Giraud Trimmer Caliber Conversion?

[markm87]

Anyone use the Giraud trimmer for multiple calibers? I've ran mine for years on .223, but we shoot so much 6.5cm now that it's way more than I can handle on my LE Wilson hand trimmer.

My main question is: Is it best to buy the Blade and Head with the new case holder? Or is it easiest to just change the blade on the existing head?

Price difference is insignificant, so I'm looking for the smartest/easiest conversion.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
Much easier just to get a caliber dedicated cutter and appropriate shell holder. Less than 5 min to swap out.
Good luck,
John

 

[powderbrake]

I agree with bpd459, easy to switch out the cutter and shellholder.
I also recommend you replace the shell holder nut with a Hornady clamp style locking nut. Once you have set it up correctly, lock the nut in place, then you can replace it next time you use it, without having to re calibrate the shell holder.

 

[Gabe22BR]

I got a 6brai, 6ppc,6BR all use the same cutter, onlyl, the case holder changes-b/c all use the same .267 bushing on the neck..
My 223&221 share the same cutter- only case holder changes
My 20-221AI &20BRAI share the same cutter, one uses the BRA holder, other uses the 221FB holder..

One it’s set- it’s set

 

[markm87]

Thanks! Definitely going to add a locking nut to the order and of course the holder, but do I need the head too? Or do you guys change the cutter only.

Giraud has the cutter and cutter with head too.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Thanks! Definitely going to add a locking nut to the order and of course the holder, but do I need the head too? Or do you guys change the cutter only.

Giraud has the cutter and cutter with head too.

It will largely depend on what you're trying to do with it. Sure, you can absolutely use a single cutter head if the brass you're trimming/chamfering was prepped with the same bushing. However, whether you will be satisfied with the resulting inside/outside chamfer is less clear. I can tell you from experience that even using different brands of brass can result in varying degrees of inside/outside chamfer due to variance in neck wall thickness. Even though I cannot state with any certainty that visible differences in the inside/outside chamfer affect precision to a degree that I can actually shoot the difference, knowing it is happening and that I can see the difference in chamfer in the end product drives me nuts. Of course, if you're highly masochistic, you can simply re-set the cutter blade in the cutter head to generate the desired level of inside/outside chamfer every time you use a different brand/type of brass. I used to do it that way.

My advice is to buy both the shell holder and a cutter head. It will set you back $92 plus shipping, which isn't too painful considering they will last pretty much a lifetime. However, if you feel your needs and/or innate level of OCD don't necessitate the new cutter head, you can make the unit work without one. The choice is yours.

 

[Gabe22BR]

Cutters can be set to different calibers, neck diameters, etc…
The case holder is specific

 

[Shooter13]

Greetings,
Much easier just to get a caliber dedicated cutter and appropriate shell holder. Less than 5 min to swap out.
Good luck,
John

Agree 100%! I only have 2 cutter (30 cal and 6mm) but the shell holder for the 30 major, 30BR, 6PPC, 6 Grendel and 6BR

 

[bpd459]

PS,
Berger bullet boxes are a perfect fit for both the cutter and shell holder…

 

[markm87]

My advice is to buy both the shell holder and a cutter head. It will set you back $92 plus shipping, which isn't too painful considering they will last pretty much a lifetime. However, if you feel your needs and/or innate level of OCD don't necessitate the new cutter head, you can make the unit work without one. The choice is yours.

Thanks. I guess I have to call the order in anyway. I don't mind paying for the extra head. I just don't want to buy it to find out a simple cutter swap and holder is easier. Just don't want to buy something I won't use.