Case trimmer question

[Action_Can_Do]

Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to reloading and don't quite have all the equipment that I need. The next piece on the list is a case trimmer. I've been looking at the RCBS manual trimmer and the Lyman model. The Lyman model doesn't require shellholders so it stands out as the better deal. Can anybody educate me as to the quality of either model?

 

[bullseye308]

I have the Lyman universal and use it on 9mm, 38, 357, 45, 223, 308. It works great but if you are gonna do a bunch I would get the power attachment thingy and hook it up to a drill. I trimmed a total of 4k one day and was hurting the next day. Had my cheap a$$ spent the extra 15.00 when I got it:banghead::banghead: Well, anyway, it is a real good trimmer and I have only tried this and the Lee hand trimmers. They work very well for a few cases also, but for a bunch again get the power attachment.

 

[qajaq59]

I use the Forster and it does a good job. However, that cranking can get old real fast if you have a lot of cases to do.

 

[33rowdy]

I have the Lyman one that can use a power drill or simply crank a handle. It serves me fine. If I were to buy another I'd look into the one that uses a drill press.

 

[kelbro]

I have grown to really like the Lee caliber-specific trimmers. Put the shell holder in an electric screwdriver, trim, inside chamfer, outside chamfer, you're done!

 

[Walkalong]

Buy a Forster or RCBS. Either will do a fine job, with the edge going to the Forster.

 

[Trekbike]

I have grown to really like the Lee caliber-specific trimmers. Put the shell holder in an electric screwdriver, trim, inside chamfer, outside chamfer, you're done!

+1

also very inexpensive if you only load a couple of calibers.

 

[dardascastbullets]

I used a Wilson for decades for my highpower and long range guns. The Wilson case trimmer is capable of producing very precise/square cuts and that is what I demanded. I observed the results from a Lyman and RCBS and they did not come close to the results of the Wilson.

 

[ranger335v]

I like both the Wilson and the Lyman.

I bought the Lyman Universal some twenty years ago because of its unique case holder and Lyman's collection of inexpensive accessories for it. No regrets.

For sure, the Wilson is "better" in that it is slightly more precise but I doubt any of my half or full minute factory rifles would ever know the difference. But, IF I ever get a true quarter minute rifle I will consider getting the Wilson to see if I might actually squeeze another .010" off that group size. Probably wouldn't work that way but it would be fun to try!

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Lee for pistol cartridges (rarely need trimming). The only drawback is also one of its advantages: it is not adjustable, so there is no adjusting it.

Wilson for Rifle cartridges: simple, robust, incredibly accurate and consistent. And inexpensive (more than Lee, but less than most others). A power adapter is available. Sinclair sells a micrometer adjustment screw that is very nice, but not necessary.

Wilson has a new, Q-type holder for rimmed pistol cartridges that is an improvement on the earlier pistol cartridge holders, but it is not as easy to use as the Lee system.

Andy

 

[rfwobbly]

I have an old Lyman on which someone removed the handle. Then they drove a piece of 1/4 inch hex key into the end of the shaft. So I fit a 1/4 hex driver into my cordless drill motor and set the motor on slow speed. I simply offer the driver to the hex key and pull the trigger. It works great!