Trimmer pilot scratching necks

[mousegunner]

Today I noticed that my RCBS trimmer was scratching the inside of the .223 necks and I don't mean a little. Looks like the pilot had some brass build up and this was gouging the necks. I chucked the pilot in a drill and filed it off with a fine diamond file to where the pilot is smooth. I've used this pilot quite a bit so I don't know if it eventually happens but I'm gonna order a new pilot.

 

[Cracker01]

Have the same trimmer and noticed the same - always use a pilot one or two sizes smaller.

 

[Zero333]

I have a Lyman trimmer and don't have that problem. Pilots stay clean.

 

[Uncle Ed]

If the pilot does not have enough clearance it will score the inside of the necks and pickup brass.

Meaning you may have more neck spring back after sizing, so you need a larger inside neck diameter or a smaller "polished" pilot.

It can also happen if the cutters get dull or from wet tumbling with a peened case mouth causing it to be tight on the pilot.

What helps is to lube the inside of the neck and chamfer/deburr the inside of the neck before trimming.

The WFT does not have pilots and does not have this problem. (subliminal suggestion)

 

[cw308]

I have the same problem , polished the pilot , worked for a while but came back , the piolet is small enough , I positioned the pilot inside the necks first by taking the pressure off the arm , fits inside the case easy enough but still get the scratch . I run 0000 steel wool wrapped around a nylon cleaning brush locked in my drill press , a few up and downs polishes the inside of the necks pretty good .

 

[Geno C]

I went with the Lyman power trimmer. No pilot in the neck. It works really well and is not too expensive. It’s a time saver for sure

 

[biggun2869]

Another thing you may notice is your OAL will change. I hav'nt used my RCBS trimmer for years. It isn't a good design. Get a Wilson. Gary