CTS Case Trimmer Review (In Depth and pic heavy))

[problemchild]

So it is essentially a Giraud trimmer without the 9 month wait and 400 price tag?

[adrenalinejunkie]

So it is essentially a Giraud trimmer without the 9 month wait and 400 price tag?

Hahaha essentially except the CTS indexes off the case shoulder. I'd say it's worth it to save $350 though!

[Dark Mod]

Just shot him an email for him to build me one for .300 Winmag, 7.62x54r, and 22-250. Hopefully he accepts forms of payment other than paypal

[Quinc]

Can you post a close up pic of the case mouth on a case trimmed with the CTS.

I am using the possum and it's a pain in the arse to get any kind of consistency with it..

[adrenalinejunkie]

Can you post a close up pic of the case mouth on a case trimmed with the CTS.

I am using the possum and it's a pain in the arse to get any kind of consistency with it..

I tried posting a close up pic but my camera wouldn't focus well enough to see the detail even on the macro setting :/ I can tell you though that it's smooth and needs no chamfering or deburring. Definitely worth it

[freonr22]

quinc, what speed are you at on the ph? spin it about 2000-3000 rpm had zero issues with consistancy on the ph

[adrenalinejunkie]

Still in contact with Jim. Stay tuned for a full-blown trimming station review!

[ExtremeX]

Are any of you guys using a portable hand drill with the CTS trimmer?

My only options are my portable drill or my drill press...

[adrenalinejunkie]

Are any of you guys using a portable hand drill with the CTS trimmer?

My only options are my portable drill or my drill press...

That's what I used for the review. Mine is battery powered and it died after a while even when connected to the wall. A much better option would be something like the powered benchtop setup that i'll be reviewing next.

[Quinc]

quinc, what speed are you at on the ph? spin it about 2000-3000 rpm had zero issues with consistancy on the ph

I think right around 3000. The screw is pretty stripped though so it could be moving... =/ I might try a lath type trimmer next or break down and get the Dillon..

[Dark Mod]

Got mine about a week ago and love it! its really well thought out, another thing besides not having to chamfer and deburr, is that the bit that chucks into the drill is connected directly to the part that cuts. This means you can set cutting depth by measuring the back chuck (Way easier)

[Munk]

Everyone talks about using a drill press for this... why not a table-top router?

I like the idea of just leaving the trimmer spinning, and pressing the cases down into it; i'd just have to get used to the idea of indexing off the shoulder for trimming instead of cutting the whole case to length.

This trimmer seems great for that method with its large shavings window. I would just take a sheet of heavy paper or cardboard and press it over the shank first to catch shavings.

[ExtremeX]

Everyone talks about using a drill press for this... why not a table-top router?

I like the idea of just leaving the trimmer spinning, and pressing the cases down into it; i'd just have to get used to the idea of indexing off the shoulder for trimming instead of cutting the whole case to length.

This trimmer seems great for that method with its large shavings window. I would just take a sheet of heavy paper or cardboard and press it over the shank first to catch shavings.

[bruceflinch]

Awesome yeah I think you'll definitely be happy with that setup. Not sure about neck-sized cases though. If you send Jim a message i'm sure he'll answer your question. I just loaded up 120 rounds today with some cases I trimmed with the CTS, and there was no bullet-shearing whatsoever, and the outer rim of the mouth is smooth with no burr. I think you'll be good in that department.

I initially F/L size. Trim to .0020 short. Then load & shoot. Then neck-size the next few times of reloading. After I've shot the necksized ones twice I necksize & measure to make sure the cases are still going to chamber. At last count for my M1917, I have 4 reloads of necksized cases w/o retrimming. YMMV

[USAbodypilot]

Great review - I know what to do now. Thanks :-)