Manual case trimmer keeps changing its trim length

[kdsd731]

I've been using my Hornady camlock case trimmer for almost a year now with no issues. But recently, I've noticed each case gains about .001"-.002" in length each after every case I trim. I cannot figure out why it's doing this. Has anyone had similar issues? It didn't always do this. I'm about to throw it away and buy another trimmer.

[wtkaiser]

I have a Lyman that does the same thing. But since I haven't really looked into it (I don't trim too often), the first place to look is at myself. I will claim 'user error' until I am sure it's not.

[kdsd731]

yeah, it very well may be me causing it. But I sure can't fingure out what it is why it didn't use to happen. lol.

[bruceflinch]

Does the Hornady use the 2 lock rings to adjust for length? Is there a allen set screw on one of the rings? That's why I hate my Lyman trimmer...Hard to adjust & set screw sucks.

[kdsd731]

it just uses 2 locking rings for the small adjustments...no locking screw. Something I noticed yesterday is when I was doing my .223 the trim length never changed. But when doing my 30-30 the other day and if I remember right the 30-06 it increases it's case length. Weird!

[Hunter47]

it just uses 2 locking rings for the small adjustments...no locking screw. Something I noticed yesterday is when I was doing my .223 the trim length never changed. But when doing my 30-30 the other day and if I remember right the 30-06 it increases it's case length. Weird!

Is the issue just a variation in trimmed case length between cases or is it creeping up so to speak? I have an RCBS set up with a motorized mount instead of the hand crank. I just went through 900 cases of once fired IMI 223 brass and I had to put them through the trimmer twice to get it to trimm properly. I then started on some once fired PPU brass and it went through perfectly the first time. Obviously the difference is the case material hardness and thickness which all play into the results.

[Trakker]

The cam lock indexes off the bottom of the shell. Sometimes the shell holder can get dirty and cause some variations

Are you sure the bottom of the shell is smooth? No crimps?
Are you using a pilot? Long cases tend to wobble a bit.

It's the fastest trimmer out there in terms of mounting the case. An upgrade would be to make it out of cast iron which has abetter bearing surface and less play.


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[Bill Steele]

The cam lock indexes off the bottom of the shell. Sometimes the shell holder can get dirty and cause some variations

Are you sure the bottom of the shell is smooth? No crimps?
Are you using a pilot? Long cases tend to wobble a bit.

It's the fastest trimmer out there in terms of mounting the case. An upgrade would be to make it out of cast iron which has abetter bearing surface and less play.


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I think it actually indexs off the top side of the case rim (extractor groove) and the bottom side of the shellholder slot. The cam lock pulls shellholder back and the nose of the arbor comes up through the shellholder pressing the case rim up against the top of the groove in the shellholder.

Your point is well taken nonetheless, any variance in the rim thickness dimension from case to case will alter your resulting trim length on this trimmer, such that might be encountered when trimming different headstamps or if the rim or head have damage (like caused by a harsh extraction, etc.).

OP might check the rim thickness on the cases he has variances, that will cause different trim lengths (when measured from the bottom of the case to the case mouth). You likely have very consistent trim lengths from the top of the case rim (extractor groove) to the case mouth.

[OpenSightsOnly]

When I used to use Redding's #2400 Case Trimming Lathe, I use to get that issue - trimmed case will be off by 2 thou.

Solution - clean the cutting blade since finely cut brass shavings will get in the way of the cutter and the brass being trimmed.

[Trakker]

The cam pulls the rim in towards the stand coming out of the shell holder which is held fixed. I too initially thought that rim thicknesses would cause overall length variations. I will try to take a picture tonight


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[bruceflinch]

When I used to use Redding's #2400 Case Trimming Lathe, I use to get that issue - trimmed case will be off by 2 thou.

Solution - clean the cutting blade since finely cut brass shavings will get in the way of the cutter and the brass being trimmed.

Good Reminder!

[kdsd731]

Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I wasn't near a computer the last few days. In response to an eariler reply, it does seem to creep longer each time. It isn't random on it's trimming lengths. It starts at spec and works its way longer.
And in response to another reply, yes I use the correct pilot and the blades are clean of debris.