Case trimmers

[Matt304]

Can anyone recommend a case trimmer, possibly a package with holders and reamers, that will handle large cases like 50BMG and all the way down to pistol cases? I don't really care what brand, probably just the cheapest brand that works well.

Also, I need one that is able to be adapted to a power drill.

 

[50 Shooter]

If you want a good and kinda cheap trimmer for .50 BMG that can be used with a cordless drill, try the one from K&M. They don't have a website but you can call to order (717)292-3175.

 

[Matt304]

Is there any others that are more common? It would be nice to get it in with my order at Midsouth, or possibly Midway.

I see the Forster case trimmer at Midsouth for the 50BMG, but I'm not sure if it can be hooked up to a drill, or used on smaller calibers.

 

[rundm]

the Giraud is the best out there, but it is expensive. RG

 

[jeepmor]

I have the RCBS manual trimmer. I pulled the handle off and put in a socket head screw (allen bolt head) of the same thread. I used about a 1" long bolt. I think it was 8-32 threads. I can grab the bolt head with the cordless drill and trim away. Much faster than the hand crank.

I don't recall a 50 cal neck pilot, you should look into that, but I am pretty happy with the trimmer. It's a basic trimmer, nothing more. I suspect you'd need to order your 50 cal pilot and case holder separately because I know nothing that comes with it will fit properly. Pin diameters that hold the case holder in place might be too close together for that monster BMG case, not sure. Worth a look though, the RCBS trimmer is one of the more frugal models for the wallet.

 

[birdbustr]

Forster classic works well for me. Screws hold it to a table. Comes with the various collets for about $45.

 

[Bitswap]

I've been using the Giraud exclusively now for years. It trims, deburrs and champhers all in one step. This process is no longer a PITA.

I use it for BMG, 308, 223. Once you get the 'base', you can buy extra holders that are simple to swap out. Adjustments are easy as well. The amount of trim is based on the shoulder of the round.

When I get into another cartridge, like wisper 300 or 6mm-22, I automatically buy a blade and holder for around $50.

It will work on full length sized and shoulder bumped brass. I've had problems with 'pure' fired formed brass with this though and had to pull out my manual trimmer... a reminder to me how hard it was in my early days. You should bump the shoulders anyway.

 

[Matt304]

Is it possible to remove the handle on the Forster and mount a drill? I see that it has different size metal bases for the various case length ranges. It looks like the best one for the money if I can mount a drill. The RCBS sounds like a good one for this, but I need to know if it would be compatible with 50cal, which I don't think it is.

 

[infantrytrophy]

Matt304 -

Yes, you can attach a drill or better yet, a power screwdriver to the Forster case trimmers. You have to order an inexpensive Case Trimmer Power Adapter, part # PA1000. This replaces the crank handle and works well with a small power screwdriver. This part should be available at Midway and at MidSouth Shooters Supply.

Forster sells 3 trimmers. The "original" trimmer is for most calibers with bullet diameters from .171" to .459." The "Classic" trimmer handles big bore calibers and has a longer base to accommodate longer cases. There is a .50 BMG case trimmer also, with an even longer base.