Recommend me a case trimmer

This section is for reloading and ammunition only, all loads found in here are used strictly at your own risk, if in doubt ask again.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should treated as suspect and not used.

Moderator: dromia

Forum rules
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Message
Author
Racalman
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 731
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:21 am
Home club or Range: LPSC and NRA
Location: Berkshire
Contact:

Recommend me a case trimmer

#1 Post by Racalman »

I've been using a Lee hand trimmer for years but now want something more accurate and easier on the wrist.

Which of the many lathe trimmers would you recommend.
User avatar
Alpha1
Posts: 8627
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:27 pm
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#2 Post by Alpha1 »

I have had a few different makes over the years I eventually settled on a L.E.Wilson hand trimmer. spud reloading stocks them. You need a case holder for each caliber as well not the cheapest of trimmers but very accurate.
User avatar
Pete
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 3081
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:48 am
Home club or Range: NRA Bisley
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#3 Post by Pete »

+1 for the Wilson

Pete
"Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum" Lucretius
You're offended? Please explain why your inability to control your emotions translates into me having to censor my opinions....
User avatar
WelshShooter
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 1812
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2014 9:45 pm
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#4 Post by WelshShooter »

+2 for the L.E. Wilson case trimmer. I too used the Lee hand trimmer but I only lasted ~400 cases before thinking that there must be a quicker and more accurate way.

The L.E. Wilson trimmer requires case holders specific for calibres, but since it holds the case body you'll probably find that calibres which use a parent case body will share the same case holder.

The barebones L.E. Wilson includes the base unit, case length adjustment and hand cranked cutter. You can hold the base unit in a vice and hold the case holder in place with your hand. This also gets tiring over time, but is still more accurate than the Lee trimmer. In the end, I bought a stand (which I G-clamp to my bench), a power screwdriver chuck (no more hand crank!) and a clamp which swings over the case holder (so I don't have to hold it by hand). Case trimming is now a breeze and I see no more than a 0.001" deviation to case length during trimming. I suspect the 0.001" deviation is if I have not firmly pushed the case against the back of the base unit which determines case length.

If you go down the route of getting an L.E. Wilson I'd highly recommend the below setup for any number of cases you aim to trim.
http://www.1967spud.com/shop/l-e-wilson ... ment-copy/
User avatar
bnz41
Posts: 1990
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:20 pm
Home club or Range: NRA Bisley
Location: Essex
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#5 Post by bnz41 »

I use one of these http://opticswarehouse.co.uk/product/ly ... e-trimmer/ now use battery powered Bosch drill/screw driver, set on slow speed works a treat. I bought the Optional power adapter lets you upgrade to power in seconds extra shaft.. Does not require extra shell holders.
User avatar
Alpha1
Posts: 8627
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:27 pm
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#6 Post by Alpha1 »

I have owned a Lyman trimmer in the past the L.E.Wilson is a far better trimmer.
Racalman
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 731
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:21 am
Home club or Range: LPSC and NRA
Location: Berkshire
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#7 Post by Racalman »

Thanks everyone.

It looks like the L.E. Wilson for me then.
Maggot

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#8 Post by Maggot »

The Forster classic with a 3in1 cutter (only available in .30 or .223) is superb but pricy.

This trims accurately and chamfers inside and out perfectly every time.
HALODIN

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#9 Post by HALODIN »

+3 for the Wilson. Buy the base with the rubber feet as well.
Racalman
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 731
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:21 am
Home club or Range: LPSC and NRA
Location: Berkshire
Contact:

Re: Recommend me a case trimmer

#10 Post by Racalman »

Thanks again, I've bought the Wilson kit and am very impressed with it.

It's no slower than using the Lee handheld trimmer but more versatile and easier to use.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests