Trimmer Choices...?

[Phil3]

In another post, I have a shopping list of reloading equipment I am looking for comment on, but I am feeling uncomfortable on trimmers. I would appreciate any corrections to misunderstandings I may have.

The Giraud,$425) and Gracey,$280) permit insertion of a shell in and within a second or two, pull out, and it is trimmed to length, deburred and chamfered.

The Wilsom/Ultimate,$145) is a handcrank unit, but I can attach a drill to it $18,power adapter). Must use something else to deburr and chamfer,i.e., RCBS Case Prep Center for instance at $110).

I can use the Possum Hollow trimmer,$20) chucked into drill press,w/$17.59 adapter). Cartridge is held and inserted into tool, which cuts to length based on datum line. The adapter also will hold various deburr and chamfer tools. This whole setup is little more than $50, albeit three steps,trim, deburr, chamfer). Is the datum line reliable for establishing poper length?

I will probably shoot 300+ rounds a month in three different calibers,6mm, 223, 308), in a bolt BR type gun, AR15, and AR10.

Since I need a drill press for other things, thought maybe I could somehow use it in reloading. ??? Perhaps even for neck turning. Just trying to find the most effective way to do all that is needed without duplication in tools.

Thanks.

- Phil

 

[Mudcat]

If you are doing any more than 20 or so cases, the Giraud is hands down the BEST. I have one and only use my Wilson when I have just a few cases that I dont have a collet for in the Giraud. My 7 yr old uses the Giraud...its that easy to trim.

John

 

[halfmoanut]

I would get the Sinclair/Wilson ultimate with the new carbide cutter. I have been using one for years and it is all that is needed because you will only be using it sparingly after the first initial case prep is done. You will need many other tools before you are complete for competition shooting and reloading.Just my way of thinking and spending money.I would buy the 30degree vld inside neck reamer handle right away also,it can be used with the trimming unit also.Mark down all of your settings the micrometer gives you and you can revert back to them each time you change cartridges.

 

[Phil3]

Use sparingly? Won't I have to trim after each firing, or not so often? This could be a big factor. Calibers are 2123, 308, and 6mmBR.

- Phil

 

[joemax]

I have never used the Giraud or Gracey so I can't give you an opinion on them. Of the trimmers I have used,forster, rcbs, redding, Hornady, and Wilson/Sinclair), the Wilson/Sinclair is the best one by far. Using the power adapter for trimming speeds things up a bit. I would estimate that a case can be trimmed every 4-5 seconds with a little practice.

 

[halfmoanut]

I know of no one who trims after each firing.You will have to keep them all one length from the start and you will keep a eye one them probably after 5-10 firings.Some guys trim .005 under chamber length and some .010 under.You want them all the same length before you trim necks for proper bullet tension and chamber clearance,if you are shooting a custom chambered rifle.I think you need a mentor for reloading procedures or a good book to read,Precision Reloading)before you jump into this.REMEMBER THIS FACT: Your guns will shoot only as good as the ammo is,and as good as you can read the wind.

 

[Phil3]

Thanks for the guidance on trimming. That helps me decide what kind of trimmer I need.

Regarding a mentor, absolutely agree, but try to find one. Over the last 6+ months, I have read a LOT, in books, Internet, 6mmBR.com, attended a 2-1/2 hour reloading class, had another shooter I met spend an evening with me, watch videos, and done all I know to learn. And yet, some big holes exist in my education. Through private PMs, and other dialogue, others have expressed the same frustration and exasperation about trying to learn, especially precision reloading. As one put it,'I feel your pain'. One person offered to spend time with me, and it was a huge help, but need much more.

I know ammo is important, and is the reason I am trying to do reloading right. But, as stated, that best comes from a hands-on teacher, and that is extremely hard to come by.

- Phil

 

[halfmoanut]

Well Phil I'm glad you are heading in the right direction. I have been reloading for 42 yrs and just in the past 2 have I been competing in long range benchrest competition and it is much more complicated because of the precise measurements that are required to produce ammo that will make a true benchrest gun perform at its best.One lesson I learned this sport requires lots of practice,,shooting,reloading,wind-reading skills.)The Sinclair/Wilson trimmer will serve you best for your money. Next choose a good neck turning tool.The pumpkin or K&M products.

 

[Phil3]

I have been to a couple of benchrest matches, even shot in one with a borrowed gun. Was ready to jump in even though I have misgivings about some aspects of the sport. But, have recognized this is no sport for someone as new as I am to so many things. Doing precision reloading for a new person who has not done any reloading is too much of a jump. Maybe later.

Thanks for the recommendation on the tool. I presume you are talking about this trimmer.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5497/Case-Trimmers

- Phil

 

[cmillard]

i love my wilson trimmer. i would go with that. yeah it takes more time using the hand crank wilson, but i'm never in a hurry when im handloading, and besides, i can watch tv or something else while doing it.

 

[dlong]

I am new at reloading as well. I have been reloading for 6br, 221fb, 223, 17fb, 22-250 and 22h for about a year and a half. I am very much an amateur. I learned from a lot of people over at RFC and reading hear and some books and the internet. As far as case trimming, I have the Wilson Sinclair as well and just about every other item in the sinclair catalogue. The only brass that I trimmed new was the lapua 6br. Not knowing, I did not trim any other new brass prior to shooing. I shoot mostly coopers and my groups are very good, 5 shots at 100 yards. Most brass is manufactured to lenght less than spec. Unless you want the edge nice and even, i did not see the need. I did champher and deburr all new brass. Just how many rounds do you think you will shoot anyway. In a 4 hour session at the range, I'm lucky if I shoot 100 rounds. The one item that I am considering is the sinclair power center. With the proper attachments I can deburr champher, trim necks, clean primer holes and brush inside of neck. Case trimming goes pretty quick with the wilson trimmer. I have only full sized some 221 fb brass for the first time after 4 reloads. Again, like I said, I am by no means an expert and its a constant learning process. But the one thing I do is buy the best right from the start. Spend your money on a good scale and powder thrower>

 

[Rustystud]

I just bought a Hornady Case Prep Station. The case trimmer is cumbersome at best. The deburring is adequate but the primer pocket cleaner is to die for.

Nat Lambeth