What case trimmer

[rroberts]

I need some suggestions and advice on purchasing a case trimmer to use with my 45/70 and 7-08. Any recommendations or advice on what to look for? Thanks in advance for your help.

[felix]

If you are not doing a lot of cases, say 250 or less of each, consider the Lee hand trimmer system. Requires a caliber shell holder, a caliber length rod, and a cutter head which would be interchangeable on the two rods. ... felix

[montana_charlie]

It depends on what you consider important.

For 'convenience' or 'ease of doing many in a short time' most of the crop will work to trim cases to safe length.
I used a Pacific (lathe-type) for many years which was that way, and since it used standard shell holders, it was very flexible.

After I trimmed 250 new .45/90 cases just enough to square the mouths, I found the mouths were not square...not one of them. They were only off by a few thousandths, but that was enough for me.

I have switched to the trimmer made by L. E. Wilson, and (just today) made a stand to mount it on.

I tried it with a couple of junk cases, and the mouths are absolutely square...for a change.
CM

[Phil]

Hey Charlie,

I like the Wilson trimmers too. The best is the Sinclair conversion with the Sinclair stand. I have a standard and Sinclair and enjoy them both.

Cheers,

Phil

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

LE Wilson for low volume.

For extremely high volume: Giraud

For medium to high volume, this is a new gadjet that's a very nice buy:

http://www.kinneman.com/browseproducts/Possum-Hollow-Kwick-Case-Trimmer.HTML

I suspect it's possibly the best buy out there right now for a trimmer that works off the case shoulder datum.

Regards,

Dave

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got an rcbs power trimmer. It isnt cheap but it makes short work out of the worse part of reloading and it even does double duty making 41 specials out of mag cases.

[Junior1942]

But the cheap Lee and chuck the cutter in your drill press.

[Char-Gar]

I have been using the same Wilson since 1959 and see no reason to change.

[Phil]

Hi Chargar,

I have a straight Wilson and a Sinclair conversion. I REALLY like the Sinclair version. I have a power screwdriver adapter on the Sinclair and its really handy. I too see no reason to change at this point in time. We must have bought our first Wilson's about the same time. I have a Forster also but just use it for anything I don't happen to have a Wilson Shell holder for. 7.65 French Long comes to mind.

Cheers,

Phil

[Cherokee]

Giraud - Once you have it you will not use anything else if trimming more than a hand full.

[1hole]

If your want a conventional case trimmer that has loads of optional gadgets available to make it even more useful, check out the Lyman "Universal." I've used one since the mid 70s and folks who have used mine say they wish they had gotten a Universal instead of what they did get. (I don't much like Lyman's somewhat less expensive "Accu-Trimmer" tho. )

[rmb721]

Lyman Universal with power adapter to use with a drill.

[Sundogg1911]

I use the Lyman universal with the drill attachment, but that's all i've ever used so I don't have much to compare to. A friend gave me one that mounts to a drill press (a Forster I think) but I haven't tried it yet. I don't think the stop adjustment on my old drill press will have a fine enough adjustment. But i'll have to get back to you on that when I get around to trying it. I just trimmed about 4000 .223 Rem cases so it may be a while ;-)

[DLCTEX]

I have a Lyman Universal, but prefer to use Lee in a cordless drill, trim chamfer, and shine with green pot scrubber if needed in seconds. Dale