Forster & RCBS case trimmers ??

[Baddog0302]

Which of the two case trimmers has the greatest repeatability of accuracy ?? By this I mean if I set the adjustments up on a test cases to be 1.390,1.750, 2.010, which of the two will have the lowest spread on their OAL ??

 

[Lapua40X]

Given that there's not a nickel's worth of difference in the way they function mechanically (except for the way they hold the base of the case) I doubt you'll find either is more accurate than the other. They both hold their set adjustment point well and the only real variable, IMO, is how much pressure the user applies to the main shaft. IMO, one or two thousandths in OAL case length is negligible. I haven't seen that minor a difference is case length to have any affect on target. In my experience, it's the CBTO length that's most critical.
I use an old Forster trimmer.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Forster-Original-Case-Trimmer-Kit/741210.uts?productVariantId=1325681&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=26-374338431-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=22609100&rid=40
Works great.
Once I'm close to the total length adjustment I want I use a feeler gauge between the shaft stop and the shaft housing to make the final set.

 

[amlevin]

I've been using an RCBS trimmer since they came with collets to hold the cases. Only upgrade I've added to mine is a 3-Way cutter with carbide cutting head. Not only do my cases all measure almost EXACTLY the same when trimmed, they are also chamfered and de-burred as well.

Thirty years and still accurately trimming. Maybe someday it will wear out and I'll try something else. But then again, maybe I won't need to.

 

[tenring]

I have a Forester, but never use it any more. Bought a Wilson trimmer with micrometer adjustment. Every case is spot on, but you need to be careful how hard you press the cutter, just like all of them.

 

[Baddog0302]

Amleverm
I thought the RCBS used shell holders to hold the cases and a caming lever/rod to hold the case firmly against the shell holder ?/ But don't guess there is much difference in rim thickness [shell holder] and the rim OD [collet] when it comes to setting up the base point for holding the case for trimming ??

Thank you all for your thoughts

 

[amlevin]

Amleverm
I thought the RCBS used shell holders to hold the cases and a caming lever/rod to hold the case firmly against the shell holder ?/

They do now. Years ago, when I bought mine, (in the late 70's/early 80's) they used a series of collets that had multiple steps in them to accommodate the case head.

I thought of converting mine to the new "universal" shell holder but then I asked myself "Why"? The collets work just fine, the cases are exact for finished length, so why buy a replacement just because it's "New and Improved". Sometimes those items are just "New" and "improved" is missing.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

The RCBS used to hold cases the same as the Forster trimmer. Now they use individual shell holders, more like a pressure plate, with a lever.

I have both the Forster and the newer style RCBS. The Forster shell holder is more universal, but the RCBS is much easier to use, especially because it is larger in physical size. Both can be very accurate when used properly. I personally have stopped using the Forster just because it is so small and kind of a pain to operate. Plus I always wonder if my case is seated all the way back in the shell holder of the Forster. The RCBS is mucheeasier to use and I know every case is sitting exactly the same every time. I trimmed 20 brass last night and they all measured within 0.001" of each other.

I also had the Sinclair trimmer but sold it. The shell holders are cartridge specific and can be a pain to use if you don't lube your cases a little. And from what measurements I took, the Sinclair was no more accurate, just cost way more. So that's my three cents

 

[bheadboy]

I have the RCBS with power drive, and the three way cutter, etc. it is right on as long as you make sure the fired primers are out as any difference in the primer/case level will alter the cut. always size first so the neck fits tight on the collet then trim

Bob

 

[artbosco]

I have the RCBS with power drive, and the three way cutter too. OAL is spot on.

 

[amlevin]

I have the RCBS with power drive, and the three way cutter, etc. it is right on as long as you make sure the fired primers are out as any difference in the primer/case level will alter the cut. always size first so the neck fits tight on the collet then trim

Bob

How do you size without the primers being removed???

 

[Patch700]

I have the RCBS with power drive, and the three way cutter, etc. it is right on as long as you make sure the fired primers are out as any difference in the primer/case level will alter the cut. always size first so the neck fits tight on the collet then trim

Bob

How do you size without the primers being removed???

Lots of people myself included , do not use any of the decapping rods in our sizing dies..
I prefer to de-cap first in a seperate die ( i have an old lee decapping die that i had the pin turned down to .045 so i can decap small flash hole brass).

The decapping process is actually quite dirty and i like to get all the remnants of de-priming cleaned off the press and shell holder prior to actual sizing.

Not saying this is the be all end all of ways to do it but it is one way to do it.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Yeah, I have the LEE universal decapping die. Use it all the time when I want to decap separately. Great die.

 

[amlevin]

The decapping process is actually quite dirty and i like to get all the remnants of de-priming cleaned off the press and shell holder prior to actual sizing.

Agreed that de-capping is a filthy process. That's why I like my new Summit press. All the crap just runs down the tube into a catch bucket under my bench.

 

[Sawfish]

I have been using Forster for case trimming for almost 40 years. Don't see any reason to change now. If I want power trimming, I just remove the handle, and chuck the shaft in my 1/2 inch drill.

 

[amlevin]

I have been using Forster for case trimming for almost 40 years. Don't see any reason to change now. If I want power trimming, I just remove the handle, and chuck the shaft in my 1/2 inch drill.

Screw in a hex adapter and just use a cordless screwdriver. Better speed for trimming without having to "throttle" a large drill.

 

[brian427cobra]

In the world of hand crankers a Wilson has no equal, a basic Wilson with the correct fired case holder will trim every single case to the same length, and will do it for less money that a Forster or RCBS

 

[jonbearman]

Another happy Wilson user except for high volume,I use the gracey with the sized holders.It works real well.

 

[Barlow]

Forster is the one I started with in 1977 and it has been flawless. Barlow

 

[amlevin]

and will do it for less money that a Forster or RCBS

Until you have to buy a bunch of shell holders.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

and will do it for less money that a Forster or RCBS

Until you have to buy a bunch of shell holders.

+1. Exactly why I got rid of mine. Slow to load and unload a case from the trimmer and holders cost a lot more.