What is the best manual case trimmer?

[Toprudder]

I did not see the Hornady Cam-lock trimmer mentioned here, so I will. Don't buy one.

I trimmed about 700 casings with it before the cutter head stripped the threads inside the spindle. Hornady replaced the spindle and cutter, but the tech I talked to acted like he had never heard of the problem and "can't imagine how that could happen". I went online and found a couple of online reviews where it has happened to others.

The replacement cutter and spindle arrived, and when I threaded them together they were very loose. I imagine if I use it much I will have the same problem. I just took the original parts and JB Welded them together.

I've started buying the Lee trimmer parts for the calibers I use. It is made to chuck the shellholder in a drill, but it is easier (my opinion) to chuck the cutter end in a drill press and leave it running, you can keep changing casings in the shell holder and trim without stopping the drill press.

 

[rg1]

I recommend the Forster Original case trimmer. Like mentioned accessories are available for case neck turning and others. It'll last a lifetime, is accurate, and definitely good for 100 round batches. If you load long magnum cases you'd need the extra long base. Collets will fit most all case heads. I also have the Lyman Universal given to me as a gift. I like the chuck head feature but it's not a great trimmer. Instead of hardened bearing they use a fiber bushing for the trimmer shaft. The fiber bushing is housed in an aluminum sleeve. The solid steel adjustment lock ring rubs against the aluminum which isn't a good thing. My handle knob mounted to the arm of the trimmer shaft is loose from the rivet not being tight in the arm. Lyman sent for free chuck fingers which wore out and wouldn't grip case rims. The new fingers have held up. It's a good design but made as cheaply as possible. It's ok for the reloader who doesn't load large amounts. Not saying to not buy the Lyman Universal but it's not the trimmer that the Forster or Wilson is. You'll like the Forster Original. Mines trimmed many thousands of cases.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Here is my setup when I am loading rifle rounds. I use an RCBS power trimmer and 3 way cutter. I can dispense a charge automatically while the trimmer runs and chamfers the case. While it is running I clean the primer socket and prime the next case by hand. It keeps me very busy for a single stage press but every charge is weighed, ever primer is hand seated and cleaned and ever case is trimmed and chamfered every time.

Works great for me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

+1 for the forester, it is very versatile.

I don't like doing large quantities with it, instead use it for smaller batches of just about anything.

I agree but there is a solution. Forster has a Power Adapter and when paired with a cordless drill it speeds up the process a lot!
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/644779/forster-case-trimmer-power-adapter?cm_vc=ProductFinding

If you have the tools you can even make one...

 

[dsm]

All my target stuff and sporter rifle, I use a Wilson. For AR stuff, I made myself a clone of the WFT trimmer. I run it either in my powered case turner or my metal lathe. Works super for doing bulk 223 cases.

 

[Rule3]

The best Man-ual trimmer is someone else to do the trimming for you!

I have the RCBS and it works well. It works even better with the drill attachment!

The LC WFT does a lot of brass but unless you rig up a empty container you have brass shavings all over.(I did, it's patented

If you shoot a semi auto 223 or 308 you are gonna trim a lot of brass so get a powdered version. Just a few pieces you can get by with the LEE but it's a pain.

The new LEE with a had crank mounted in the press looks better and is not expensive. You have to buy separate dies for each caliber BUT it chamfers and deburrs all at the same time. Sure looks easier than those little collet types they have had for years. I have some of those did about 50 and that was about it for me. I dislike trimming the most out of all reloading steps so spend a little extra and get something that you will not get tired of!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/717013/lee-deluxe-quick-trim-case-trimmer

 

[Walkalong]

I made myself a clone of the WFT trimmer

Very nice job.

 

[jim243]

For production runs of 223 I use the Lee new trimmer with the specific case die. It does all three functions at the same time.

Jim

 

[dsm]

Thanks Walkalong...

What would be even nicer would be to machine/grind a custom tool bit out of drill rod to trim and chamfer the inside/outside of the mouth...then harden it.

I'm sure your seen the Giraurd tri way trimmer, but they have a trimmer that does it all.

 

[777funk]

I like the Lee trimmer that you chuck into a drill. Fast and easy. Can't see how something could be easier. Cheap too! Takes me about 10 seconds per case including putting the case into the holder. I'd say about 5 seconds for the actual trim.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For production runs of 223 I use the Lee new trimmer with the specific case die. It does all three functions at the same time.

Jim

These seem like a very efficient tool and very reasonable also.

Question: Where do the shavings fall...back into the case on onto the press when you withdraw the case?

 

[FMJBT]

Forster trimmer with 3-way attachment

 

[alientrainwreck]

Lyman Universal case trimmer with 9 pilots included at amazon for $69.00 and is perfect for 50 or so cases at a time and is a really nice trimmer for the money,you'll get the feel for it fast. Its best not to get in big hurry when Reloading anyway take it slow and you'll be making compition grade ammo in no time. I Do.... #1 for me

 

[Rule3]

These seem like a very efficient tool and very reasonable also.

Question: Where do the shavings fall...back into the case on onto the press when you withdraw the case?

In theory they fall into that black plastic tray on the bottom. How much miss the tray I do not know,

 

[9mmepiphany]

I saw the tray it came with and the first thing I thought was, "I wonder if that works as well as those trays designed to catch primers?"

 

[Rule3]

Here is a video review. Can not say it's the best and he doesn't show the tray very well. I have not used one but could see me making a better shaving collector of some sort. I made one for my RCBS that sits under the case trimmer head and collects 99% of the brass and then I vacuum it out. Essentially a small rectangle box that is double sided taped on the base of the unit.

I do not like brass chips all over the place!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUCejrfzcFE

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