Case Trimmer advice

[tacos3]

Hey all,

I searched on this topic on CGN and didn't find much so I thought I'd try you all. I'm looking for a good set of tools for case trimming, chamfering, de-burring and primer pocket swaging.

Couple of assumptions:
1. My 223 volume won't be huge, maybe a few hundred a month.
2. My 300 Weatherby volume will be even less, 20 a month maybe.
3. I'd like to be able to use it on handgun cases too, mostly .357 if needed.
4. 95% of my volume is 9mm where I load about 1000/mo on a Hornady progressive.

What I've considered:
1. A motorized version that does everything like a Hornady case prep station.
2. A manual trimmer like a Wilson SS trimmer and hand tools for the other stuff
3. something like a Dillon 1200 or a Giraud seems like overkill

I could use some advice here. #1 is $400 and will do everything I need. #2 can be had for 1/2 of the cost of #1 and for my volumes, that might not be a bad thing. #3 seems like way too much.

I'm leaning towards a manual trimmer and an electric chamfering, de-burring and swaging tool.

What are you guys doing for this?

Thanks,

Darren

[lpspinner]

I still use a decades old CH4D case trimmer. It handles my trimming needs for all my rifle calibers. I can still buy case holders as I come across new calibers. Phone service is very good.



If I have greater 223 demands, then I use the Possum Hollow 223 trimmer. I still have all my old Lee Case trimmers as well.

[rdfact]

Check out the latest and greatest Trim-It II. Trim, chamfer, and debur all at once. Almost $200 however.

http://www.eztrimit.com/

I ended up buying the Hornady trimmer. It also has the ability to attach a drill.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/315831/hornady-cam-lock-case-trimmer-kit

I then use this Lyman hand tool:
Chamfer, Debur, Primer Pocket Cleaning, Primer Pocket Reaming

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/135615/lyman-case-prep-multi-tool

I usually don't trim enough where this becomes a hassle. But this past weekend I prepped about 250 30-30 cases and my thumb is still numb from the Lyman tool. I seriously considered the Trim-It II after that but now I likely won't trim much for a few months. I don't have an AR for .223 so I am not doing any high volume.

[Dutch Henry]

For high (.223 & .308) volume trimming, I use the CTS case trimmer on a power drill. For trimming 100-300 rifle cases, I like the RCBS Trim Pro 2 Case Trimmer.

For the record: Straight wall pistol cases usually don't require trimming and in 47 years of reloading I can't recall ever trimming any. They will usually split before they ever grow to the point that they'd require trimming.

[rdfact]

Also check out the review of the Trim-It II:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=969748

[Bumslie]

Foster trimmer. Buy the 3 way attachment if desired. I have one for 308 and 223. I love it. It has the option for a power screwdriver adapter as well. I just turned it sideways and attached it to the end of my bench. Works great.

You can also neck turn, ream, and ream primer pockets. You may have to buy a smaller base (~$20) for 357. I'll double check when I get home

[ExtremeX]

I use CTS trimmer for my .223, .308, and 243 Win,

I like having a dedicated trimmer for each cartridge so I don't have to tinker with anything.

I chuck it up in either a hand drill or drill press based on the volume I am doing. Thousands of rounds processed with no issues.

I don't trim straight wall pistol brass.

Edit: Added pictures of my CTS-E Case Trimmer with carbide bit.

[Whiterabbit]

consider the lee trimmer too. For a few hundred a month, it's fast. The trick is to set it up so the cutter spins and the brass is stationary. Then it flies.

[reckoner]

Lee Deluxe Power Quick Trim?

Anyone have any experience with the Lee Deluxe Power Quick Trim?

http://leeprecision.com/deluxe-power-quick-trim.html

If it works well, I'll probably get it. I really like that it eliminates having to screw and unscrew the case in the Lee lock stud.

[Jimi Jah]

I use the Lee case trimmer mounted to the press. Easy, fast, skips a step too.

[Bumslie]

Anyone have any experience with the Lee Deluxe Power Quick Trim?

http://leeprecision.com/deluxe-power-quick-trim.html

If it works well, I'll probably get it. I really like that it eliminates having to screw and unscrew the case in the Lee lock stud.

I have the deluxe trim, not the powered one however. I mainly use it for converting 9mm luger to 9mm makarov. I also have the dies for 223 and 30-06. It works decently well. It was difficult to get a feel for when it was done trimming, because it's constantly chamfering, so I would always check each cases progress. I never relied on their plastic collet adjustment for cutting depth.

If you use another trimming tool, This set up is actually one hell of a good chamfering and debuting tool. It saves the hands a lot of aches and pain if you need to do a lot of cases, but don't have the money for a prep station.

[bigbearbear]

Saw this on Youtube while doing research into reloading.

[bigedp51]

Be a real man and disconnect the drill and trim until your fingers bleed.

[8mmFMJ]

Be a real man and disconnect the drill and trim until your fingers bleed.

I do thousands like this and it's by far the fastest way for your $$$. I even cut 30.06 down into 8mm mausers with it.

The reason you want the brass spinning is because you can trim, then chamfer one after another.

[bigedp51]

I do thousands like this and it's by far the fastest way for your $$$. I even cut 30.06 down into 8mm mausers with it.

The reason you want the brass spinning is because you can trim, then chamfer one after another.

After my fingers stop bleeding I went for speed on my .223/5.56 cases.



I had three five gallon buckets of .223/5.56 cases to clean, size and prep.





The cheapest and best crimp remover is the RCBS unit made for their case prep station.