Case Trimming for .240 Ruger

[bunnielab]

I went to the store today to buy dog bones and maybe some nice wool socks and somehow ended up with a .204 ruger varmint gun.

Im still trying to work out what happened.

But sense I have it, I guess I should get set up to reload for it. I have a pretty good handle on everything that I need, except for a case trimmer. Up to this point I have only reloaded for straight walled pistol calibers so trimming it alittle new to me.

Im having trouble figuring out exactly what I need here. Midwayusa is full of bushings, shellholders, trimmers and reamers. Im in alottle over my head. I would like to go as cheap as possible at first, as I still need a scope. Some kind of simple had trimmer would be best, until I save up for something better/faster.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Coltdriver]

I got a .204 soon after it was released. Case trimmers were pretty much non existent.

So I got a Lee .22 250 (I had mis stated .223 earlier so this is a correction, see below) case trimmer and put the button or shaft of the trimmer in a drill press and sanded it down to the inside of a 204 case size.

Then I very carefully adjusted the length of the tip of the trimmer on a belt sander so I would get the correct length for the case.

Viola! They probably make one by now. They are under $10 for all you need.

 

[Jim M]

I use a Forster case trimmer. The .204 Ruger takes collet No. 1, and the Case Trimmer Pilot is No. CT1020. The bare trimmer is $44.41, or a case trimmer kit is $68.99 at Midsouth. The kit has all three collets and 6 pilots. The .204 pilot alone is $2.92. With the .204 Ruger, I believe you need a .17 cutter shaft. The .17 cutter shaft, if you need that, is $11.94. Those prices were taken from last year's catalog, the last one I have. They are probably a bit higher now.

If you decide to order one, ask the technical people where you order if the .204 pilot requires the .17 cutter shaft.

 

[bunnielab]

Coltdriver

They probably make one by now. They are under $10 for all you need.

Nope, the first thing I did was look for one. Maybe I will try to make one. Although if you have moved on to bigger and better things I can give your's a loving home.

I can provide character references if required.

 

[strongarm]

lee trimmer

Coltdriver, when you say you trimmed the pin of the .223 trimmer what do you mean. as i have a .204 i want to reload for and i have the .223 case trimmer , but the .204 has a longer case!


would be interested in what you did.
cheers

 

[Coltdriver]

You are right about the case length and I mis spoke.

I pulled my 204 trimmer from my pile of trimmers and the one I sanded down was a pilot for a 22 250.

I just used black sand paper and oil and kept slowly sanding the pin while spinning it in a drill press. I kept testing the fit in a 204 case until it would go through without a problem.

Once it would pass into the case I adjusted the pin length very slowly until I had the right trim height. Works great and I have reloaded several hundred rounds.

I have found the .204 to be very easy on the brass. Not much stretching at all with the 32 grainers which is all I shoot. I have no experience with the heavier bullets.

 

[strongarm]

Coltdriver

Nice one , i worked out it must have been a 22-250 part. but thanks for your feedback, saves me spending $200 on a case trimmer... Reloading equiptment is expensive here in New Zealand.

 

[joneb]

The Wilson case trimmer has worked well for me in .308 Win. the shell holder will trim most any .308 Win. variant; http://www.kinneman.com/browseproducts/Wilson-Case-Trimmer.HTML

 

[dwwhite]

Bunnielab,

Two possibilities you might try...

I believe Hornady(?) makes a trim die that allows you to trim using your press and a file, don't know if it comes in .204 yet.

Also, look into a Wilson trimmer. There are no collets or pilots etc. Each case has it's own holder that simulates a rifle chamber. This is clamped into the trimmer and holds the case exactly true to the trimmer blades. I know for a fact that they manufacture an accessory blade for .17 and .20 calibers. The trimmer costs significantly less than most other major brands, but will require a seperate holder for each caliber and will also require the purchase of the extra .20 caliber blade. This might not meet your price requirements though.

I will say that after using the Wilson trimmer, you won't use any others.

 

[stubbicatt]

Lee doesn't list the 204 on its site as of this morning. However, they will manufacture a case length gage for you for not a whole lot of money, if you tell them what you want it for. Will take about 2 weeks to get it. I had one made for 5.45x39 Russian. Works swell.