap enough and it's a one time investment. ,I make my own, BTW).

I own a Forster, a Wilson, an RCBS, and I have a small,6") lathe set up to power trim but I use them only when I have to remove a large amount, such as in case forming.

Ray

 

[memilanuk]

Wilson with all the Sinclair goodies for the ultimate in precision. If you only have a few,hundred) cases to do, and don't plan on trimming every firing, this is about as good as it gets. Not the fastest in the world, but not that slow once you get a rhythm going. Lots of accessories available, and more or less a staple of the BR world.

For speed with good precision... Giraud. Had a Gracey, sold it, and got a Giraud. The Gracey works, just too many little things that bothered me. The Giraud is smooth, well finished, and changing calibers is fairly painless. An added bonus is the accessories for trimming meplats,also available for the Wilson, BTW). Spendy, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who regretted the purchase once they made it.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I've got a RCBS Power Case Trimmer that works good for me. I'll trim 200 or so .308 cases for my M1A at a time.
All my 6 BR and 22 BR cases get trimmed with a hand RCBS case trimmer lathe.,if and when they need trimmimg)
The chambers are set up so I only need about .0005 bump,if that) and that's after about 5 or 6 firings. Still got lots of room before they get to max chamber length.
"You" have to decide how much $$ you want to spend on your ammo prep and what you can get by with.
It's only money and you can't take it with you unless you can change it into travelers checks!

 

[rayjay]

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/6mmbr/vpost?id=2772418

 

[dlebeck]

Doug

I think you're not getting a lot of response because your question is too general. What cases are you talking about? How many cases do you intend to trim? Do they need frequent trimming or just once in a while? How much are you wanting to spend? Is your time more important than the cost?

Personally, I use cartridges, loads, and case designs that result in little need to trim, even after multiple firings. I like the little hand tools that index on the case shoulder. I make it a habit to run each case into the trimmer as part of the reloading process. It only takes a second or two per each case. Of course, you have to have a separate trimmer for each cartridge but they are cheap enough and it's a one time investment. ,I make my own, BTW).

I own a Forster, a Wilson, an RCBS, and I have a small,6") lathe set up to power trim but I use them only when I have to remove a large amount, such as in case forming.

Ray

Ok Ray, maybe you are right! Sorry if my question was too general in nature, but it is a general question. Which do you like better, the Wilson or the Redding type case trimmer? Anyway for the sake of others wishing only to help me out, here are the specifics:

Cases to be trimmed: 22 Hornet up to 300 win mag.
How many cases: ? that depends on how many need trimming
How often: ? that depends too - only trimming when they need it which may be very infrequently. Mostly I trim when ever I buy once fired cases to make them a known length and all the same.
Cost: I am too poor to waste money so I buy the best I can afford. If it's 50 bucks it's 50 bucks, if it's 300 bucks it's 300 bucks, but I only want to buy it once.
I love to spend time loading so my time in never a consideration.

Thanks to everyone that has responded so far!

Doug