Dillon Trimmer Setup

[ejohanson]

So looking to setup for a dillon trimmer and need some input. Which dies do you guys use, in what order and why? Is it FL resize, Trimmer. Is it universal decap, trimmer, neck size? I'm told there's no need for a chamfer with the dillon and at most maybe a deburr is needed but could be accomplished with the right setup.


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[joelogic]

Its really dealer's choice. There is also a great sticky on processing brass.

[ejohanson]

Yes I read the sticky, good info. I'm looking for more specifics like exact Die brands used. I'm particularly interested in neck expanding as the trim die does not do this and I'm looking for the best die to neck expand/flare that will also deburr the inside of the case mouth. Also is the trim die considered small base? If I'm reloading for an AR-15 do I need to small base resize before the trim die. Is there a reason to neck expand/flare in the prep phase vs the loading phase?


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[joelogic]

I use Dillon carbide dies. I was talked into carbide as they are not required but they do feel smoother.

The trim die is not small base but no one has a problem loading for an AR.

Again its dealer's choice. Reloading is part science and art.

Process cycle:
I use the dillon .223 carbide die at station 1 about a quarter inch off the shell plate. This corrects any case mouth issues and decaps.
Station 4 is the trimmer die with the die set to correctly bump back shoulder.

I then tumble to smooth outside case mouth.

Load cycle: The dillon .223 carbide die at station 1 about a quarter inch off the shell plate to expand, smooth inner case mouth and knock out any corn from the flash hole.
Station 2 powder.
4, seating die.
5, crimp die.

[MrElectric03]

My prep die is setup as follows:

Lube with imperial sizing wax
Station 1: Decap, neck size
Station 3: RT1200 setup to trim(I made a pin from a nail for this as the standard tool head pin won't fit under the trimmer setup)
Station 5: fl sizer backed off so only the inside neck is sized. This is to remove any slight burrs that maybe there after trimming.

Next is wet tumbled in SS media to clean cases and remove wax. This also removes any small pieces of brass that may have dropped into the case and will debur the neck.

Load head is set up:

Station 2: installs primer, charges case.
Station 3: checks charge
Station 4: seats and crimps(I don't crimp much but I prefer to have something)

[ejohanson]

Is there a reason you neck size station one, trim die resizer, then neck size a third time?


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[Colt562]

I trim station two and then use a Lyman M die on station four.

I decap everything now before hand because I use a stainless steel tumbler.

[ejohanson]

Dillon Trimmer Setup

How you like that M Die, does it deburr pretty well? Why use a M Die instead of a FL or neck sizer after the trim die.


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[MR_X]

So the die that is used for the RT 1200 is a FL sizing dies also?

[ejohanson]

Yes the trim die is an FL sizing die minus an expander ball. So still need a die to size/expand the neck. Trying to decide on the best way to do that myself :/


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[MIAMIbaseballer]

Yes I read the sticky, good info. I'm looking for more specifics like exact Die brands used. I'm particularly interested in neck expanding as the trim die does not do this and I'm looking for the best die to neck expand/flare that will also deburr the inside of the case mouth. Also is the trim die considered small base? If I'm reloading for an AR-15 do I need to small base resize before the trim die. Is there a reason to neck expand/flare in the prep phase vs the loading phase?

Yes the trim die is an FL sizing die minus an expander ball. So still need a die to size/expand the neck. Trying to decide on the best way to do that myself :/

I'm confused by your "flare" comments.... You do NOT "flare" 223 brass or any other bottle neck rifle case FYI

I'm not sure why youre so adamant about the "neck"... You should have already FL resized in station 1. There's no need to neck size again unless it makes you feel better.

I load with station 1 = Dillon FL resize, station 3 = Trimmer, that's it. Chamfering and deburring does help with flat base bullets, but is not necessary. Stainless steel cleaning after processing cleans all the burrs of the case pretty good.

[ejohanson]

Dillon Trimmer Setup

Whatever verb you're most comfortable with that means widening the case mouth enough so a bullet can enter is fine. Everything I've read/was personally told by a dillon sales rep is that the trim die undersizes the neck and you'll need some method of resizing/expanding in order for a bullet to enter. So if your a owner of the trimmer and you're saying this isn't necessary then that's the first time I'm hearing about it. Which is fine Im just trying to find out the setup I'll need so I'm not wasting time/money.


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[joelogic]

If you are using FMJ boat tail bullets expanding the neck after using the trim die is not required. If using match bullets there will be some scraping of the jacket unless you resize the neck.

Don't over think this.

[ejohanson]

Thanks Joe makes sense, I will try to not overthink this.


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[MrElectric03]

Is there a reason you neck size station one, trim die resizer, then neck size a third time?


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The main reason for that die is to decap so that once the brass is processed through the prep tool head it can go through the ss media and the primer pocket will be cleaned. I like the die to true up the inside of the neck before it gets trimmed just in case it's not straight and maybe god a small dent between the range and my bench.