Hornady 3-1 vs. other automated case trimmers?

[ypmishra]

I’m considering upgrading my brass trimming setup and am particularly interested in the Hornady 3-in-1 Power Case Trimmer. Its capability to trim, chamfer, and deburr simultaneously sounds appealing.

However, since I reload for 10+ rifles and regularly add more calibers, having a trimmer that doesn’t require constant purchases of separate caliber-specific attachments is very important to me.

I’d greatly appreciate hearing from reloaders who have experience with the Hornady unit:

• How precise and consistent is it across multiple calibers without additional attachments?
• Is caliber changeover quick and convenient?
• Have you encountered any significant limitations or issues

Also, if you’ve used other top-end automated trimmers like the Giraud Power Trimmer or the Mark 7 Power Trim Xpress, how does the Hornady compare in terms of ease of use, flexibility (particularly regarding caliber changes), and overall satisfaction?





Thanks in advance—I appreciate your insights!

 

[rustyinbend]

There's no way any list of trimmers wouldn't include the Henderson at the top of the feature list. I've tried several before I got my Henderson, and once I had it configured ... I've never looked back. Nothing I've seen is as easy, fast, or has more features. It's expensive ... true ... but if you're into this hobby to save money, you're likely to be disappointed. Bottom line ... the Henderson Precision Powered Trimmer is the state of the art in this category, IMHO.

 

[ypmishra]

There's no way any list of trimmers wouldn't include the Henderson at the top of the feature list. I've tried several before I got my Henderson, and once I had it configured ... I've never looked back. Nothing I've seen is as easy, fast, or has more features. It's expensive ... true ... but if you're into this hobby to save money, you're likely to be disappointed. Bottom line ... the Henderson Precision Powered Trimmer is the state of the art in this category, IMHO.

What about caliber change. Is it easy? Does it include buying new caliber changing sets

 

[rustyinbend]

What about caliber change. Is it easy? Does it include buying new caliber changing sets

I have cutting elements for all three of the calibers I reload (6.5, 300, 338) and pop them on and off regularly ... it's easy. I also have a "sizing bolt" for each caliber so that I never have to do fine adjustments ... the length is set and stays set.

 

[goatghillie]

Been looking for a hornady 3 in 1 myself, they are out of stock everywhere I've looked. I've only heard good things about the henderson as well.

 

[toopoorformore]

I’ve also been interested in giving the new trimmer a try. Guess we’ll have to wait until either they come back in stock or Henderson makes a new version….

 

[Broncovan]

Been looking for a hornady 3 in 1 myself, they are out of stock everywhere I've looked. I've only heard good things about the henderson as well.

Might as well go with the trimmer that hornady stole the design from.
Henderson is always getting calls asking for replacement parts for the hornady.

 

[RabbitSlayer48]

Might consider the lyman case trim express. L3I is making 3 way cutters for i think 60 bucks. I have the 22 cal 3 way cutter but haven't used it yet. Might add 3 way cutters for 6mm and 7mm but i dunno, I don't do large volume like .22 cal. That Hornady seems to expensive. Maybe if it was 200 or 250. Might as well get a Henderson.

 

[Sogan]

Might consider the lyman case trim express. L3I is making 3 way cutters for i think 60 bucks. I have the 22 cal 3 way cutter but haven't used it yet. Might add 3 way cutters for 6mm and 7mm but i dunno, I don't do large volume like .22 cal. That Hornady seems to expensive. Maybe if it was 200 or 250. Might as well get a Henderson.

I’m not buying or selling here because I’m between the two as well but Hornady is $509 (Brownells) and Henderson with a one caliber cutter is $840. Hornady caliber changes are just a pilot and a Henderson is a different cutter for $60-70 each right?

 

[goatghillie]

Might consider the lyman case trim express. L3I is making 3 way cutters for i think 60 bucks. I have the 22 cal 3 way cutter but haven't used it yet. Might add 3 way cutters for 6mm and 7mm but i dunno, I don't do large volume like .22 cal. That Hornady seems to expensive. Maybe if it was 200 or 250. Might as well get a Henderson.

Why have I not heard of this combo before. Seems like this could be a budget option for high volume trimming. Doesn't have a shroud but Dasani could fix that...my concern is how consistent and square is the cutting