Which manual case trimmer?

[BruinGuy]

I have been using a Lee Zip Trim, which works great for .223 and okay for .30-06, but it stinks for 7.62x39 and x54R. The cases wobble and trim unevenly and the Lee gauge is too short.

Plus, my thumbs get really sore after a while.

So I'm looking into a nicer manual case trimmer. I'm especially looking at the Lyman "Universal" Trimmer (about $80) and the Hornady 50140 Cam Lock Case Trimmer (about $70). I would need to buy some additional pilots for the Lyman, and pilots and shell holders for the Hornady. I'm not really interested in any of the expensive powered trimmers, so no Giraud or whatnot for me. I just want a solid manual trimmer.

I'd like to hear from those who own or have used these two machines. I'm looking for accuracy, easy cutting, and a simple and quick mechanism for getting the shell in and out of the holder. Open to suggestions to look into other manual trimmers in the same price range/class.

As always, I appreciate your feedback!

[CK_32]

My laymen trimmers been pretty good to me.

They also have an adaption that can hook up a drill to it so that's a bonus. I'm still rockin the crank tho

[mark501w]

I like the way the Lyman locks the case in regardless of rim size. RCBS is good but, clamps on rim .

[damndave]

For the best of everything, get the Wilson/Sinclair case trimmer.

The RCBS works pretty good, but the drill adapter sucks. Strips after a few hundred uses.

The Forster is very good, but the lever to lock the case in is hard on the hands.


I have now moved on to a motorized trimmer now though.

[9mmrevolver]

I have a Forster. I got it for like 25 bucks on eBay. I took the handle off and replaced it with a drill. It did tap my drill but I got it from Walmart so whatever. I didn't get the drill adaptor made by Forster because I'm too cheap.

[milotrain]

That wilson trimmer is awesome, and fairly cheap. The primer pocket reamer tool that works in the trimmer is also fantastic. The case support system on the wilson is the best.

[OpenSightsOnly]

I used a Redding 2400, hand crank lathe/trimmer with micrometer. Cuts are accurate once you got that dialed. But the fingers/thumbs got sore after trimming 200 or so cases of .223 on a monthly basis. So, I moved on to a Giraud.

If you are looking for a hand crank powder dispenser, get the Redding BR 30.

I have been using a Lee Zip Trim, which works great for .223 and okay for .30-06, but it stinks for 7.62x39 and x54R. The cases wobble and trim unevenly and the Lee gauge is too short.

Plus, my thumbs get really sore after a while.

So I'm looking into a nicer manual case trimmer. I'm especially looking at the Lyman "Universal" Trimmer (about $80) and the Hornady 50140 Cam Lock Case Trimmer (about $70). I would need to buy some additional pilots for the Lyman, and pilots and shell holders for the Hornady. I'm not really interested in any of the expensive powered trimmers, so no Giraud or whatnot for me. I just want a solid manual trimmer.

I'd like to hear from those who own or have used these two machines. I'm looking for accuracy, easy cutting, and a simple and quick mechanism for getting the shell in and out of the holder. Open to suggestions to look into other manual trimmers in the same price range/class.

As always, I appreciate your feedback!

[cavemanlrrp]

Another Wilson fan.

Did the zip trim thing. Even after I got it to cut fairly accurately, most of the time, after about 500 cases I had my doubts the zipper would last very long and I had/have lots of brass to do.

The Wilson is the tits. Always right on and square.
If you go that way, get the stand & clamp. You can c clamp it to the bench.

Best
caveman

[DazedandConfuzed]

I have the Lyman Universal. It gets the job done...would recommend getting the carbide cutter option. Also has a drill adapter, if you want that option.

[milotrain]

The Wilson is the tits. Always right on and square.
If you go that way, get the stand & clamp. You can c clamp it to the bench.

I was annoyed that I didn't get the stand, but then I found a little bench vice at the hardware store for about the same money and now it just eats the wilson when I want it too, useful for other things when I am not trimming. Lives on the reloading bench.

[TacticalPlinker]

I think the trimmer I have is the Lyman Universal trimmer. Really solid trimmer (I think it's cast iron, good weight), and for a good price (well under $100). Two other things I like about it in addition to quality and price...

#1. It comes with a set of pilots. Not an extra cost.
#2. The way it holds the shell is universal, meaning you don't need to use a separate shell holder for each caliber.

[KON5T]

depends on what you want and quantities you are doing. I like the WTF, http://www.littlecrowgunworks.com/wft.html

very accurate, but you have to adjust it to your work flow

[AR-Realtor]

I have the L.E. wilson and love it!!

Highly recommend it

[CK_32]

#1. It comes with a set of pilots. Not an extra cost.
#2. The way it holds the shell is universal, meaning you don't need to use a separate shell holder for each caliber.

This right here is 100% what sold me on mine. 100% happy with it too

[gunboat]

While the Wilson is a good tool, the disadvantage is the shellholders -- If you do a lot of different cases it can be right costly. And holders for some cases are not available.