Are motorized case prep machines worth the money?

[Lead Waster]

So are those motorized case prep devices worth the money? They range from like $110 for the RCBS to over $300 for the Hornady.

As far as I can tell, they are just torquey low rpm spinning tools.

Yes, I have a drill press. No I don't have a mill.

I know that some things can be done on a drill press with the appropriate tool (Possum Hollow trimmers, etc).

Has anyone used one of these? Is it a gimmick or something that actually saves time. I know for handgun rounds, it's worthless.

[tiller]

I used a rcbs one the other day and was very dissappointed... I wanted one for deburring cut 223 cases for making 300 blk out but after using it i will keep using my drill... Not worth the money in my opinion

[Solus]

as someone who did over 1k trimmed, chamfered and deburred 223 yes its well worth it. My wrists and forearms hurt from all the twisting

[freonr22]

My cheapy drill press, possum hollow trimmer, and a #2 Phillips bit for removing factory crimp..... Did I miss something?

[Bigtls1]

I use a dillon 1200 for my .223 case prep. I trim the same time I size and decap on my 650. I just throw it in one of the holes on the toolhead and saves a bunch of time. Then i just run them through the tumbler and load them. If you load as much as I do (1-2k at a time), its well worth its price.

[M27]

If you are going to spend 300 on the Hornady why not just get a dillon 1200b.

[klewan]

Look at the Lyman; comes WITH all the cutters. Unlike RCBS that are additional, added, optional, equipment. Around $100.

[SWalt]

I use the rcbs case prep center. For 308, it takes 10 seconds to size to length, chamfer, debur, and clean the primer pocket. I can uniform the flash hole within that time too but that is a 1 time operation. Big time saver.

[Divernhunter]

I have done it by hand for many years.
I now have the RCBS electric case trimmer and the Lyman prep center and wish I had got them sooner. I like the Lyman unit as it has all the tools with it and you do not need to buy seprately.

[EL_NinO619]

I use it every time, for Chamf/deburr, ream PP, Uniform PP, Swage PP, Uniform flash hole and clean PP every now and then. I have the RCBS prep center, it has to many rounds I can't even count and its still going strong. It's not the fastest thing on the planet, but when you prep 3k in one sitting it does save some hassle.

Time = Money
Convenience = Money
Ergonomics = Money

So to me its worth the money. Just don't expect unicorns to start dancing while you use it, it's still work..

[SKSDan]

I've been rotating cases and using a file to trim .223 and x39. Then, i just smooth the outer rim and use the corner at the base of the file to deburr the inside.

[shooterbill]

I have the Lyman. I have had it for 2 years. I wish I would have bought it sooner. If you prep a lot of rifle brass, it is great. Got it at Cabelas for $100 shipped.

[EL_NinO619]

I've been rotating cases and using a file to trim .223 and x39. Then, i just smooth the outer rim and use the corner at the base of the file to deburr the inside.

You my friend are a special kind of someone.

[firebert]

Like any other thing in life. If you have the money for one, GO NUTS! I don't so I'll just do it with my cheap tools.

[cornflake]

I don't have one of those motorize case prep center yet, but I do prep my brass using a cheapy harbor freight $300 mini lathe using various prepping tools. I do find it convenience to have a machine holding and turning the prepping tools, instead of my finger. However, for the price RCBS is asking for ($110) or Hornady's version ($350) it's hard to justify their asking price. After all, they are nothing more than an enclosure with small electric motor and a few gears.