Has anyone tried the Frankford Arsenal Case Trimmer?

[Mr Wick]

The case length on the Lapua is getting too long. Got to bring it back down to 8.005.

Has anyone tried this Trimmer?

 

[jpx2rk]

I've got one, used it to trim 223/556 brass, lasted about 500 or so rounds, then it would not trim, or was very slow. Changed cutting heads, no improvement, I moved on to other tools. I still use it for the brass prep functions, but the trimmer is in the way now IMO.

 

[Riesel]

Take a look at the Frankford Universal Case Trimmer. Easy to set up and easy to use. I use a power drill and Trimming is no longer a chore

 

[20PPC]

I've had one for over 5 years and would never go back to a Wilson trimmer.
Once set for the desired case length will hold to a .0005 every time.
I have used it every week since new and trimmed and prepped close to 30,000 rounds of ammo with 0 issues.
If and when it dies I will replace it within the week.

 

[Owens85]

I love mine have had it for around 5 years and not a problem thousands of cases trimmed on it. It is also very consistent on cut length. If my shoulder is the same the cut will be the same. I can also switch to different calibers pretty quick also. Easy to set up once you get use to it. I have found using it in the vertical position works the best.

 

[jroberts1968]

Love mine. Trimmed a bunch of case from 223 to 6 arc and Grendel and 308. There was a bit of a quickie learning curve thanks to the fact that you actually turn the dial counter to the way our brains think. At least for me anyways. Now I trim a bunch of cases in advance so that I can set it and forget it for a bit. Gets them very consistent. Only thing I wish is that there was maybe a rheostat to adjust the speeds of the other items on there. Would be nice to be able to get it going a little faster for cutting the crimps outta the IMI 5.56 cases I have been using lately.

 

[RegionRat]

Those work just fine, but I agree their cheap HSS cutting tool is going to be replaced before too long.

The good news, is those cutting heads are easy to replace inexpensively with far better ones when the time comes, so I would get started and have the spare ordered up to be ready.

These units are good to own if you have a variety of work because they are universal and are very easy to change over and adjust with no fuss.

BTW, here is another tip. Some cutters that fit these types of tools have a pilot hole that allows you to add a caliber specific pilot. It doesn't need the pilot, but you can play with that if you like.

 

[Mr Wick]

Awesome. Thanks everyone.

 

[20PPC]

I love mine have had it for around 5 years and not a problem thousands of cases trimmed on it. It is also very consistent on cut length. If my shoulder is the same the cut will be the same. I can also switch to different calibers pretty quick also. Easy to set up once you get use to it. I have found using it in the vertical position works the best.

As Owens85 stated using it in the verticle position will give best results.
Also I bought a carbide cutter about $30.00 which seems to produce a cleaner cut on the case.

 

[Bill Norris]

Have not tried this one pictured but purchased the sister tool that attaches to a drill. It does a good job but I think I want to replaced the cutter soon. Does anyone have a part # and source for the carbide cutter ?

 

[Richard Jones]

Have not tried this one pictured but purchased the sister tool that attaches to a drill. It does a good job but I think I want to replaced the cutter soon. Does anyone have a part # and source for the carbide cutter ?

Bill,
From my research, the Lyman is not compatible but the RCBS is. Sadly, I can't find a carbide one in stock. FA says they don't offer just the head... Luckily, I'm a sharpening freak...

 

[Bill Norris]

Bill,
From my research, the Lyman is not compatible but the RCBS is. Sadly, I can't find a carbide one in stock. FA says they don't offer just the head... Luckily, I'm a sharpening freak...

Thanks Richard for the info.

 

[RegionRat]

Have not tried this one pictured but purchased the sister tool that attaches to a drill. It does a good job but I think I want to replaced the cutter soon. Does anyone have a part # and source for the carbide cutter ?

Bill, I'm not sure about your version cause I don't have one, but to replace the cutting head you will only need to match it up based on the two common sizes, it will either be a 5/32" or 3/16" shaft diameter.

The Hornady is typically 3/16" and the RCBS type is typically 5/32", but always double check to be sure.

 

[Bill Norris]

Thanks Bro.

 

[JLT]

I have one, and it does a good job. Adjusting to the desired trim length can be time-consuming, but once set things move along quickly.

Replacing the cutter head with a better piece of steel (I looked for a carbide cutter but couldn't find one in stock) is definitely a good idea.

The VLD chamfer bit and the outside deburring tool do just fine.

On the whole, I like it.

 

[Fern]

Chalk up another owner. I got it and love it but I am new to reloading and did not want to mess with manual ones.
Prefer to have it in the vertical position