I finally got around to trying the L3i 3 way cutter for the Lyman Case Trim Xpress. I am very happy with the results. It took some fiddling with the blades to get the inside and outside chamfer how I wanted it. While making those adjustments I found that it is crazy sharp. Just turning it in my hand to test the cut the thing was shaving down brass like butter.
The mandrel is a snug fit. After ten pieces it came loose. I applied purple loctite on the screw and tightened it down, and after that I had no further troubles. Once it was tightened down it barely made any marks inside the neck.
Interestingly, I have a mark on the ring that sets the depth. The new cutter head was within .001, so I did not need to adjust it. When i removed the collar and re installed to tighten the mandrel back down it returned to my setting perfectly.
I also tried a piece without the mandrel and it worked fine, but the inside cut had chatter marks, not bad though. It was also slightly uneven.
Trim length consistency seems improved since the mandrel prevents variation by keeping the cut square. I stopped measuring after 10 pieces cuz they were all dead on.
The part of reloading I hate most is chamfer and deburring, especially 223 size cases. It hurts my hand to grip it and the are soo many hundreds to do.
I think I might just keep this one setup for 22 cal and get another one for 6 mm and 7 mm. Swapping out the cutter is easy and seems repeatable, but still annoying.
Not sure why this isn't more popular and why lyman doesn't just offer 3 way cutters for it.
l3idesignsolutions.com
Get on the mailing list. When they are in stock they go fast.
The mandrel is a snug fit. After ten pieces it came loose. I applied purple loctite on the screw and tightened it down, and after that I had no further troubles. Once it was tightened down it barely made any marks inside the neck.
Interestingly, I have a mark on the ring that sets the depth. The new cutter head was within .001, so I did not need to adjust it. When i removed the collar and re installed to tighten the mandrel back down it returned to my setting perfectly.
I also tried a piece without the mandrel and it worked fine, but the inside cut had chatter marks, not bad though. It was also slightly uneven.
Trim length consistency seems improved since the mandrel prevents variation by keeping the cut square. I stopped measuring after 10 pieces cuz they were all dead on.
The part of reloading I hate most is chamfer and deburring, especially 223 size cases. It hurts my hand to grip it and the are soo many hundreds to do.
I think I might just keep this one setup for 22 cal and get another one for 6 mm and 7 mm. Swapping out the cutter is easy and seems repeatable, but still annoying.
Not sure why this isn't more popular and why lyman doesn't just offer 3 way cutters for it.
3-way Cutter Head for Lyman Case Trim Xpress - L3I Design Solutions
Trim, chamfer, and deburr in one step with our 3-Way Trimmer Head. Features carbide blades for smooth, long-lasting performance. Fits cartridges up to .308 caliber—average trim time just 6 seconds per case!
l3idesignsolutions.com
Get on the mailing list. When they are in stock they go fast.
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