Powered Case Trimmers

[bcott]

I am starting to look at upgrading my case trimming "department". I am currently using an RCBS Power Case Trimmer. I am thinking about upgrading to either a Gracey or Giraud case trimmer. This could be a "fool with money to burn" situation. However.......

I have not seen either trimmer in action, except for the David Tubb DVD that comes with the T2K rifle, shows him trimming a case or two. It sure looks slick. An unknown is the setup time and time required to switch cartridge holders and cutter.

Operators of either system weigh in with your opinions.
Thanks, Carl L.

 

[flatlander]

Once you've used a Gracey or Giraud, you'll never want to go back to anything with less speed & convenience - AFAIK, there isn't anything else out there that compares to either. I bought a LE Wilson trimmer way back in '68 or '69, and used it for all the rifle cartridges I loaded for. When I had a large number of 223 or 308 to trim,I shoot NRA HP), I'd mount the Wilson vertically in a drill press and use channel lock pliers to hold the cartridge holder while trimming. I thought that was a fairly deluxe set-up until I bought my Gracey in '97 - paid $206 for it, and have never regretted the purchase.

The first thing I replaced on the Gracey was the 2-pc. steel cutters - bought a carbide cutter from Bob Jones, then replaced that with one of Doug Giraud's, which cuts a longer inside chamfer that's better suited for loading boattail or VLD bullets. I also spliced a rocker-style on/off switch into the Gracey's power cord - seems that for the price, it should've come std. with one.

Though I've never seen a Giraud trimmer up close, I've heard so many positive reports from those who own them that I've considered selling the Gracey in order to get a Giraud. Google for Giraud Tool Co. to get a look at some photos of them. The last time I checked, the price of one of Doug's trimmers was a little over $325. Several of the guys I've talked to who own a Giraud bought spare cutter holders for them, and keep them set up for each cal. or dia. case they trim - it's faster & much less hassle than fiddling with getting the cutter adjusted for just a few cases of a different caliber. I leave my Gracey set up for 223, and trim other cases with the old Wilson.

Edited to add - I can trim 500pcs. of 223 brass in a little over an hour with the Gracey.

 

[ronemus]

+1 That's been exactly my experience. I bought a Gracey trimmer and a neck shaver before the Giraud was available. Since the only caliber I shoot in large numbers is the .223, I haven't upgraded to a Giraud. However, if I were buying today my choice would be the Giraud.

 

[SF340Driver]

Get the Giraud. Doug is great to work with and his CS is top notch. It is also much easier to change between cartridges/calibers on a Giraud.

 

[bcott]

Thanks Guys; I am leaning towards the Giraud. Normally quality, or things something can do, can be measured by the price. Carl L.

 

[Hoser]

Go with the Giraud. Great product with even better customer service.

 

[bcott]

It's a done deal, just got off the phone with Mr. Giraud. Trimmer with holders and cutters for 6XC, 7/08 and 338/06. Plus the 6mm meplat cutter and bullet holder. Ships out Monday. Be here Thurs or Fri latest. Ohhh boy.... already have a space on my bench cleared for it.

My RCBS Power Case Trimmer has worked well over the years and produced "adequate" results. I guess I will keep that for the strange cartridges, that I have, like the 22XC, 20/250AI, 20Tac, etc. Carl L.