Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

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shootist~

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Apr 1, 2010
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#1
I've been running the Giraud trimmer for a few month and really like it. I initially bought the unit set up for 7.62/.308 only.

Now I need to determine if I want to stay with the Dillon trimmer for .223 or add a complete caliber conversion (including cutter head /w blade and lock rings).

Questions for Giraud users:

<span style="font-weight: bold">1).How much time does it take you to convert to a different caliber?

2). Assuming you previously had things adjusted properly (and have the lock rings set) - is there any additional tweaking required when you do a changeover?</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Any tips on doing a change over are appreciated.</span> I'm not too fond of hooking up the Dillon, but it's there. The Giraud is working perfectly for my 7.62x51 (SCAR 17) loads. I hate to mess with it if I'll have to spend much time readjusting things.
 
#2
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

Assuming you have things pre headspaced etc. It takes about 45secs to swap calibers around. Its that easy.
 
#3
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

Assuming you don't have things pre-headspaced, it should take no longer than 5 minutes once you get the hang of it...to include witching case holder and cutting head.
 
#5
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

I just keep a case of each caliber thats been bumped back 2-3 thou and already trimmed with the angle of deburr ad chamfer that I like. When it comes time to switch I remove one case holder and insert the other. Then I loosen the allen screw on the cutter head and slide the blade in or out. I then insert the pre-trimmed case into the holder and screw it down until it makes contact with the cutter blade. Tighten the allen screw on the cutter head and turn it on. Took me longer to type this than it actually takes to perform the change.
 
#7
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

One thing I do to make changes really quick is I use Hornady die lock-rings on the Giraud case holder so they always tighten down to the same position and I also use Sinclair die shims under the lock ring.

I do the initial setup & test cuts using with .015" of shims under the lock ring and then snug the lock ring onto the case holder once I get to my desired trim length. That way when you change calibers (assuming you have a dedicated cutter head setup) all you need to do is install the appropriate cutter head and install the case holder with .015 of shims underneath. If I need to fine tune the case length all I need to do is add or remove a couple shims and I don't have to fiddle with tightening or loosening the locking ring.

I use this lock rings on the case holders: http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-eq...-prod32669.aspx

And these are the shims I use to adjust trim length. They also come in really handy if you use one full length die for multiple rifles, just adjust the shims as needed for the proper shoulder set back without having to fiddle with the lock ring: http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-eq...-prod33197.aspx

 
#8
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

I recently bought a Giraud and love it. It took me quite a bit of time to set up my .223 cutter and holder so I would suggest purchasing some Hornady lock rings and swapping as needed. I believe the additional holder and cutter will set you back about $75.00. Using the Hornady lock rings it takes me about 2 minutes to change cutters and case holders.
 
#9
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

Great idea on the shims. And no doubt, I'm planning on using lock rings - probably whatever Giraud sells, but I'll check with him first.
 
#10
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great idea on the shims. And no doubt, I'm planning on using lock rings - probably whatever Giraud sells, but I'll check with him first. </div></div>

The ones giraud includes are crap. Get the hornady as the flat sides make them easier to crank down with a normal wrench.
 
#11
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

I use the hornady lock rings on my giraud as well. I just started using them since I have a bunch of them sitting around for my loading press. I bought diffrent cutter heads pre set from giraud so I dont have to mess with changing the cutter around all the time if you tell his wife what its for when you call it will be sent out farly close to what you need it at I ordered my orignal set up with .223 and that was dead on when I got it from him I didnt have to touch the cutter, same with the .30 cal cutter I ordered a little later on, the 6.5 cutter I had to play with a little to get it to line up. for the most part thats all I use my trimmer for right now the rest if im loading those I just hand trim the few odd balls I get.
 
#14
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

10-4 on the Hornady lock rings. I'm trying to place an order right now for a few plus a set of shims, but the Sinclair/Brownells site is acting screwy.
 
#15
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

Was thinking the same thing although, I purchased mine set up for 223 and also ordered the holder an cutter for 308. Do you guys swap out for the Horn rings even if that is the case?
.
Just trying to make things as simple as possible to avoid headaches when time comes to swap out.
 
#16
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

1).How much time does it take you to convert to a different caliber?

</div></div>

I have all of my shell holders set on Forster lock rings. I screw one out and screw the other one in, by hand, no wrench needed.
I have cutter heads for each caliber. It takes me a couple of minutes to change those, because I'm old, half blind, and I have more thumbs than I have fingers.




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

2). Assuming you previously had things adjusted properly (and have the lock rings set) - is there any additional tweaking required when you do a changeover?[/b]

</div></div>

No tweaking required.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Any tips on doing a change over are appreciated. </div></div>

No tips, just change parts and rock on.


I bought the Giraud because I was tired of taking forever to do every step individually. The last thing I wanted to do was buy it to save time, and then WASTE time adjusting one cutter for at least 3 different calibers.
 
#17
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I screw one out and screw the other one in, by hand, no wrench needed.
I have cutter heads for each caliber. It takes me a couple of minutes to change those, because I'm old, half blind, and I have more thumbs than I have fingers.</div></div>

It has been my experience that hand-tightened is not sufficient if you plan on trimming in bulk as the caseholder tends to loosen up unless it is cranked down with a wrench. You may be all thumbs, but they sound mighty strong!!
smile.gif
 
#18
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

the only way to really do it quickly is to have both the case holder and the trimmer. i have the set for all the rifle calibers i load for.

I use a Hornady LNL locking ring on mine and just unscrew the holder and screw in the new one to just beyond finger tight. then i vacuum out the old brass shavings, then, change out the cutter head. Lastly, verify the settings on 2 cases. total change over time is about 2-3 minutes.
 
#19
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

I don't use lock-rings and I adjust the cutter for each conversion and it only takes 3 minutes to make the change.
 
#20
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

Thanks for the help, everyone. I just ordered the case holder plus the spare cutter head with blade setup for .223. Some Hornday lock rings and a set of shims are coming from Sinclair.

The shims seem like a good idea when I'm working factory new LC 5.56 brass. They only run ~1.753" unfired, but I trim to 1.755". This way I can drop the case holder down a little and do a light cleanup and inside chamfer on the new brass.
 
#21
Re: Giraud - Time it takes for Caliber conversions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I screw one out and screw the other one in, by hand, no wrench needed.
I have cutter heads for each caliber. It takes me a couple of minutes to change those, because I'm old, half blind, and I have more thumbs than I have fingers.</div></div>

It has been my experience that hand-tightened is not sufficient if you plan on trimming in bulk as the caseholder tends to loosen up unless it is cranked down with a wrench. You may be all thumbs, but they sound mighty strong!!
smile.gif
</div></div>

Yes, they are like bionic thumbs.
grin.gif


But I've only done 50-100 cases at a time so far.

I'm sure the lock rings that tighten down with a wrench would be much better if you are doing several hundred cases at a time, but the Forsters were in the extra parts box on the bench and I grabbed them first.
 
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