Favorite Power Case Trimmer and Why?

[jonbearman]

I would love to know what power trimmer you think is the best. I have some arthritis in my hands from abuse of being a mechanic my whole life. Please state why you like it with pros and cons and pictures if it helps. I have graceys with carbide inserts and while they work good it takes a lot of hand pressure to make them cut all the same along with chamfer and deburr all at the same time. I need something that doesn't fatigue my hands as much.

 

[jds holler]

Here's the jd Industry solution to a simple problem. Here at jd's, we're not just cheap and cheesy; we're quick and easy.



This is the deluxe version, with the "Scotch-Brite Final Finish" attachment. jd

 

[nmkid]

I went with the Lyman Express Trimmer and it does a great job. Great for my "old" hands.

 

[YEW PLUCKER]

I have a trimmer from Little Crow Gunworks. I chuck it up in my drill and it takes a second or two to trim each case. The long job is to chamfer inside and outside the case mouth. I really wish the trimmer left a beveled edge which wouldn't require a chamfer.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I would love to know what power trimmer you think is the best. I have some arthritis in my hands from abuse of being a mechanic my whole life. Please state why you like it with pros and cons and pictures if it helps. I have graceys with carbide inserts and while they work good it takes a lot of hand pressure to make them cut all the same along with chamfer and deburr all at the same time. I need something that doesn't fatigue my hands as much.

I use a Giraud trimmer and am very happy with it. But, I think with your hands as you've described, the Giraud wouldn't be any help with your hands than you get with your Gracey. So . . . you might want to consider the Henderson powered case trimmer as it'd be a LOT easier on your hands AND it's quick at doing all three operations as well. See here:

 

[Mark W]

Here's the jd Industry solution jd

I like it !!! What’s the shell holder?

 

[jds holler]

I like it !!! What’s the shell holder?

That is the Lee Three Jaw Chuck. Fits any case head. jd

 

[Mark W]

That is the Lee Three Jaw Chuck. Fits any case head. jd

View attachment 1156890

Thanks!! I’ve got one on the way.

 

[skeeljc]

Little Crow Gunworks Worlds Finest Trimmer. I just chuck it in my lathe and go to work. I wear a rubber coated glove on my hand to get a good grip on the case. It registers on the shoulder of the case so the results are consistent. I resize (neck bump) first for consistent lengths. Very fast.

 

[Twicepop]

In 1993 I bought a Lyman power trimmer, I still using it. I've realistically trimmed about 20K cases on it, and it will still trim to .000" tolerance if I do my part. I would buy another one, by it's not listed as being available anymore.

 

[Big_Daddy]

Giraud Power Trimmer....

 

[Walt Krafft]

I use a Gracey. If you have not done it, mount it vertical to the front of your bench. Makes it much easier to use. Simply push down until it quits cutting then a twist to get the chamfers all around.

 

[drano38]

Wow, that Henderson Precision trimmer is sweet. I don't trim very much brass, but for volume shooters, it looks great, and easy on the hands too.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
I've had a Giraud for 15 years . 16 different shell holders. It's the best money I have ever spent on reloading gear. Trims and inside / outside chamfer in one quick pass.

Good luck
John

 

[jonbearman]

I never thought of mounting the graceys vertical. I have 3 or 4 of them each set for a particular caliber. I did 2200 cases (.308) and it took me a few days of doing some and then resting my hand. I tried padded pliers but it takes longer. The pliers help for sure. Gracey used to sell padded pliers but getting a hold of the son isn't as easy like his Dad, On the Giraud, how controllable is the case, does it try to spin it or grab it out of your hand so to speak?

 

[Ccrider]

RCBS trimmers are fast and easy. Don’t count them out.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012933940?pid=481398

 

[Texas10]

Like you, years of mechanicing have left my hands stiff, sore and not able to do the precision work as well as I used to. Sometimes I feel that getting old sucks, but then the alternative isn't so pleasant either.

I bought a bench mount drill press and chuck my worlds finest trimmer and my world cheapest trimmers into the press and that takes about 3 seconds each to trim, but mainly it doesn't hurt as much, and I get good consistent results.

I still use a hand held tool for chamfering, but that too may eventually get a turn in the drill press.

I've got seven trimmers so cost is a factor to me. WCT trimmers are made of delrin and don't leave a mark on the case, and work as well as the much more expensive WFT, IMOP. They'll make one for you if you don't find they stock your chambering. I sent a couple of 338LM cases to them and got back a trimmer in a week, so service is nothing short of spectacular.

World cheapest trimmer: http://www.newhighpower.com/brass-trimmers.html

 

[Rsadams]

I think this thread proves it's all personal preference and wallet thickness just like alot of reloading things.... Some of the tools listed here I have seen bashed right here on this and other boards but I am a firm believer in if it works for you/me then that's what to use.... Just like any hobby there's always a cheap hand tool or a expensive tool but both do the job.. We are all always looking for that extra edge even though sometimes a very experienced reloader or even a champion shooter says they don't worry about that thing anymore and they can't see a difference worth the time... I am just as guilty as anyone and have the box O stuff that I never use and it gets bigger yearly.... I do really like my case prep station though it was worth it in hand saving ability alone for me....

 

[nmkid]

I use a Giraud trimmer and am very happy with it. But, I think with your hands as you've described, the Giraud wouldn't be any help with your hands than you get with your Gracey. So . . . you might want to consider the Henderson powered case trimmer as it'd be a LOT easier on your hands AND it's quick at doing all three operations as well. See here:

To me, in your haste to show some speed, it sounds like the machine is still cutting when you pull the case back. However, I don't care about speed and this machine sure looks like a very nice one. Now all I have to do is justify it.

 

[Richard Coody]

Personally i like the PMA. several ways to use it. Pr9bably good for arthritic hands because it is big enough to hold easily. Works great. Now for.just single cartridges i like my tri-way but hold the case in your hand would probably get painful pretty quick.

http://www.pmatool.com/pma-micro-adjust-trimmer/