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Case trimmers?

NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,197 ✭✭✭✭
What do you guys recommend as far as case trimmers? I'll be loading .223 Rem, .270 Win, .308 Win, 32 Win Spcl, 30-30, 40 S&W, 9mm, 380, 41 Mag, and 45 ACP. I'm not looking at real high volume right now so something manual that I could add a power unit to later would be nice if I decide to up produciton. I found a deal on a new manual RCBS for 60 bucks. Is this a good way to go?

Comments

  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Either RCBS or Lyman are good. Does the RCBS come with the collets and pilots [?][?]
    Personaly I like the Lyman better.
  • bambambambambambam Member Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Hornady and a RCBS.

    I like the RCBS manual with collet much better.
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,197 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by dcs shooters
    Either RCBS or Lyman are good. Does the RCBS come with the collets and pilots [?][?]
    Personaly I like the Lyman better.


    It comes with pilots but says nothing about collets. For 60 bucks for a brand new one I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on it. I see 'em selling used for more than that. Thanks for the input!
  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My new case trimmer:

    hardingeprecisionlathe.jpg

    Best.
  • Alan RushingAlan Rushing Member Posts: 8,805 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nononsense -

    OK, that'll be good enough for me. [:0]

    Where do I fetch a critter like that? ( You notice price is no object here right? ) [;)]

    If I had a set-up like that, I'd have to be putting steady use to it, probably day and night! [:)]

    I have some brass, but compared to that critter . . . I haven't any at all. [:0]

    Sooo if trimming cases, what would be a modest output for that set-up, Sir? It's seem quick, effective and endless and then some!
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,197 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nononsense,
    Looks to me like you could build the whole dang gun, not just trim the cases for it! Very nice![^]
  • oneoldsaponeoldsap Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Lyman trimmer only lists pilots because it doesn't use collets . Also , for another $20.00 you can convert it to drill powered !
  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We just got it last week and I was using it to trim some cases for the .500 Battleship cartridge. It's slightly used as opposed to the advertising shot I posted above. They run just a pinch short of $40,000 in used but nearly new condition.

    And yes you can build a whole rifle on it without too much trouble.

    When leveled properly, used in an appropriate environment (minimum vibrations), climate control, etc., the performance can be incredible. But you have to consider the operator, materials and tooling along with the set-ups to make consistent parts or threads.

    Other than that, it makes a great case trimmer...

    Best.
  • bambambambambambam Member Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They must have used 5C collets to trim brass with. The jaws would probly dent or smash the brass.
  • uni82uni82 Member Posts: 416 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I work at Gander Mountain in Baraboo, WI. There is a gunsmith lathe here for sale. Asking is $3800 (pretty negotiable). It is a professional gunsmith lathe. If someone wants to message me, I could see the dimensions make and model. I think brand new it was $10kish? It is just taking up room in the gunsmith room and the gunsmith is no longer. They would need to get rid of it. It uses a 220 line too. no shipping though.

    It's a good case trimmer :)

    -Joe
  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Giraud trimmer is the cat's *!

    CP
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,197 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by cpermd
    Giraud trimmer is the cat's *!

    CP


    For 400+ dollars it better be! I wound up ordering the RCBS kit with shell holders and pilots from Berry's. 60 dollars with shipping included.
  • Okie743Okie743 Member Posts: 2,700 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by dcs shooters
    Either RCBS or Lyman are good. Does the RCBS come with the collets and pilots [?][?]
    Personaly I like the Lyman better.


    I agree with the above statement about the Lyman VS RCBS trimmer.

    I have both the Lyman and RCBS.

    The lyman only requires the poilets for the caliibers, does not require the addition shell holders like the RCBS. I converted the RCBS to use a electric screwdriver, bought the RCBS adapeter but the adapter is not user friendly and is kinda wimpy!

    The Lyman trimmer is easily converted for use with a power screwdriver or power drill for about $15 and I prefer the Lyman universal manual after I converted it too the power screwdriver. I did wear out the shaft bushing on the Lyman after several thousands of rounds and sent it back to lyman and they rebuilt the unit for like $20.
  • Alan RushingAlan Rushing Member Posts: 8,805 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    uni82 -

    I had attempted to email you but I'm experiencing problems.

    So I not know if the difficulties are with GB or my PC or what have you.

    Would you be willing to attempt to get an email to me through GB?

    Thanks
  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    All I use is Lee for common calibers. It's idiot proof, dirt cheap, and a lot more exact than an RCBS or Lyman, where the tensioner can come loose leading to progressively longer cases. Plus it comes 'power trim ready' out of the box, just chuck into your drill.

    I do have a Lyman unit for oddball calibers and to do outside neck trimming. It's fine but slow.
  • uni82uni82 Member Posts: 416 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought a power conversion kit for my lyman. It wad NOT true. The first time I used my drill, it was throwing it was canted.

    -Joe
  • oneoldsaponeoldsap Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You said what ?
  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by uni82
    I bought a power conversion kit for my lyman. It wad NOT true. The first time I used my drill, it was throwing it was canted.

    -Joe


    My power conversion for my Lyman is just as true as it is with the hand crank.
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by NeoBlackdog
    What do you guys recommend as far as case trimmers? I'll be loading .223 Rem, .270 Win, .308 Win, 32 Win Spcl, 30-30, 40 S&W, 9mm, 380, 41 Mag, and 45 ACP. I'm not looking at real high volume right now so something manual that I could add a power unit to later would be nice if I decide to up produciton. I found a deal on a new manual RCBS for 60 bucks. Is this a good way to go?


    I would like to add, You will almost never have to trim brass if your sizing die is properly adjusted. If you are trimming all the time, the die needs adjusted to reduce shoulder shove back.

    Pistol and straight walled Rifle cases will not need trimmed in 99% of applications. I have some WCC 82 .45 ACP brass that has been shot at least 15 times each without ever trimming.
  • DaveFDaveF Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've used my cheap Lyman Accutrimmer, along with with the power adapter and my re-chargeable drill to shorten lots of blown-out .348 Winchester cases to make 12.7 X 44R for my Swede rolling block, and just yesterday shortened 50 fireformed 8mm Lebel cases to make into .41 Swiss Vetterli.
    It's quick, works like a charm, and cuts even and true with the correct size pilot.
    I've never found the need to trim revolver/pistol cases.
    Regards, DaveF.
  • deadeye46deadeye46 Member Posts: 550 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i like my Lyman electic trimmer,not much faster but so much easier on the hand and it comes with most of the pilots you need
  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can't go wrong with Jonk's Lee set up. Slow, but foolproof and cheap.
    That said, I have a Forster trimmer that I bought my dad back in the '60's. Can't begin to guess how much work it's done, but it's as tight and sharp as day 1.
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,197 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bpost
    quote:Originally posted by NeoBlackdog
    What do you guys recommend as far as case trimmers? I'll be loading .223 Rem, .270 Win, .308 Win, 32 Win Spcl, 30-30, 40 S&W, 9mm, 380, 41 Mag, and 45 ACP. I'm not looking at real high volume right now so something manual that I could add a power unit to later would be nice if I decide to up produciton. I found a deal on a new manual RCBS for 60 bucks. Is this a good way to go?


    I would like to add, You will almost never have to trim brass if your sizing die is properly adjusted. If you are trimming all the time, the die needs adjusted to reduce shoulder shove back.
    Pistol and straight walled Rifle cases will not need trimmed in 99% of applications. I have some WCC 82 .45 ACP brass that has been shot at least 15 times each without ever trimming.


    bpost,could you elaborate a little on the text in red? I understand that straight walled cases seldom, if ever, need trimming. How should the die be adjusted to prevent un-needed trimming on shouldered cases?
  • reload999reload999 Member Posts: 3,080 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just ordered this one...
    sinclair.jpg
    Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer

    Mfr:SINCLAIR INTERNATIONALSINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL

    The legendary Wilson Case Trimmer has just gotten better. Exclusive to Sinclair International, the Wilson Case Trimmer is now offered in a Stainless Steel model. We've paired the most accurate trimmer in the world with our Sinclair Micrometer head to create the New Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer.
  • bryan6842003bryan6842003 Member Posts: 25 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use the Lyman Universal Case Trimmer. It is good.
    I bought the drill attachment later on and it sure is nice not have some big bulky thing under the workbeanch. I use the drill when I am working on a big batch of brass.
  • abarhorstabarhorst Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The following is offered for the RCBS trimmer on their site.

    98930 - POWER DRILL CONVERTER

    POWER DRILL CONVERTER

    Price $ 8.95
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