Case Trimming Options

WAB

AH ambassador
Joined
Oct 8, 2015
Messages
9,423
Reaction score
37,400
Location
Alabama
Media
145
Hunting reports
Africa
5
USA/Canada
2
Europe
2
Member of
DSC, NRA, SCI
Hunted
Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Scotland, England, Canada, Alaska, Ireland
So here I sit trying to figure out how to trim cases one handed while I wait for this wrist to heal. It got me thinking, surely there is better gear for case trimming. The below pic is what I use, Lee pilot system w a cordless drill. It is fine but not super accurate and time consuming. What do you guys use?

Image1623697810.843155.jpg
 
I use the same Lee pilot system but mounted on a Lyman Case Prep Express. Lee now makes a cutting head that mounts directly into one of the little stations on the Case Prep Express. Then I use a little handle on the shellholder to make it more comfortable. I also have a couple of the Little Crow Gunworks trimmers that are terrific if you are doing a lot of cases.
Case trimming w Lyman & Lee.jpg
Little Crow Case Trimmer 22-250.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: WAB
My reloading stuff isn’t set up right now, but here’s what I use, and I would say it’s a one handed operation. You’ll be slowed down, but can still do it.

Unless I’m missing something, I’d say it would work for you

76E08D6C-AB91-46E9-B0BA-F81EBF5B63FD.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: WAB

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.54.21 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.54.21 AM.png
    1.6 MB · Views: 155
  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.54.22 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.54.22 AM.png
    445.2 KB · Views: 116

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.08 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.08 AM.png
    2.1 MB · Views: 124
  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.09 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.09 AM.png
    709.9 KB · Views: 123
I use WFT. It trims off the shoulder, not the case head. Neck lengths are all the same. If you had a fixed
drill motor, you could trim one handed.


 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.51 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.51 AM.png
    2.7 MB · Views: 119
  • Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.53 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 7.55.53 AM.png
    2 MB · Views: 125
For years I used a RCBS Case Trim Pro. Two years ago I bought a Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress. An awesome product. It is accurate and easy to adjust. The only downside is that it won’t do straight wall rounds or Weatherby rounds.
 
I use a Little Crow for my 223 high volume chucked up in a drill press in the garage. Next to it is a Lyman Brass Smith Case Trimmer. In my reloading room I have Lee Case Gauge Trimmers for every caliber for when I am doing short test runs. I also have an ancient Lyman hand crank Case Trimmer and a Hornady hand crank Case Trimmer. Those are for middle volume duties.
 
  • Like
Reactions: WAB
It's not the cheapest, it is however one of the fastest. You can trim and chamfer inside and out one motion. You can easily do 5 cases in 10 seconds.
 
Inline6, how difficult is it to change cartridges?
 
Inline6, how difficult is it to change cartridges?
Once your case holder is set, you lock the collar and it's done.

The cutting head is on the bottom, a couple spanner wrenches takes it out. The cutters are caliber specific. So let's say you are working on 308 then want to 300wm. You would just change the shell holder. That caliber change is 30 seconds.

Personally the way I change the cutting heads is to buy one for each caliber. You can adjust the actual carbide cutter but that take more time than I'm willing to spend. To replace the cutting head assembly 2-3 minutes taking your time.
 
I'm glad I started this thread, you guys are a wealth of knowledge! I've been busy doing online research with the ideas you've provided. I'm not sure I'm ready to spend what the Giraud costs, but the Frankford Arsenal and Lyman Brass Smith look like good motorized options.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
63,261
Messages
1,391,391
Members
123,213
Latest member
TerriMeece
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Our mission is to provide reliable, efficient, and customized logistics services, ensuring compliance with regulations while exceeding customer expectations in the hunting and taxidermy sectors.
Our vision is to become the premier provider of international logistics services, recognized for our expertise and commitment to supporting sustainable practices in the hunting and taxidermy industries.
Since 2020, we have facilitated over 5000 successful exports while helping clients navigate complex regulations, ensuring timely and secure deliveries to multiple countries.

Black Knight Freight specializes in air and sea freight, providing tailored logistics solutions that prioritize compliance and customer satisfaction
steve white wrote on Todd Fall's profile.
I'll take the 375 bullets. I'm not a techie, so I can do USPS money order or Paypal?
My telephone is [redacted] Thanks, S.
pajarito wrote on Altitude sickness's profile.
is the parker shotgun still available?
Waterbuck hunt from this past week!

 
Top