Trimming .223 cases

[cptdco]

I shoot a few hundred reloaded rifle cartridges a year and never felt justified investing in one of the expensive powered case trimmers, and have been happy using the Lee trimmers and a power drill. But lately I've been back to shooting (and loading for) AR-15s, which can eat up a lot of ammunition. I was doing a little research on trimmers and came across the Possum Hollow Kwick Trim which I had never heard of before. I ordered one from Midway: $20 for the trimmer and $10 for the power adopter. With the adopter, it locks up in a bench-top drill press and the cases are inserted into the bottom like a pencil in an electric sharpener. It measures off the shoulder so there is no chucking the case into holder: just stick it in and push until it stops cutting. It doesn't deburr or chamfer so these are still separate steps but the RCBS hand tool fits into the power adopter also. So it's trim a bunch of cases, then do the outside of the case mouth, then the inside, and if your primers are crimped in, you can cut the crimp out at the same time. I ran through several hundred cases last night and compared to the Lee tool, it really sped up the process, and did a nice job. It can be used manually or with a hand-held power drill but if I didn't have the press, I might be looking for a cheap one just for this application.
Dennis

 

[Leonard]

I use my AR's for prairie dog shoots. Some years ago I bought a Dillon power trimmer that mounts to the top of the press it works perfectly and is far faster than any other power trimmer I have owned.

Len

 

[frank_1947]

I am going to get that Dillon trimmer next wk I just started getting .223 brass from our indoor range, yep 223 shot indoors along with others up 30-06 I am not sure why you would shoot a 30-06 25 yards inside but people do, we have a rental AR15 for those who are wanting one to buy, along with many other pistols to rent including SW 500

Anyway I am Thinking of selling the 223 two ways processed and not processed, I am glad to hear it works good I talked to Dillon yesterday about that, he said it does a full length size and trims all at the same time, you can't beat that.

I ordered that RCBS trim mate machine yesterday for preperation also, has anyone used that electric machine?

 

[Nathan Forrest]

I also use the Dillon power trimmer. On my 550 press I use an RCBS X-Die which eliminates trimming after the first go. I'm on my 7th reload now. My technique is a separate die plate with just the X-Die. I spray lube cases and mouths. Size all then tumble clean. The second time thru I use the normal Dillon - size, powder, seat arrangement but instead of a sizing die I use an RCBS universal decapper. This knocks out any left over walnut in the flash holes and saves a lot of time. I don't crimp.

 

[frank_1947]

What is RCBS X die

 

[Rule3]

I shoot a few hundred reloaded rifle cartridges a year and never felt justified investing in one of the expensive powered case trimmers, and have been happy using the Lee trimmers and a power drill. But lately I've been back to shooting (and loading for) AR-15s, which can eat up a lot of ammunition. I was doing a little research on trimmers and came across the Possum Hollow Kwick Trim which I had never heard of before. I ordered one from Midway: $20 for the trimmer and $10 for the power adopter. With the adopter, it locks up in a bench-top drill press and the cases are inserted into the bottom like a pencil in an electric sharpener. It measures off the shoulder so there is no chucking the case into holder: just stick it in and push until it stops cutting. It doesn't deburr or chamfer so these are still separate steps but the RCBS hand tool fits into the power adopter also. So it's trim a bunch of cases, then do the outside of the case mouth, then the inside, and if your primers are crimped in, you can cut the crimp out at the same time. I ran through several hundred cases last night and compared to the Lee tool, it really sped up the process, and did a nice job. It can be used manually or with a hand-held power drill but if I didn't have the press, I might be looking for a cheap one just for this application.
Dennis

So do you just hold the case with your fingers while the trimmer spins? Doesn't the case want to spin in your fingers? Guess I am not visualizing it?? It's late.

 

[cptdco]

Yes, you hold the case in your fingers the same as you would hold a pencil going into the electric sharpener. Not having to chuck or otherwise lock each case into a holder of some sort is (in my opinion) what really speeds the process up. There is a certain amount of torque, of course, as the blade is cutting, but after about 500 cases my fingers were a little sore but not blistered. A leather glove might be in order if you're doing a large volume. I think for $30 and a drill press its a nice alternative.

 

[Nathan Forrest]

What is RCBS X die

They are rifle sizing dies that have a step inside where the mouth of the brass case catches and stops the brass from stretching into the neck. At least thats the theory. It eliminates the need for trimming after the first time. I think the first trim is to make the cases uniform and ensure that they are all under maximum length. The RCBS website can tell you more.

 

[Rule3]

Yes, you hold the case in your fingers the same as you would hold a pencil going into the electric sharpener. Not having to chuck or otherwise lock each case into a holder of some sort is (in my opinion) what really speeds the process up. There is a certain amount of torque, of course, as the blade is cutting, but after about 500 cases my fingers were a little sore but not blistered. A leather glove might be in order if you're doing a large volume. I think for $30 and a drill press its a nice alternative.

Thanks. Kinda like what I do now with the little Lee cutter. I put that in my drill and put the drill in the vise but you have to mess with the chuck and that is a PITA

I think I will order one next time I get stuff, thanks.

 

[Bat Guano]

I too have the Dillon and like it. Some years back, before I got into 5.56, I knew an older machinist who trimmed '06, 7.62, and 5.56 brass with a drill press similarly to what you mention. I never took a close look at it but it sure worked for him.

To me trimming is tedious any way you do it, so simpler is definitely better.

 

[RV4driver]

Hmm, trimming .223 tedious... DUH!

When prepping cases for NRA highpower matches, I'm secluded in the basement for what seems like ages. I have the Lee trimmer. It works, but it's slow, tedious, and then it's slow and tedious. I've looked at the multi station power trimmers, but was put off by the cost. So I'm cheap.
ANYTHING that will save time and steps is okay by me.

Still, smacking the X at 600yds with iron sights is very rewarding. You look at the "scope" guys and ask "is that all you got?"

Jeff
Semper Paratus

 

[cptdco]

Well Jeff, this doesn't save steps, but I really think it saves time. As I said above, the fact that you don't have to lock each case into a chuck or holder of some sort really speeds the process up. And it was a total of $30 (from Midway) for the caliber-specific trimmer and the drill adaptor.

 

[genesiscom]

Well Jeff, this doesn't save steps, but I really think it saves time. As I said above, the fact that you don't have to lock each case into a chuck or holder of some sort really speeds the process up. And it was a total of $30 (from Midway) for the caliber-specific trimmer and the drill adaptor.

That sound like a bargain for sure.
I load ALOT of .223 so when i finally saved enough pennies for the Dillon trimmer it was indeed a happy day.

If you have a buddy that has one you should try it.
It sure sold me on the cost in a hurry.