Kevin Rohrer
02-15-2012, 11:52 PM
I have a hungry M1A, a pair of Garands, and an 03A3 that all require regular feeding. That means buying USGI cases by the thousand. These cases must be hand de-primed (RCBS de-priming die), de-crimped (w/ a Dillon primer pocket swager), then trimmed. I had been using a Sinclair trimmer, but after spending two hours with it and only getting a hundred or so cases trimmed, it was time to do as Tim the Toolman said, and get "more power!"
Reviews indicated that the Giraud Power Trimmer was the way to go. A call to them in Texas and my power case trimmer was here within a week.
I had to do nothing more than unpack the trimmer and plug it in, as the Giraud was already setup for .308 cases. I trimmed one and checked it; the trimmer was set a 2.008". As the recommended trim length for .308 is 2.005", I loosened the lock ring that kept the cutter in-place, adjusted it <1/8 turn and retightened the ring. Trimming a second case showed the OAL at 2.005", and I was in-business.
To use the Giraud, all you do is stick a case into the trimmer hole and the rapidly revolving cutter trims it to the proper length, then de-burs and chamfers--all in 2-seconds. You cannot over-trim cases and cannot get injured as the cutter is enclosed within a plexiglass and aluminum housing. Only cases are put in "harms' way".
Within an hour of first use, I had trimmed several hundred cases and gotten a blister on one finger from holding the cases against the cutter's torque. I began wearing a leather glove on my right hand and holding cases is easier and less strain on my thumb and fingers. Also, the trimmer is designed to be used either horizontally or vertically and carries a lifetime warranty.
The only downside to the Giraud is the price. With an additional cutter for 30/06 and shipping, the damage to my credit was $482. Additional cutters are available for calibers ranging from .17 Fireball to .50BMG. And if the caliber of your choice isn't on their list, Giraud says they can make it for you. Recommended.
I need to find more brass to trim. :guntootsmiley:
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0773.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0774.jpg
Reviews indicated that the Giraud Power Trimmer was the way to go. A call to them in Texas and my power case trimmer was here within a week.
I had to do nothing more than unpack the trimmer and plug it in, as the Giraud was already setup for .308 cases. I trimmed one and checked it; the trimmer was set a 2.008". As the recommended trim length for .308 is 2.005", I loosened the lock ring that kept the cutter in-place, adjusted it <1/8 turn and retightened the ring. Trimming a second case showed the OAL at 2.005", and I was in-business.
To use the Giraud, all you do is stick a case into the trimmer hole and the rapidly revolving cutter trims it to the proper length, then de-burs and chamfers--all in 2-seconds. You cannot over-trim cases and cannot get injured as the cutter is enclosed within a plexiglass and aluminum housing. Only cases are put in "harms' way".
Within an hour of first use, I had trimmed several hundred cases and gotten a blister on one finger from holding the cases against the cutter's torque. I began wearing a leather glove on my right hand and holding cases is easier and less strain on my thumb and fingers. Also, the trimmer is designed to be used either horizontally or vertically and carries a lifetime warranty.
The only downside to the Giraud is the price. With an additional cutter for 30/06 and shipping, the damage to my credit was $482. Additional cutters are available for calibers ranging from .17 Fireball to .50BMG. And if the caliber of your choice isn't on their list, Giraud says they can make it for you. Recommended.
I need to find more brass to trim. :guntootsmiley:
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0773.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0774.jpg