Giraud Tri-way case trimmer problem

[CKW]

First off, I am very new to resizing ammo and still have a lot to learn.

We have quite a bit of .223 that we are resizing to 300 blackout.

I am having a difficult time adjusting our Giraud trimmer. I have seen several posts about people having similar issues but none have provided a solution (other than purchasing a Trim-It II). The OD chamfer is not consistent around the entire case and the ID chamfer is almost non-existent. Is there a way to adjust it that I'm missing? I have reached out to Doug Giraud via email and phone with no response thus far.

I have seen some discussions about trimming "dry" versus lube still being on the case. Has this been an issue for anyone?

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I think you might be able to get some answers from some older threads if you search for Giraud trimmer. I contacted them in the past about what other calibers were available, and I was told the tool was not intended for the utmost precision, and that’s why they only offered it in a few calibers that would have a bigger market such as .223 and .308. If you want a lot of precision, you will need something different. I use a Wilson trimmer but just like everything else, there are a lot of options.

 

[1shot]

When I initially set up the cutter, I position the machine at eye level. Then I turn the shaft by hand and make small adjustments to the cutter to get the perfect cut. Once you have that small set screw locked down, you should be good to go. Another option is to chamfer a piece of brass using whatever you currently have, then use that piece to let the cutter find it's natural position before locking the cutter screw down. I have several set-ups so I can do multiple cartridges for my customers brass and that's how I do it..
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[55fairlane]

Mine was absolutely junk.....the center section was bored to large, and they used red loc-tite to try and hide it. I finally rebored the center section, and that helped, I added a locking die collar from a die set that helps......finally I got so mad at mine I took it to work, tossed it in a 135 ton stamping press and smashed it

 

[Delfuego]

It's really trial and error. Set aside a dozen pieces to practice on and get the setting correct. You will throw those away once it done. The Tri-way had only on screw to adjust 2 axis setting and they were hard to get right. I even had experience when the setting was good but torquing the set-screw would change it. I had to under-adjust and hope the when it was torqued it ended in the correct position. Way too much time and guesswork for me. I was one of the guys that sold it and got a Trim-It 2. If you are able to get it set correctly, dont ever change it again. Leave it dedicated to that caliber.

PS: make sure all cases are full-length sized the same (bump/neck/length) because differences will effect the finished product.

 

[jpx2rk]

If the re-sized brass is not consistent, then you will get variations in the trim & chamfer function since the trimmer indexes off the shoulder. Try finding several cases with the same headspace measurements, and experiment with those cases.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I was one of the guys that sold it and got a Trim-It 2.

Did that work better for you? I have a Trim-It 2 in like 3-5 calibers. For trimming high volume, I prefer it to other choices, but even I admit setup takes a bit of time/practice to get it right and reasonably balanced! So many folks claim the Giraud Tri-Way as the solution to that.

 

[whatsupdoc]

The problem with the Tri-way trimmer is the the center shaft is not concentric
with the case holder. The case neck will always be trimmed slightly more
on one side than the other and the rotating case chamber marks up the brass.

Replaced the sloppy Chinese bearing on mine with a US bearing.
I used my calipers depth rod between the edge of the cutter and the end
of the shaft to set the cutter. That way I could measure the amount I moved the cutter.

Using an shaft adapter I mounted it onto a old oil burner motor. It trims
crazy fast but I only use it for 223.

 

[Delfuego]

Did that work better for you? I have a Trim-It 2 in like 3-5 calibers. For trimming high volume, I prefer it to other choices, but even I admit setup takes a bit of time/practice to get it right and reasonably balanced! So many folks claim the Giraud Tri-Way as the solution to that.

I like the Trim-It a lot better and sold the tri-way. I think with all these trimmers (tri-way/trim-it/wft) once they are set for a specific caliber, I just leave it dedicated for that caliber. I think the big full-sized Giraud is the way to go if you have lots of different calibers. If you have a bucket of brass in one caliber, or like me and only have 2-3 calibers these can be great.

PS: I also think if you want to switch calibers with a trim-it, get the flat cutter (not the 3-way). Changing calibers will be way easier. You will still have to chamfer/debur the manually, but it may end up being a wash (time/energy/money). Just my 2 cents.

 

[rapidfire10ring]

I just bought a Henderson Precision trimmer. Just unpacked it. Haven't tried it out yet.