Cdog
Member
I’ll preface this thread with S&W being more of a handgun forum
I realize there’s likely a majority of straight wall loaders that ain’t near as likely to put as much wear and tear on a case trimmer that bottleneck loader will. That out there, here we go.
I’ve been using a powered RCBS trimmer for a couple of decades now. Nerve damage and arthritis set in early for me. I bought into powered stuff out of necessity. Before moving to our current home my equipment was kept and used in a non climate controlled garage for more than 15 years. Environment and heavy use took a toll on it and a trim-mate prep center. The motor was weak and switch unreliable. The trim-mate motor was very weak and bushing/bearings at each station were shot. I replaced original trimmer with an identical new old stock one found at a local shop. New in box never assembled sealed accessory bags for $150 otd. I was thrilled to get it! The trim-mate was replaced with a Lyman unit I bought on sale at Cabelas for about the same cost. It’s a true hand saver.
Now that I’ve told those of you still with me all this, my question is about the cutting blades. RCBS standard cutters are short lived. I’ve not found a carbide blade in stock in a long time. I did buy a compatible 17-20 Redding titanium blade to test. It’s full size but instead of using the standard Redding pilot shaft diameter it uses RCBS diameter. Besides being available they’re 30 to 40% lower in price than the carbide RCBS.
Since installing I’ve only trimmed a few hundred .223 and .308 totaling around 1000 pieces. It cuts clean and quick, but most new blades do.
Do any of you have any real world comparison with titanium vs carbide trimmer cutter heads?
If they compare well I’m thinking of buying an extra.
Thanks CD
I realize there’s likely a majority of straight wall loaders that ain’t near as likely to put as much wear and tear on a case trimmer that bottleneck loader will. That out there, here we go.
I’ve been using a powered RCBS trimmer for a couple of decades now. Nerve damage and arthritis set in early for me. I bought into powered stuff out of necessity. Before moving to our current home my equipment was kept and used in a non climate controlled garage for more than 15 years. Environment and heavy use took a toll on it and a trim-mate prep center. The motor was weak and switch unreliable. The trim-mate motor was very weak and bushing/bearings at each station were shot. I replaced original trimmer with an identical new old stock one found at a local shop. New in box never assembled sealed accessory bags for $150 otd. I was thrilled to get it! The trim-mate was replaced with a Lyman unit I bought on sale at Cabelas for about the same cost. It’s a true hand saver.
Now that I’ve told those of you still with me all this, my question is about the cutting blades. RCBS standard cutters are short lived. I’ve not found a carbide blade in stock in a long time. I did buy a compatible 17-20 Redding titanium blade to test. It’s full size but instead of using the standard Redding pilot shaft diameter it uses RCBS diameter. Besides being available they’re 30 to 40% lower in price than the carbide RCBS.
Since installing I’ve only trimmed a few hundred .223 and .308 totaling around 1000 pieces. It cuts clean and quick, but most new blades do.
Do any of you have any real world comparison with titanium vs carbide trimmer cutter heads?
If they compare well I’m thinking of buying an extra.
Thanks CD
