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The_Mountaineer
Administrator
| Joined: | 4 February 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 704 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 26 February 2008 06:02 PM |
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On this past cold, rainy/snowy Sunday I decided I'd go prep some brass to reload later. I full length sized a bunch of 270 and 30-06 brass, tumbled it again then proceeded to prep it.
I do the following to all my cases:
1. Full length size/deprime
2. Uniform the primer pocket seating depth with hand tool
3. De-burr the flash hole with hand tool
4. Trim to length with a Lyman accutrimmer hand turned
After about 200 cases I've had it!
I don't mind using the hand tools on small batches but I tend to keep lots of brass in the "ready for loading bin" since I loathe the chore of brass prep so much.
The real kink is the dang trimmer. I've had it with that thing. It is hand powered which is tiring and the silly thing will NOT hold adjustment. I've come across brass that is longer on one side than the other, indicating that it is not being cut square. So, it's time for a new trimmer sometime soon.
I'd really like a power trimmer I think. However, the Redding versions that are hand turned seem to offer the best adjustments AND you're turning the case, not the cutter which might help keep the OAL of the brass square across the mouth.
I want a trimmer that can hold its adjustment and cut cases square.
Any suggestions? I've looked at Midway and though RCBS and Lyman offer power trimmers I question their ability to hold adjustment and cut cases square
____________________
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wblodgett
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | 25 July 2007 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 63 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | small bore rifle |
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Posted: 26 February 2008 07:35 PM |
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You could always get a Redding 1400 and the case trimmer powder adapter:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=389759&t=11082005
Actually if you are in the market for one I have a barely used Redding 1400 (only put 200 22 Hornet cases through it).
-Bill
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sako06
addicted handloader
| Joined: | 22 July 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 348 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 26 February 2008 10:42 PM |
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| I have an L.E. Wilson case trimmer that can be converted to power from a drill but I prefer to do it by hand(available at http://www.midwayusa.com) Last edited on 26 February 2008 10:44 PM by sako06
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jjb2
addicted handloader
| Joined: | 5 July 2007 |
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| Posts: | 277 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | pistol |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 02:26 AM |
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| what about the lee trimmer with the length stem and the ball on the end? i will need a trimmer and i've looking at that. anyone have input on em??
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Rockydog
addicted handloader
| Joined: | 26 July 2005 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 372 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 05:23 AM |
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| jjb2, That's all I use in 6 calibers and it always works for me. I chuck my shellholder in a drill and I think it's just as fast as any other type and all my cases are the same as long as they were over spec when I started. The one thing I can't do is make every case match the length of the shortest case in the batch if the shortest is shorter than the standard case trimmer. RD
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Paul Tummers
HB Life Member
| Joined: | 18 June 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 255 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 09:02 AM |
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I don't like the job either, but do about 50 cases a day with my forster trimmers until the batch is done.
It is a boring job, but necessary from time to time, unfortunately!
If I had to buy another tool, I would like to have one with a carbide cutter
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Charley
Administrator
| Joined: | 9 September 2005 |
| Location: | San Antonio, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2014 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 11:30 AM |
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| Started with a Lyman trimmer, after trimming my first 50 cases I figured there had to be something easier. The Lee trimmers work very well. I chuck the cutter in my drill press and can trim a bunch of cases in a very short time.
____________________
"The Olympics? The Olympics combine the two things Americans hate most...foreigners and gym class"
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The_Mountaineer
Administrator
| Joined: | 4 February 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 704 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 12:54 PM |
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I really appreciate the replies fellas.
I couldn't find the Lee Trimmer for sale anywhere on the web.
The reviews for the Redding 1400 were pretty bad.
L.E. Wilson's case trimmer got rave reviews and I might consider them. However, I hate the thought of having to buy a bunch of case holders, a power adapter and other things that will drive the price up.
I use a crappy Lyman Accutrimmer currently and will never use that thing again. A buddy of mine is loaning me his Lyman Universal trimmer so we'll see how it fairs this weekend.
Any other suggestions on case trimmers I should consider?
____________________
Montani Semper Liber - Mountaineers are always free
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wblodgett
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | 25 July 2007 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 63 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | small bore rifle |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 02:02 PM |
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Midway has the Lee Caliber Specific Case Length Gauge and Shellholder for 270 and the 30-06 currently as well as the Lee Cutter and Lock Stud (and the optional Ball Grip).
They seem to be out of the Zip trim which makes this process semi-automated (and seems to have rather mixed reviews).
The Redding 1400 uses universal collets which I personally do not like, it does keep you from having to buy a zillion collets, but you have to be a bit more careful in getting the cases aligned initially. The collet system actually makes up the bulk of the negative reviews (with most of the others being very positive). If you can put up with the tedium of the universal collet you end up with good looking and exceptionally square case mouths. The Redding 2400 has much better reviews, but looking at the design it is very similar to the 1400 (although it has a button which cinches up the collet).
Most of the case trimmers have mixed reviews. The L.E. Wilson and Forster trimmers seem to have some of the best reviews overall.
I don't need to trim many cases so I'll probably just get the Lee Cutter, Lock Stud, Caliber Specific Length Gauge, and Shellholder setup (the results probably won't be as square as the Redding Trimmer, but it is much less hassle than dealing with the universal collet).
-Bill
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sako06
addicted handloader
| Joined: | 22 July 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 348 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 27 February 2008 11:41 PM |
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| I started with a Forster until my GS explained the difference and gave me a demo:the case is supported & it's like a minature lathe.I have shell holders for 06,45-70,243,38sp,300wm ,plus others etc.
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Parsec
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | 22 September 2007 |
| Location: | British Columbia Canada |
| Posts: | 75 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 28 February 2008 01:09 AM |
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I use a Dillon electric. I trim a couple of hundred at a time and I'm happy with it. It screws in the single stage press just like a die and stays there just like a die.
Works for me!
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Widux
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 19 February 2008 |
| Location: | Melvina, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 17 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 28 February 2008 11:53 AM |
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| I'm not surprised that other folks find trimming tedious and a big pain.I been getting ready for summer fun and doing about 1200- 22-250 cases--always used a Pro trim manual trimmer from RCBS with fair results -this winter i bought a power unit from RCBS-- well it had a cheapo switch which broke outta the box-- they replaced motor assembly so no complaints there--Finished all my 22-250 but had to mike all cases to see they were square and equal length-tough to get and keep adjustment--then i switched to 243 and couldn't get shells in holder-- one holding rod was bent-- change it out and stil la pain-- always tough to get job done fast-- for 3 yrs or so my gunsmih in AK had a wall mounted unit with a small electric motor he made himself-- amn that was quick- accurate and almost made trimming a pleasure--i still have about 3 cal to do so called RCBS-- they said send it back(even after 15 yrs) and we will fix it- -at least they stand behind their stuff-it goes in the mail today and should be back when I get home from Alaska in a couple of weeks.
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The_Mountaineer
Administrator
| Joined: | 4 February 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 704 |
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Posted: 28 February 2008 12:36 PM |
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I think I found a trimmer I like.
Ain't cheap but not unreasonable. It's the Sinclair/Wilson ultimate trimmer.
I'll have to buy an entire lot of shell holders but I'll be danged if I can find one that works the way I want it.
Can't buy it just yet, but perhaps in a few paychecks from now I'll be able to get it.
____________________
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Paul Tummers
HB Life Member
| Joined: | 18 June 2007 |
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| Posts: | 255 |
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Posted: 28 February 2008 01:07 PM |
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If someone knows about a better tool than this one, please do let me know, I want to buy one too, because these tools are simply the very best money can buy.
I have the simplified edition of this one, without the clamp and the micro-adjustment, only the case holders I own are from two calibers I do not shoot anymore, have to order one for .308Win and one for .222Rem.
The_Mountaineer schreef:
I think I found a trimmer I like.
Ain't cheap but not unreasonable. It's the Sinclair/Wilson ultimate trimmer.
I'll have to buy an entire lot of shell holders but I'll be danged if I can find one that works the way I want it.
Can't buy it just yet, but perhaps in a few paychecks from now I'll be able to get it.
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springer1911
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 8 December 2007 |
| Location: | Brookfield, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 28 February 2008 01:17 PM |
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I have the Lyman Universal Power Trimmer and get along just fine with it. It has the universal collett so there's no buying individual shell holders and is easy to set up and adjust.
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fornra
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 27 February 2008 |
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| Posts: | 25 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 2 March 2008 03:32 PM |
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I think the Lee cutter and lockstud trimmer with the caliber specific case length gages and shell holders are the best thing period for trimming, and by far the least expensive.
Currently Midway sells the cutter and lock stud for $4.99 and the caliber specific case length gages and shell holders for $3.99. and best of all you don't worry about the trim length getting off while you work, wheather doing 100 or 5000 cases.
Another plus is the fact that you can camfer and debur your case neck while in the shell holder making this system as fast and precise as any out there.
For $45.00 you cab be set for 10 different calibers, what else can compete with it?
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The_Mountaineer
Administrator
| Joined: | 4 February 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 704 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 3 March 2008 06:16 PM |
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Just an update.
I got a chance to try out a buddy's Lyman Universal hand powered case trimmer this weekend. Setup was fairly easy and like every other trimmer I've used you have to get into a rhythm - that is, you have to apply consistent pressure on the locking mechanism that holds the case as well as the amount of pressure you use on the handcrank. Overall, was pretty impressed with it.
As far as accuracy goes, I found some cases would be trimmed up to 0.0015" off my desired length, however, most of them were consistent to 0.0005" I measured across the case mouth then rotated the case 1/4 turn to measure another 90 degree axis and they were cut very straight.
Anyone considering a Lyman Universal trimmer as a beginning trimmer, I'd say it's a pretty decent one to get. My buddy's was around $80 I think.
For absolute precision, I still don't think there's anything better designed than the aforementioned Sinclair/Wilson Ultimate trimmer.
____________________
Montani Semper Liber - Mountaineers are always free
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horsecollar
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 16 November 2007 |
| Location: | Bulverde, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 7 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 5 March 2008 06:00 AM |
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Have you used one of the Sinclair/Wilson's or spoken to anyone who has? And with what kind of results? It looks like a precision rig but I would like to hear someone's comments.
I use a Redding 2400 with fair results. It holds the setting well but the case mouth is frequently not square. The power adapter does not work well with it and I find I have more control and spend less time if I stick with using the manual crank.
Anyone's actual experience with the Sinclair would be appreciated.
Horsecollar
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fornra
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 27 February 2008 |
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| Posts: | 25 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 5 March 2008 11:24 AM |
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I have and old RCBS lathe type trimmer which I've used for many years. The only way to get a case mouth square with it is to force the pilot into the case mouth and hold pressure against it while tightening the collet. Unfortunatly this still doesn't help with the inconsistent length problems.
The Lee system has solved all those problems and increased the speed of trimming many times over. If there is any drawback to the Lee system it would be in the unlikely event I should ever need to trim to a custom length, this is the only reason the RCBS still lives here.
The Lee zip trim isn't very useful if you have a rechargeable drill or screwdriver. Trimming is much faster with the latter. I use a power screwdriver with a rocker switch for forward and reverse, it takes about 10 seconds per case to trim camfer and debur.
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kempin
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 18 December 2006 |
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| Posts: | 21 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 11 March 2008 01:21 AM |
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Ok, I'm a little late. Haven't checked in for a while.
First, the disclaimer: If that snazzy new trimmer has caught your eye, and you are looking for some support, then yup, I think you need it.
+1 with the guys on the Lee trimming system, though. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. It is a uniform jig for each caliber, so you get consistent results. Plus, it only costs a few bucks.
Fwiw,
-Kempin
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