I am new to reloading and I see on here that the Wilson case trimmer with the micrometer adjustment seems to be well thought of. For economy reasons that is out of my current price range. What do you think of it without the micrometer or in that situation do you think that there are better ones? I know I can add the micrometer later on the Wilson. Currently I will be loading .223, but will add 6.5 X 284, 243 ackley and 7-08 to that list.
Wilson case trimmer without micro
- Thread starter encoreguy
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The trimmer works just fine without the micrometer. It's just easier to trim different size cases and go back to your original settings if you have the micrometer.
One thing in accessing the cost of the Wilson is that you don't need to buy different collets and pilots for different calibers. All you need is a case-holder for each family of cases,e.g. .308, .260 Rem and .243 can use same caseholder.) This holds the body of the case. Case-holders are relatively inexpensive,$5-6), and normally cost less than a set of pilots.
One thing in accessing the cost of the Wilson is that you don't need to buy different collets and pilots for different calibers. All you need is a case-holder for each family of cases,e.g. .308, .260 Rem and .243 can use same caseholder.) This holds the body of the case. Case-holders are relatively inexpensive,$5-6), and normally cost less than a set of pilots.
Hi Encoreguy:
Go ahead and get a used Wilson trimmer on eBay. There is just about always a couple of them listed. Don't get lured into paying more than you can get a new one though. I think Sinclair lists them for +/- $39.
The micrometer is a nice feature, but I have trimmed tens of thousands of cases on a plain-Jane model,I have two now) and all it requires is that you use a caliper to set the length. It is a nice-working rig.
For what it's worth, I also have a couple Forster trimmers and they work as good as any and don't require case holders,though you need pilots for each caliber). Forster's are also usually available on eBay.
Go ahead and get a used Wilson trimmer on eBay. There is just about always a couple of them listed. Don't get lured into paying more than you can get a new one though. I think Sinclair lists them for +/- $39.
The micrometer is a nice feature, but I have trimmed tens of thousands of cases on a plain-Jane model,I have two now) and all it requires is that you use a caliper to set the length. It is a nice-working rig.
For what it's worth, I also have a couple Forster trimmers and they work as good as any and don't require case holders,though you need pilots for each caliber). Forster's are also usually available on eBay.
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encoreguy said:
I have two Forsters,one with an extra-wide collet and cutter for 45/70 cases). I don't think they are either sloppy or inconsistent. However, adjusting cut depth IS a pain. Basically you have a locking collar on a shaft that limits the travel of the cutter. There are no index marks. You have to set the collar "semi-tight" with one set-screw, then use a "fine-tuning" set screw,in line with cutter) to set final cut length. After a while, the fine set-screw wears down a bit and you have to tweak it again.
I've also found, with the forster, I get best results if I always seat the base of the shell in the collet twice. The first time it doesn't always go in exactly square.
That said, once you get the cutting length set, trimming is very fast and easy and the cutter is very sharp. Forster will also re-sharpen the cutter tip. Being a "mini-lathe" the Forster unit can also be used to chamfer cases, inside ream necks, or outside turn necks. Most folks prefer a hand-held tool for neck-turning though.
Hi you dont need a micro you just keep aside one brand new case of each caliber and use these as your reference you wont have much problem with you ackley as only the necks grow use shell holder cases as well.spend your money on powder ect.good shooting.
i bought a wilson about 6 mo. ago. i wish i had gotten the micro with it. it was a pain to get it set. i have never changed it. trimed only my 6mm br on it. i have about 5 foster trimers. i keep each one set for a different cal. and do not change it. i was hoping to replace them with the wilson. i wish the wilson had a fine thread bolt to adj. instead of the corse thread one. it is slowder than the foster but i like it better. i think it cuts more sq. i think wilson is comming our with there own micro adj. for there trimer. good shooting charles
I used the Wilson trimmers for...ah...lets just say more than a few years!
Maybe a few helpful things.
First, instead of fumbling with an allen wench locking the adjustment, replace the 1/4-20 set screw with a thumb screw. Place a piece of nylon under the screw. The nylon will protect the adjustment screw threads, but hold it securely when just lightly snugged down. No tools required to make adjustments.
You also see a threaded collar on the end of the adjustment screw, it serves two purposes. One, makes it finger adjustable and two, once you have it set to a trim length measure and record the gap between the collar and adjustment screw boss with a caliper. Next time you need to change it to a previous trim length reset it to the recorded setting. If you need or want to trim longer or shorter just add or subtract the amount from the setting.
The other two cutters are for truing primer pockets.
Bill
Maybe a few helpful things.
First, instead of fumbling with an allen wench locking the adjustment, replace the 1/4-20 set screw with a thumb screw. Place a piece of nylon under the screw. The nylon will protect the adjustment screw threads, but hold it securely when just lightly snugged down. No tools required to make adjustments.
You also see a threaded collar on the end of the adjustment screw, it serves two purposes. One, makes it finger adjustable and two, once you have it set to a trim length measure and record the gap between the collar and adjustment screw boss with a caliper. Next time you need to change it to a previous trim length reset it to the recorded setting. If you need or want to trim longer or shorter just add or subtract the amount from the setting.
The other two cutters are for truing primer pockets.
Bill
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