Posted on 03/20/2010 8:19:25 AM PDT by GunsAndBibles
Just started reloading rifle ammo. Need to pick up a case trimmer. I do 200~300 in a batch. I'm thinking in terms of a manual trimmer with an electric drill attachment. I don't really feel like spending $300 for a Gracey. Any suggestions that would shorten research time would be valued. Thanks -
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING - now go plant your tomatoes.
try gunbroker.com as well...
Lyman has a nice case trimmer, cheaper than the RCBS model. You can get one at www.midwayusa.com for $61.99+shipping - it comes with 9 pilots, which is nice.
Some trimmers are made to attach an electric drill.
OK - Looks good. My concern is whether of not the electric drill attachment is a valid issue. If you were trimming 300 cases, would you want to have it?
Get the Gracey and the carbide cutter. It’s what you will end up with in the end. I have a Redding hand crank trimmer for odd calibers but it’s really painful for more than 30 cases at a time. Unless you can sharpen steel cutters, what ever you get, get carbide cutters.
banglist bump
Good input - thanks
Go to MidwayUSA, or Cabelas, or MidSouth Shooters Supply and do business with a reputable dealer so that if you have any trouble, that you have warranty. You have no idea what you are getting on Fleabay.
Makers of good trimmers are
RCBS
Pacific
Dillon
Hornady
just to name a few. Look at Midway first, and if they are a bit more expensive, then figure that that is paying for good customer service and warranty. If you are in doubt, then phone their customer service line and visit with their people.
I have the RCBS setup. Power Trimmer and got the 3 way, trim/debur/chamfer cutter. process about 1000 5.56 at a time. Rigged up a right angle handle extention so I can engage and disengage the cutter with my right leg and operate the case clamp with my right elbow. leaves my hands free to take finnished case out with right hand and put next case in with left. avg. about 3 sec. a case. Also do .308 same way.
I see that there is a provision for chamfering. Question, roughly, how much time does it take to trim and chamfer one case?
OK - Trimmer with shell holders and pilots = $122
Drill attachment = $8
Do you use a drill or crank by hand?
Never mind - answered the question.
Less than minute, maybe 30 secs. Add a few more secs to polish (which I do because the shell is already chucked up). The problem with the zip trim is that it’s a two-handed operation. A powered trimmer may serve you better, but as for me, the low cost and the fact that I don’t have to follow up with calipers is a big plus. (I still spot check the case length just to make sure.) The universal jaw really makes it easy because I reload different shell types.
Thanks
OK - I’m looking at the RCBS site, and the 3-way cutter and chamfer pilot. My question is, is it a one-step process to trim and chamfer?
Especially with those drill-attached gizmos made by Lee et al. Sometimes they work a bit too well.
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