Hornady 3-1 vs. other automated case trimmers?

Y

ypmishra

Texas Reloader
Minuteman
May 29, 2024
27
2
Dallas TX
#1
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!
 
#2
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.
 
#3
rustyinbend said:
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.
Click to expand...
What about caliber change. Is it easy? Does it include buying new caliber changing sets
 
#4
ypmishra said:
What about caliber change. Is it easy? Does it include buying new caliber changing sets
Click to expand...
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.
 
#8
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.
 
#9
RabbitSlayer48 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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?
 
#10
RabbitSlayer48 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
#11
I just ordered the Giraud and it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. It was between the Giiraud and the Henderson for me from all of the research I did. I'm brand new to reloading so pretty much clueless but I liked everything I watched and read regarding the Giraud. While it certainly isn't cheap it's priced pretty fairly I think.
 
#12
goatghillie said:
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
Click to expand...
The way it is designed you could impart some angle on it if you don't press it in square. Not sure how much. I read somewhere this is why L3i cutter has a pilot. The one it comes with does not have a pilot. Also the calibers are actually all the same except the pilot. You can run it with no pilot for other calibers, but adjusting it is probably PIA. I cut , rotate cut again. Seems to be more consistent, but maybe cuz its shaving off any high spot if it was out of square on the first cut.

What do you mean it has no shroud? It has a shroud that you can adjust to direct the shavings into a trashcan below. It works ok, but could be better. Be nice if it just captured them.
 
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