Which of these 2 trimmers is best?

[marchboom]

I am trying to decide which trimmer to get and have narrowed it down to the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer and the Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress Case Trimmer.

To those who have experience with both units which one do you prefer? Accurate and consistent cut lengths are my concern.

Thanks.

 

[Ifishsum]

I've not used the FA, but I really like the Lyman Case Trim Xpress and find that it trims very consistently. Also very easy to make small incremental adjustments and does not leave much of a burr if any. Definitely a step up from the WFT and cordless drill setup I was using before.

 

[Soonerpesek]

I, also, only have experience with the Lyman trimmer.
I do find it to trim consistent and it is easy to set up and make adjustments.

 

[Spclk]

I'll add a third vote for the Lyman. Very accurate and consistent.

 

[DynoDan1]

Don't bother with either of those!
Get the L.E. Wilson case trimmer.
It is by far the best I have found and I've bought a bunch of different case trimmers over the years.
L.E. Wilson is the only one I'll use.
It is quite expensive but it'll give you trimmed brass that is within 0.0005 of each other, the others don't come close to that kind of precision.

 

[marchboom]

I'm looking for a powered trimmer. I know about the Wilson but that is just too much work.

 

[DynoDan1]

Get the attachment that allows an electric screwdriver to be used. If you want consistently accurate trimmed brass, this is the way to go.

 

[Soonerpesek]

trimmed brass that is within 0.0005 of each other

That kind of accuracy is only important to a certain niche of reloader........isn't it....?

My dial calipher only goes to 0.000"......

Guess I'm not in that niche......

 

[DynoDan1]

I don't know if that kind of accuracy is necessary but that's what this trimmer provides.
What I can say is that with the cheap trimmers and the typical trimmers I had used I never had the results I'm
having at the range now.
Whether that's because of the L.E. Wilson trimmer or not, I can't say.
I have 4 calipers and only one of them goes to 0.0000. My micrometers go to 0.0000 as well. The CMM at work goes to 0.000000
but those are overkill in my opinion.
I got the L.E. Wilson trimmer because I could see that the mouth was being trimmed at a slight angle in relation to the case head by my other trimmers.

 

[Demi-human]

I am saving for a Hornady Prep Center. But between the two you have offered, I would choose the FA precision trimmer. For the price I would want the other three tool heads, rather than just the one on the Lyman.
Shoot, for the price, it’s starting to have me second guess the Hornady. Maybe I could just paint the FA red!

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have not used that specific FA, but I have used the "Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System" for more than 5 years.

It looks like it uses the same tool head design, it just doesn't have the mobile base and 3 more deburr/chamfer/whatever stations.

It is a little bit of a chore to move from cartridge to cartridge, about the same effort as setting up a seater die. Once set up, it is very quick and easy to use.

I changed out the cutter head for an RCBS and that cuts cleaner and easier

 

[marchboom]

Currently I'm using a RCBS trimmer with a drill motor attached. Also have the carbide cutter (highly recommended). This setup is very accurate. Looking for something that might be a little faster.

 

[JFrank]

I only use the Le Wilson trimmer with the fired case holder, I do not use the base nor the micro adjust rather mount in a small vice then adjust per a feeler gage. No other trimmer that I know of will produce the accuracy of the Wilson.

 

[Bat Rastard]

Over the years, I have had a Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Gracey, and a Wilson.
For me, the Wilson is the keeper.
I used to believe trimming was my least favorite task. That was until I started neck turning.

 

[Otto]

Giraud for speed. ------$$$$$
L.E Wilson for precision. -----$$$
Possum Hollow for economy.-----$