Sinclair/LE Wilson Case Trimmer

[Chubbs]

Hi Guys
I have a Sinclair/LE Wilson Case Trimmer the one with then black micrometre. I am trying to trim my Rem 260 cases and the problem I am experiencing is that the cases are trimming with a .002-.004" difference in length. The callipers that I am using are pretty accurate and I check them against some pin gauges I have. (Max error .001) I had set the trimmer to trim the cases at 2.0265 and that was ok with an error of 001" to start. Then I can trim a couple of cases at 2.0240 or 2.022. Nothing is changed in the set up and it can then go back to 2.0265. If I put a previous case back in that was 2.0655 it can re trim at 2.024.
I have checked if anything is loose and all is tight. The shell holder is fine and I always index it in the same position. This the second one I have tried with the same results. The only thing that has not changed between the two is the holder but that does not have anything to do with length. I am using the hand crank and not the powered adaptor.
I can not for the life of me see how I am getting these changes.
Please help it's driving me crazy.

 

[watercam]

For myself I tend to keep cranking a couple of turns AFTER I think the case is fully trimmed. Seems to do the job. Is it possible the cutter is damaged or stuffed full of brass pieces?

 

[DngBat7]

^agreed. I found to go past what you think. If you are doing it by hand, you can “feel” the handle turning more freely when brass fully trimmed

 

[Chubbs]

I keep going until I feel no more resistance and then give a few extra turns.

 

[lightman]

What everybody else said. Turn it a few extra times after you think you're finished. Check the cutter for brass shavings. Mine will hold as tight of a tolerance as I have the ability to measure. (.001)

 

[sqrlgtr]

Hi Guys
I have a Sinclair/LE Wilson Case Trimmer the one with then black micrometre. I am trying to trim my Rem 260 cases and the problem I am experiencing is that the cases are trimming with a .002-.004" difference in length. The callipers that I am using are pretty accurate and I check them against some pin gauges I have. (Max error .001) I had set the trimmer to trim the cases at 2.0265 and that was ok with an error of 001" to start. Then I can trim a couple of cases at 2.0240 or 2.022. Nothing is changed in the set up and it can then go back to 2.0265. If I put a previous case back in that was 2.0655 it can re trim at 2.024.
I have checked if anything is loose and all is tight. The shell holder is fine and I always index it in the same position. This the second one I have tried with the same results. The only thing that has not changed between the two is the holder but that does not have anything to do with length. I am using the hand crank and not the powered adaptor.
I can not for the life of me see how I am getting these changes.
Please help it's driving me crazy.

What everybody else said. Turn it a few extra times after you think you're finished. Check the cutter for brass shavings. Mine will hold as tight of a tolerance as I have the ability to measure. (.001)

my experience mirrors lightmans.I belive keeping cutter brg. lubed helps also make sure jam nut is tight on cutter/handle

 

[Chubbs]

Cutter is clean and new. Nut is tight. I have just found if I put the case in the holder by pressing it with my finger instead of tapping it on the plastic anvil it does not have such a variance. But I cant figure out why that should make any difference?

 

[Martin52]

Hi Guys
I have a Sinclair/LE Wilson Case Trimmer the one with then black micrometre. .... I am experiencing is that the cases are trimming with a .002-.004" difference in length.

Flip it upside down and look under the micrometer adjustment screw housing, there should be a hex screw that releases this part. Once released you may find a second hole in the trimmer base that allows you to move the housing closer to the cutter. This reduces the length of the adjustment screw and reduces the flex that might be causing the problem.

I have the non-micrometer trimmer and had the same problem. This adjustment fixed it.

 

[Three44s]

I like to inside and outside debur/chamfer case mouths so as to reduce the amount of spring back or resistance the cutter maybe fighting. I do this after the cutter has slowed down on reducing case length. Then I run the case on the trimmer once more to get those last frog hairs off.

Three44s

 

[Willie]

When I first started using mine, I had the same problem with variance. After trial and error, I found my pressure and speed on cutter handle was the culprit. Going thru 100+ cases at a time, I was not consistent with either.

I'm now slowing down and keeping my "method" the same on each case. Because I am trimming long (.005"clearance) on most rifles, it's critical I hit my target length. After years of using the Sinclair/Wilson I get spot on about 75%, 25% +/- .001 or .002" minus.

It's like any step in reloading, consistent methods give consistent results. JMO

 

[K22]

I've been using mine for about 10 years. I upgraded to the Sinclair carbide cutter which made a big difference in ease and consistency. Mine does not have the micrometer and I use a manual crank. I upgraded the crank to the Sinclair crank which also made a difference.

You have to go slow and not force the cutter into case while you trim especially with the carbide cutter. You have to make sure the case isn't rotating in the case holder while you trim. Like others have said, you have keep cranking until no more material is being removed then give the crank a few extra turns.

 

[Chubbs]

Thanks for all the replies so far.
No second hole to make it shorter.
Going back on the amount of pressure to seat the case as stated I am finding little pressure cuts long and firm pressure cuts shorter. Finding the balance is the key. How to achieve this is the question. Erring on firm at first and then even more firm if it cuts long.
What I am thinking is that the case is compressing when being inserted into the taper of the holder and making its overall length longer before shrinking back.. The springiness of the brass allowing this to happen. Couple with maybe some variation on certain cases when resized.

 

[trapperdan]

If you think it's the case holder, check the length before inserting, then press it in and measure, then hammer it in and measure it. I doubt that you will see a difference. You might try trimming then rotate the holder 1/2 turn and trim again. When measuring, rotate the case in the caliper to see if it might be cutting at an angle. Mine cuts at about .0015 angle
Dan

 

[tsyarnall]

If you will go to YouTube and do a search for the case trimmer, I believe that you will find a video of the prep and operation that may help you. If it is a quality video, there’s a good chance your problem can be solved. If you follow the video and it doesn’t resolve your problem, then the trimmer may need to be returned for another one. Good luck!

 

[ttfreestyle]

It’s all about technique as is most everything in reloading. My guess your problem lies in your cranking pressure(mine was the same problem at first). Also check to be sure the base of the case stays firmly against the stop and rotate the holding lever towards the base end as this will ensure the base stays seated. Good luck