Trimmer purchase advice

[Texas Solo]

I need a new case trimmer, will be trimming .223. Not interested in a power model, manual is fine. Micro adjust strongly preferred.

It seems that every product review I've read on Midway shows something negative about about EVERY trimmer I was considering. Forester, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady and Redding all seem to have issues with the collet holding the case consistently straight, of just being a PITA to use. The RCBS universal collet seems to work well, but all the reviews say that the RCBS cutter is junk after 200 rounds. Consistency of cut length also seems to be an issue with some.

Looking for advice on a well built, long lasting and consistent case trimmer. Your experiences appreciated.

 

[Cody Richardson]

Get a Wilson!! Best trimmer I've ever owned, got mine from Sinclair, I trim my 308 cases to 2.007, it consistently trims to that exactly, I'm extremely impressed.

 

[broncman]

I got tired of collets and bought a Possum Hollow with a adapter for my drill. Super simple and addjustment takesa few tries but it flat out works.

Ken

 

[A j shooter]

Get a Wilson!! Best trimmer I've ever owned, got mine from Sinclair, I trim my 308 cases to 2.007, it consistently trims to that exactly, I'm extremely impressed.

i agree with Cody best trimmer to own .

 

[Texas Solo]

OK, I've checked out the Wilson's. They do get excellent reviews. One question:
The footnote on Midway's site says to place a case in the case holder, tap it on a solid surface, then place the case holder into trimmer and trim. Does this need to be done every time? If so, it seems like a PITA, although I can see where it gets it's accuracy from.

 

[284driver]

Yes every case has to be inserted into a case holder.

 

[Cody Richardson]

It does, it really isn't to bad once you get used to it. Once you do it you get in to a rhythm. I like it more than having to findle with the case in the shell holder.

 

[BoydAllen]

The Wilson is the way to go. They are easy to use. Like any thing else, you will have to learn the easiest way to use one. I think that a base, that raises the trimmer and allows you to clamp it to the bench, is a good idea. I have used one for decades.

If you are going to do a large number of cases of one caliber, consider something like a Possum Hollow, driving the case with a drill, and a 21st century case holder. After trimming each case, you can finish the job by chamfering and deburing while you still have the case in in the holder.

 

[K22]

For precision trimming, the Wilson is hard to beat. However it's much easier to use with the Sinclair upgrades (the stand, fin to hold the case holder in place, and improved handle).

I highly recommend it with the Sinclair upgrades.

Don't let the need for a case holder deter you, it's not difficult to use and no pilots are needed which I believe is a major advantage of this trimmer since the inside of the necks are not abraided.

 

[DennisH]

No complaints with my Giraud trimmer.

 

[mr45man]

Don't get a Lyman.
John H.

 

[3dogs]

Sinclair has several versions of the Wilson trimmer

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Get a Wilson!! Best trimmer I've ever owned, got mine from Sinclair, I trim my 308 cases to 2.007, it consistently trims to that exactly, I'm extremely impressed.

I've recently gone down this road and am most impressed too. Regards JCS

 

[284driver]

Sinclair has several versions of the Wilson trimmer

None as good as my Square Peg case holder/bench mount.

LE Hanson

That looks more ergonomical than the shark fin. Nice

 

[Martin52]

One question: ..place a case in the case holder, tap it on a solid surface, then place the case holder into trimmer and trim. Does this need to be done every time?

Yes, but no problem once you get into the rhythm. I put the case to be trimmed into the Wilson case holder and tap the base (case head down) on the bench so it sits firmly in the case holder.

After trimming I insert a short length of dowel into the case (which is still inside the holder) and press, this pushes the case back out of the case holder. If you glue the dowel upright on your bench it makes it easier, just press the trimmed case onto the upright dowel.

I recommend the Wilson trimmer, it is simple to use and it's accuracy is repeatable, I get 2.005 inches all day on my .308 Lapua brass with little if any deviation.

Wilson offers 2 case holders - one for new brass, one for used brass.

Martin

 

[wmdron]

I have a Forster and it isn't a bad trimmer, however if I were to do it again I would most certainly buy the Wilson. As a matter of fact I will probably upgrade sometime soon. Buy once.

 

[Joe Maisto]

Funny you should mention that issue because I just sold my Forrster last week, as I use my Wilson . I've had the forrster for years and never liked it because I felt you had to work to get the cases seated properly before you can get a proper job done . The Wilson is the ONLY way to go. Call the "SHOOTERS CORNER" and talk to Bob White. He has the countries largest selection of good used equipment and a gentleman as well.
I discovered there is no need to buy anything new as long as you know where to go for what you need.
Trust me on this. I shoot BR.

Joe

 

[LHSmith]

I started with a Lyman years ago and dreaded trimming, upgraded to a bare-bones Wilson a dozen years ago, and recently upgraded to a micrometer Sinclair upgrade model which results in each case length exactly the same. +1 for the upgrades, however I feel the carbide cutter upgrade does not cut as well as the standard cutter.
If I was only reloading for 1 or 2 cartridges, I would consider the WFT (Worlds Finest Trimmer) from Little Crow Gunworks. There was a product announcement in the Bulletin section of this site several months ago.

 

[lpreddick]

another vote for the wilson. i have about 8 case holders and noticed rusting on some...sweatty fingers and humidity. tried oil but rust persisted. decided to blue the outside and ends of the case holders followed by a light coat of rig. granted some bluing comes off when the shark fin device rubs across but thus far, no more rusting. tapping the case into and out of the holders becomes quick once you get a rhythm going.

 

[Joe Maisto]

Get a Wilson!! Best trimmer I've ever owned, got mine from Sinclair, I trim my 308 cases to 2.007, it consistently trims to that exactly, I'm extremely impressed.

+1