Wilson Case Trimmer Review

[rayjay]

In far past I always used the Lee case trimmers and was pretty happy with them. They are a little slow.

A couple of years ago I bought an older RCBS trimmer. This is the type with the collet for holding the case head. The problem is that there are small variations in the dia of the case head and this leads to variations in the case length. I then tried holding the case by hand and leaving the collet at one setting. Maybe a little better but still left a lot to be desired. It also would not cut square on the case mouth, there was always a angle to the cut.

I decided to try the Wilson trimmer next. Ron Hoehn has them for less than $30. I also ordered the various case holders for my applications. WOW, what a simple and effective set up. I just trimmed all my 30BR brass for this weekends match. I now have square case mouths and most are dead on the money lengthwise. The worst out of spec might be .0005 difference from the rest.

 

[billmo]

Ray, I second that on the Wilson trimmers 110%. I used Lee equipment for years and thought I was getting the best trim possible until I decided to buy the Wilson trimmer and Sinclair's mount, pad, etc. No comparison between the quality and the final finish of trimming. One of the best purchases I ever made for reloading equipment. Bill

 

[Flybuster]

I agree the Wilson is a big step up from RCBS. My friend gave me a wilson trimmer a couple of weeks ago because I didn't trust my RCBS, I have been trimming down Dasher cases as I surf the net. Spot on the money.

 

[flatlander]

I bought a L.E. Wilson trimmer in 1968 and am still using it for the cartidges I don't have a Giraud shellholder for. I trimmed thousands & thousands of 223 & 308 cases with it set up in a drill press before buying first a Gracey, and then the Giraud trimmer. In fact, the first Wilson cutter finally got so dull last year,after 39yrs. of use) that I bought a replacement cutter from Sinclairs for it. Caseholders for the Wilson are relatively easy to make on the lathe. It's a great tool.

 

[hopefullbencher]

Another vote for the wilson trimmer. It was the first and only trimmer I bought. I love the accuracy of it and I can even make a test cut on the heads to see if they are square also.

 

[Rust]

If you think the base model works well, add the micrometer adjuster and the Sinclair stand to the Wilson trimmer. Yeah, it's expensive but it's now my favorite bench top tool. Works perfectly and easily. First twenty cases left a smile on my face.

 

[hopefullbencher]

I agree with the mic and the stand. This is my first trimmer just started into this addiction last year, and I thought flyfishing and tying got expensive) and it was the first trimmer I bought. So, I went the whole nine yards right off the bat and never looked back. Very good investment. In my opinion though.