I'm currently using a Lee "zip trim" for trimming 308 cases. It works extremely well for what it is, but I'm looking for something a bit faster. What's your favorite case trimmer? I'm looking to spend less than $100.
For less than 100 and a specific cartridge only-id go for the CTS trimmer on Ebay, great customer service too. Second choice would be a WFT trimmer through creedmoor sports.
I have a zip trim and I like it. I send my .223 to RWOV.com and it comes back prepped and primed for $.08 each.
I have been using a Hornady cam lock. Have trimmed many thousands of cases with it. If it broke today I would buy another just like it.
The Worlds Finest Trimmer from Little Crow Gunworks is replacing my Lee Zip-Trim tools. This little trimmer is awesome. Trims and deburs in one shot. Just as fast or faster than the Lee stuff. Its a little more expensive than the Lee trimmer, but it is worth it in my opinion.
I use a Gracey Case Trimmer, they take a lot of pain out of case preparation.
I started using a Redding 2400 case trimmer and if your doing really nit picky detailed case prep its awesome! It has a micrometer to adjust down to .001" increments if needed and has a universal collet (so none more to buy) I load rimmed and non-rimmed cases in it and its great! The cutter is sharp and has yet to "chatter" a case. Its made of iron so its in it for the long haul. Its not the cheapest case trimmer, nor the fastest, but so far of the ones i have tried, its the best quality one i have used.
I've got a RCBS Trim Pro-2 Manual Case Trimmer Kit (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/817007/rcbs-trim-pro-2-manual-case-trimmer-kit) coming in today (if UPS doesn't screw it up). It's right around $100... though RCBS is offering a rebate right now. It's got a universal shell-holder and you can also pull off the handle and attach a power drill to the trimmer. I'll let you know how I like it.
I use the RCBS powered by a DeWalt corded drill. Take the screw off that holds the crank on, get a grade 5 bolt with the same threads. then get a nut setter that fits the head of your grade 5 bolt. A little black tape holds the nut setter on the bolt and those make a cheap, effective, universal joint.
My case trimmer is mounted on a 1" board and "C" clamped the the bench when in use. the board has a rest for the drill to hold it about level with the lathe attached to it.
The RCBS three way cutter head make quick work of trimming, de burring, and champher.
Way more than !00 bucks, and knowing what I do now, would have to look hard at a gracey trimmer if starting over. Less hand montions per finished case.
I use the RCBS and remove the crank handle and chuck my cordless drill to the shaft. Quicker and saves the wrist.
Quote from: Mark Davis on August 27, 2012, 01:29:03 AM
I use the RCBS powered by a DeWalt corded drill. Take the screw off that holds the crank on, get a grade 5 bolt with the same threads. then get a nut setter that fits the head of your grade 5 bolt. A little black tape holds the nut setter on the bolt and those make a cheap, effective, universal joint.
My case trimmer is mounted on a 1" board and "C" clamped the the bench when in use. the board has a rest for the drill to hold it about level with the lathe attached to it.
The RCBS three way cutter head make quick work of trimming, de burring, and champher.
Way more than !00 bucks, and knowing what I do now, would have to look hard at a gracey trimmer if starting over. Less hand montions per finished case.
Did this for years after I wore my wrist out.... Then the drill setup and finally a Giraud; it's an amazing machine.
RR
I've used RCBS and Lyman lathe styles. The RCBS requires cartridge specific case holders and the retaining method allowed some cases with tight necks to spin in the holder. The Lyman's universal case holder is a better design, in my opinion. I have two of the Lymans that I use on small batches (i.e., 20 or so) of cases.
Recently, I started reloading high volume for 223 and 308. The lathe style trimmers were killing my hands, so I started looking for something else. I found the WFT. The WFT is designed to be used in a drill and the cases hand fed into the trimmer. If your hands can tolerate it, this works fine.
I chuck the WFT in a drill press and use a Forster power trimmer base to hold the cases. I built a chute so that I can just knock the cases off the base and put the next case in to be trimmed. This removes the stress on my hands and allows me to trim between 500 and 750 cases per hour, depending on my pace. My right hand stay on the press' feed wheel and my left hand does everything else. Total investment is less than $200, including the used drill press. Additional calibers cost me $70 or so.
The setup works pretty well, but orienting the trimmer vertically doesn't remove the chips from the trimmer as well as I would like. I have to clean the shavings/chips from the trimmer occasionally using a pick. I didn't have this problem with the cordless drill method. The WFT does not chamfer/deburr, so you still have that step to do.
I have not used the Gracey or Giraud trimmers. I hear they are fine machines, but they cost a little more than I was willing to invest and require you to hold on to the case. Holding onto the case was what I was trying to avoid.
I have the trimmer head that came with the Forster setup as well, but I've never tried to use it. I just bought the kit for the base.
+1 on the Giraud, mine is on order and I can hardly wait!
If you don't do enough trimming to justify a Giraud then I'd go with what I am using now - the Worlds Finest Trimmer (WFT) from Little Crow Gunworks here in MN and it's a very good and consistant trimmer.
Dave
I have one of the "World's Finest Trimmers". Very fast and easy. The downside is they are built per caliber.
Quote from: Guardian on October 12, 2012, 07:43:24 PM
I've used RCBS and Lyman lathe styles. The RCBS requires cartridge specific case holders and the retaining method allowed some cases with tight necks to spin in the holder.
I know this is an older post, but RCBS now has a spring loaded "universal" cartridge holder or "shell plate". You will still need separate pilots for different calibers, but the 3-way cutter head is a nice time saver for me. Trims to length, chamfers and de-burs all in one step.