Case Trimmer advice

[reckoner]

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.

Whoops, sorry to thread jack! I meant to post this as a new thread.

[OpenSightsOnly]

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

I started with a manual trimmer but the process became a PITA since I need to process a minimum of 275 cases per month.

I have to measure each case in the brass lot so that I know the shortest one. Then use that to set the manual trimmer.

After a year of doing this, I got me a Giraud, and I never looked back.

Need to spend more time shooting instead of brass processing.

[Enfield47]

I recently purchased the Trim-It and love it. It makes trimming cases a breeze, and the price isn't bad at all. Switching calibers is easy and only requires a caliber specific insert which are only about $15. You won't find a better trimmer for less money. I just received the new cutter for it that trims, chamfers, and deburrs but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I have the Lee cutter and it has worked fine but the Trim-It is much faster and easier on your fingers when you have a lot of brass to process.

[ar15barrels]

I have a giraud that I use for all my medium volume trimming.
The only cartridge I load in high volume is 223 and that is all done on the 650 with a dillon trimmer.

[Wrangler John]

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

^^^
This is all you'll ever need. I had one since the 1970's, it trimmed, neck turned and inside neck reamed thousands of cases. http://www.forsterproducts.com/store...05&catid=19938

The case trimming cutter finally went dull so I replaced the entire shaft with the integrated cutter for $24 this year. While I was at it I bought three more trimmers and the 3-in-1 case Mouth Cutter for .204, .223 and 6mm. This makes trimming, inside and outside chamfering all one operation. All the parts for these trimmers are available to rebuild one from the ground up at reasonable prices. The bases can be swapped out using your collet housing and bearing for neck turning longer cases or hollow pointing bullets http://www.forsterproducts.com/catal...?prodid=700275. You might save a buck or two by ordering from an online vendor, Grafs and Midway come to mind.

More complex doodads and gimmicks are available, some with little electric motors that make an expensive whirring noise, some with a handful of tools and brushes that wear out just when you need them, but these Forster things go on for decades.

[tacos3]

Thanks guys for all the advice. This reminds me of photography equipment as I'm a pro photographer. When I started looking for equipment, I'd usually buy what I thought I'd need and buy it staying away from the super expensive gear. I'd usually use it, then have to upgrade once or twice later.

Now, I buy the best and only buy gear once. I might have to wait longer to buy but it saves the time and $$ of possibly multiple upgrades in the long run.

After looking at the cost of all this I think I'll wait to have enough $$ to buy a trimmer/de-burring/chamfering tool most likely motorized like a Giraud. Then all I need is a primer swaging tool.

Thanks again,

Darren

[bigedp51]

Thanks guys for all the advice. This reminds me of photography equipment as I'm a pro photographer. When I started looking for equipment, I'd usually buy what I thought I'd need and buy it staying away from the super expensive gear. I'd usually use it, then have to upgrade once or twice later.

Now, I buy the best and only buy gear once. I might have to wait longer to buy but it saves the time and $$ of possibly multiple upgrades in the long run.

After looking at the cost of all this I think I'll wait to have enough $$ to buy a trimmer/de-burring/chamfering tool most likely motorized like a Giraud. Then all I need is a primer swaging tool.

Thanks again,

Darren

Its called "buy once, cry once" or if your married "buy once, die once and not get supper".

[ar15barrels]

After looking at the cost of all this I think I'll wait to have enough $$ to buy a trimmer/de-burring/chamfering tool most likely motorized like a Giraud.

You won't go wrong in that decision.
The Giraud is awesome.

[Tok36]

After looking at the cost of all this I think I'll wait to have enough $$ to buy a trimmer/de-burring/chamfering tool most likely motorized like a Giraud. Then all I need is a primer swaging tool.
Darren

Agreed.

I will eventually get a Giraud as well. It seams to be one of the best available trimming solutions. For now i use a Little Crow and a case prep station for 223/556. It dose the job.

[Clownpuncher]

The CTS power 600 really really intrigues me.

[TimRB]

After looking at the cost of all this I think I'll wait to have enough $$ to buy a trimmer/de-burring/chamfering tool most likely motorized like a Giraud.

You may not have to wait as long as you think.

http://www.giraudtool.com/Tri%20Way%20Trimmer.htm

This tool uses the same cutting head as the Giraud power trimmer--you just have to supply your own motor. The one I ordered just arrived today and I trimmed over 220 pieces of 223 brass, including inside and outside chamfer, in about 39 minutes. 97 bucks delivered to my door--done.

Tim

[bohoki]

i got the possum hollow and power adapter the power adapter works with my lyman debur tool i got sick of my lee spining out the cases
the lee works good with 30 carbine though

[longrange99]

There is a Giraud available in the private sales area... no wait (not mine) I won't sell mine!