Trimming Help

[Seeking_Coyotes]

I use the Redding 2400 case trimmer. I noticed that some of my ammunition does not seem to have a perfect rim evenly around the bullet. Sometimes I will see a slight u in the end of the brass holding the bullet instead of a perfect straight circle line at the end of the brass. Any ideas?

I also find brass a pia to trim with this trimmer. I can only do ten at a time along with camfer and deburring before my hand is cramped up.

Any input is appreciated.

I got this trimmer because I do 17 caliber stuff and it can do that size as well as the larger 30.06 size.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Do you mean that there's a section of the neck that the trimmer did not appear to cut into? (Only shiny 3/4 around the neck?) I've noticed this with some new brass that has not stretched enough to "need" trimming. If this is the case, you can trim to a shorter than needed length or shoot it a couple more times to stretch the case a tad more.

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

No, it is definitely trimmed the full length around the case. Just sometimes there is a low spot on the rim where it was trimmed making the circle not perfectly even.

Think of it as if you put the case on the micrometer it might read .5 lower at one part of the revolution of the case around the micrometer.

 

[DRNewcomb]

OK. Sorry, not a clue. I have not seen that happen with my Forsters trimmer.

 

[spclark]

Brass thickness is not always as consistently uniform as we would like it to be. Brass that's been fired without then having had necks 'turned' to uniform thickness (if that's something you feel worth doing) will show evidence of this such as you've noted.

I started out trimming on an RCBS years ago, soon gave it up as an aggravation not worth the trouble (hardly accurate either) in favor of a Wilson trimmer. Add the micrometer case stop & it's everything I could want in a hand-powered trimmer.

You may find that the compromise to fit such a wide size range of cases leaves something to be desired at every point.

 

[Erik Cortina]

No, it is definitely trimmed the full length around the case. Just sometimes there is a low spot on the rim where it was trimmed making the circle not perfectly even.

Think of it as if you put the case on the micrometer it might read .5 lower at one part of the revolution of the case around the micrometer.

That is definitely a problem if one side reads 1/2" lower than the rest.

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

1/100 of an inch

 

[Steve Blair]

1/100 of an inch

[br]
Then, it's .01".

 

[spclark]

1/100 of an inch

The design of the Redding trimmer (and the RCBS I used to use) may be at fault here if a case head is not square to the case axis. Another possibility is something on the case head, like a small burr or piece of debris preventing the case from positioning properly. Even with the piloted cutter (pilots generally well undersize) the case might wobble a bit, causing a small 'divot' in the rim.

This is one of the advantages of the Wilson trimmer's design; cases positioned in a specific holder are square to the cutter's face.

I don't think a 0.010" variance in neck trimming ought to affect accuracy much unless the case itself has other damage....

 

[Juma]

Check you blade tip to make sure there is nothing minutely sticking to it. Dip it in a degreasor and clean with compressor so you are not scraping the tip.

 

[Joe O]

Another possibility.If you are trimming before sizing,the expander ball (if you use one)may be stretching one side of the neck (caused by non-uniform neck thickness)more in one section.

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

Appreciate the tips...thank you!

Miie

 

[DWK Savage Shooter]

Seeking Coyotes;

Redding Makes fine equipment, IMHO the RCBS trimmer is a pile of junk. Other trimmers are OK, but the best, again IMHO is the Willson or C&H trimmer. It can be touchy to set up, but very consistent when set up. I do not neck turn, and only trim after full length sizing. I neck size in a Lee collet die 5 times before full length sizing again. With my RCBS trimmer, I never had the "U" shape you talked about, but did find the trim cut was not square on the neck every time. One tip that was passed to me, make sure the pilot/cutter area is clear of shavings for each shell you trim, it did make a difference.