Best affordable case trimmer??

J

je4bowhuntin

Active member
I have been using the lee lockstud and cutter for years and am wanting to upgrade. I will be loading for three calumets maybe 200 rounds a year each at the max. Majority of what I have now is rcbs. I like the looks of the forester. What are y'all liking?
 
I have almost every brand of trimmer available, mounted on blocks/stands for the most part, but I use a Lee trimmer if I cand find one to fit...just so quick and easy and ACCURATE compared to some of the other ones - zzzzzzzzz and it's done...and Wilson's...I have 3 different length "noses" to fit the micrometer end so I can switch from one size case to another quickly...

I use a Lyman for very long cases I can' fit in the Wilson or there is no Lee to fit, it is also a "dead" length trimmer and is as accurate as the Lee and Wilson, but I bought the Wilson beaucoup many years ago...I think there is a longer base available today for the long cases. The RCBS just sits in the corner looking forlorn.

Every trmmer that uses collets and a screw type clamping system is prone to variations in trim length caused by variations in the rim OD, unless you are very careful in where you stop and the amount of clamping pressure...I learned this the hard way.

A couple thou doesn't make all that much different in hunting ammo [beeep]'...only for us anal retentive inveterate "perfectionists".

But the Lee comes closest to being the "Perfect" trimmer unless you use a "dead" length stop like the Wilson, the Lyman and the Hornady Camlock (looks like, I've never actually tryed one)...the other "Perfect" trimmers.

For your application, JE, I would stick with the Lee if I has worked for all this time...I have a Lee case gauge for almost all my cartridges from 223 to 50 cal stuck in the reloading die box, half a dozen cutters, most of the shell holders...unless you just like new toys like I do.

I've even made "collars" to fit over the rod and nipped of and rounded the end pin, then epoxied or solder sweated the collar in place...to fit a few wildcats...I would like to make one for my 50 cal Rigby but no shell holder is available...maybe I can adapt the 3 jaw chuck from the Zip trimmer and make a case gauge for the large trimmer body....maybe someday, right now the LYMAN 3 jaw chuck works just fine.
Hahahahahah

Luck

 
I have several of the forster trimmers which I use for most of my trimming, having set them up for the stuff I reload the most. bought one new way back when I started reloading, the rest were picked up at gun shows for about $20. each. they are plenty good for most of what I do, but I use the wilson for the real serious stuff. I've tried some of the other brands of trimmers that friends have, but will stick to what I now use.
Barry
 
Originally Posted By: SodakJimLyman Universal

The universal shell holder is easy and quick and it seems accurate enough for my use. You can get the power adapter when you get tired of cranking.

At $75 to cover most calibers, I would consider it reasonably priced.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=795961 +1
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I used one for over 30 years,just replaced the cutter every once in a while. Ron
 
I too have the Hornady. If I had to do it again, I'd go a different route. Its a good trimmer, but only their shell holders work, and that added to extra cost. Something to think about. Good Luck.
 
"je4bowhuntin"--you didn't mention other reloading tools that you might have, but if you have the cutter of the Lee Trimmer drilled and tapped, so that it fits on one of the power points of an RCBS Case Prep Center, then you get the most inexpensive trimmer, that's easy to use (especially with power), and one that always trims all the cases to exactly the same length every time.

When used with the powered Case Prep center, you just do all other case prep steps without having to take the case out of your hands---handle the case once and then your done.
It's almost as easy as a progressive press.
 
I am going to stick with the lee and maybe get the rcbs case prep center. I really been thinking about buying a charge master as well. Thanks for the help
 
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