Looking for a decent reasonably priced case trimmer

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1sailor

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At least for now all I reload are straight wall pistol cartridges. My cases are all mixed headstamp but I haven't had any problems really for the last 10 years or so since I got back into reloading. I have started to notice though on my rimmed cases that crimp into a cannelure that they're not all crimping in the same spot and some quick measurements have confirmed that my case lengths are all over the place. I really don't feel the need to retrim constantly but I'd like to just sit down and trim 200 or 300 cases in each caliber I reload for so I'm back on an even footing. I don't need an expensive high speed power trimmer but would like to get something that actually works. And now the killer, I'd like to get one at a reasonable price. Wilson and Forster got great reviews but after purchasing the trimmer I would end up having to buy more stuff to go along with them and the price starts going up. Any suggestions?
 
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I've used a Forster trimmer since 1974. I currently load for 20+ calibers, so my needs may be different than yours.

I stopped using mixed lots of brass years ago. That was just about the time I stopped trimming pistol brass. You may be better off to give Starline a call.
 
I think for the time being I'm going to take rwsmith up on his suggestion to try the lee power trim. If I absolutely hate it I won't be out much money and if it works it will likely suit my needs for now. Anymore when I buy brass I do try to stick with one brand but even so it couldn't hurt to run everything through the trimmer once. I load for 9mm, 40S&W, 45acp, and 357 Magnum which are all pretty easy to deal with. If the time comes that I start reloading bottleneck cartridges my needs may change. Thanks both of you for your replies.
 
For the time being only .357 and I'm only going to be trimming up about 300 cases for now. I'm retired now and it's going to rain for the next 3 months anyway so... The Lee deluxe is supposed to chamfer and deburr at the same time so we'll see how it works. Shoot, if it doesn't work at all I'll only be out about $40. I already have a couple of power screwdrivers and cordless drills.
 
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I bought a Hornady Cam-Lock manual trimmer a couple years or so ago and it works fine. Comes with seven different pilots in the most common case IDs. I bought all new Starline pistol brass around 15 years ago and was surprised to discover that the cases varied widely in length. The trimmer eliminated that issue.

Regards,
Andy
 
I've had my Forstner for ~40 years and still like it; I do mostly straight wall pistol brass not because it stretches like rifle brass, but because of the varying lengths and the resulting inconsistent crimp, even new good quality brass like Starline.

I have yet to wear out a cutter or anything else. It's very well made.

The only con I've had is that the adjustment for case length when changing calibers is a small set screw, and is a trial and error nuisance when trying for a few thou change.

You may not only have to get a cutter for each caliber, but maybe also the collet that grips the case head. Each collet covers multiple calibers, but you may need more than one to cover the variety of brass you want to trim.
I mounted my trimmer on a small piece of 3/8 plywood so I can clamp it to my bench and then put it away when done.

Case trimming is tedious, but you can listen to some music, or just zone out with your thoughts, and unless you're shooting a bunch of max power loads, you only have to do it once.
 
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Another way to look at the problem is to use a Lee Factory Crimp Die. Case length dosen't matter with them and they make a really secure crimp. If you were assembling ammo for a bench rest rifle then case length is important. In a handgun, especially revolvers, not so much. If you really like to trim cases, then go for it but for me, case trimming duties are a slow death!
 
I've used a Forster for decades. I don't trim pistol brass, but trim many varied rifle cases. Can't remember if I've ever replaced a cutter. If I have, it's been more than twenty years ago.
 
1sailor said:
For the time being only .357 and I'm only going to be trimming up about 300 cases for now. I'm retired now and it's going to rain for the next 3 months anyway so... The Lee deluxe is supposed to chamfer and deburr at the same time so we'll see how it works. Shoot, if it doesn't work at all I'll only be out about $40. I already have a couple of power screwdrivers and cordless drills.
Click to expand...

For $30-$40 you can get a real trimmer that is much easier to use,

I like Lee stuff and have a lot of it, but the lath style are much easier. faster and trim better.

This has a universal case holder and 9 pilots.
RCBS Trim Pro-2 Manual Case Trimmer Kit - MPN: 90366

Piolt #35 for 357 mag
 
I used the Lee setup before I bought the Hornady, and I seem to recall it being quite hard on the fingers after awhile. That may be largely why I decided to get the Hornady. Just something to consider.

Regards,
Andy
 
Yeah it's amazingly cheap..

1sailor said:
I think for the time being I'm going to take rwsmith up on his suggestion to try the lee power trim. If I absolutely hate it I won't be out much money and if it works it will likely suit my needs for now. Anymore when I buy brass I do try to stick with one brand but even so it couldn't hurt to run everything through the trimmer once. I load for 9mm, 40S&W, 45acp, and 357 Magnum which are all pretty easy to deal with. If the time comes that I start reloading bottleneck cartridges my needs may change. Thanks both of you for your replies.
Click to expand...

Buy the holder holder and cutter for about ten bucks and a gauge for each of your calibers at three to five bucks and you are on your way. Just be sure you get the drill mounted version.
 
Mine has lasted.....

1sailor said:
Is it a good idea to order a spare cutter at the same time or do they hold up well enough to last a while?
Click to expand...

Mine has lasted a good while and no signs of giving out. Since you only have to do straight sided cases once, it'll last a LONG time. Rifle cartridges need trimming ever five or so loadings but usually all they have to take off is a few thousandths, and steel cuts brass easily.

I load light loads so I rarely have to trim. The biggest jobs I've done were about 100 30-06 case and in manufacturing 7.7 mm Japanese ammo by sizing a 30-06 case in a die, cutting the neck with a tubing cutter and trimming down the rest of the way. Anneal each shoulder/neck for about 10 seconds in a propane torch and voila, Japanese cases.
 
Like all loading equipment, get a good trimmer to begin with. Amortize over its long useful life, and it's cheap. I've used Lee equipment with success, but I'd stay away from that case trimmer.
 
I have a old Forester that I use for rifle cases. I have yet to trim
any pistol/Revolver cases.

Just decide if you want manual or powder drives then look up the
types of heads , Pilots and dies are needed.

The new Lyman units are sweet but not yet, for me.
 
I use the Little Crow Gunworks WFT on a drill press, but it works fine on a hand drill.

IMG_0185_zpsjs92gezs.jpg
 
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I also dislike trimming cases but when getting new to me cases....For handgun cases I trim on a RCBS power trimmer but only when I get new or fired cases. Trim to min length and just use them. Even mixed cases are the same length. I usually throw them out before they need trimming...except for the few top end mag loads in 44 and 357 mag...and a very few 45 Colt. Rifle cases I use either a Giraud or a Dillon..bought both cheap and they both work great. And for just a few cases I have even used file trim dies
 
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