Im considering a LE Wilson micrometer case trimmer and I want the best for around $150 or less. So far all my research says to go with this one, but is there anyone who has used this that would suggest something different? Obviously I want the most consistent trimmer on the market. Even if theres one that goes way above my $150, what do you suggest?
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High quailty rifle case trimmer. Suggestions?
- Thread starter nikdanja
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For small batches, that trimmer would be fine. For anything in large batches or if you actually like your hands, I would highly recommend the Giraud. I've been through several trimmers over the years, both manual and powered, and this is the only one to stay.
If you want the ultimate in consistency your choice of trimmer is probably right.
For that i do no believe the LE Wilson/Sinclair trimmers can be beaten, the stainless Sinclair unit would get my vote.
But they are often slow and painful to use compared to some solutions, with a drill attached it gets quite alright though.
Other good options that are fast to use are WFT, CTS engineering, Trim it, and the gracey.
And the best trimmer is from my experience the, Giraud power trimmer, have 2 of these one for cases and one set up for meplats currently.
It is super fast and smooth to use, and it trims, chamfers and deburrs in one operation. The trim lengths get very consistent and square with some practice, although the wilson is easier to achieve minisculy better results with.
It saves you some extra work and time and the process of trimming becomes quite pleasant really.
Although i have a wilson trimmer it mostly collects dust, and the Girauds are so good they will never leave my bench.
No matter what you buy of the mentioned ones you will get good results.
For that i do no believe the LE Wilson/Sinclair trimmers can be beaten, the stainless Sinclair unit would get my vote.
But they are often slow and painful to use compared to some solutions, with a drill attached it gets quite alright though.
Other good options that are fast to use are WFT, CTS engineering, Trim it, and the gracey.
And the best trimmer is from my experience the, Giraud power trimmer, have 2 of these one for cases and one set up for meplats currently.
It is super fast and smooth to use, and it trims, chamfers and deburrs in one operation. The trim lengths get very consistent and square with some practice, although the wilson is easier to achieve minisculy better results with.
It saves you some extra work and time and the process of trimming becomes quite pleasant really.
Although i have a wilson trimmer it mostly collects dust, and the Girauds are so good they will never leave my bench.
No matter what you buy of the mentioned ones you will get good results.
First off, only world class Benchrest shooters can shoot the difference in trim length, so don't get your panties in a wad over trim lengths.
Get a Sinclair Chamber Length Gauge, use it to determine trim length, not books not the internet, start trimming when your cases reach .010 from its reading.
Get a Giraud!
Get a Sinclair Chamber Length Gauge, use it to determine trim length, not books not the internet, start trimming when your cases reach .010 from its reading.
Get a Giraud!
I had a Wilson for a while. They work very well, but you NEED the power adapter unless you want to be the most unhappy bastard on the planet. I sold the Wilson and bought a Giraud because my time became more valuable to me. It was a good decision. The Giraud is every bit as good as is said.
427 cobra is right on about the chamber length gauge, it's a handy little tool, at 5 dollars a piece per caliber diameter you have it is a worthwhile investment.
Especially for people struggling with flowback and carbon ring deposits with slow burning powders it is a worthwhile investment.
Using a trim length that is close to the chambers shoulder, instead of what you find in a manual, will help the brass seal the chamber faster and greatly reduce blowback into unsealed chamber clearances.
It should reduce throatwear some, and your SD can sometimes be improved a very minimal amount.
Another important thing to remember, with trimmers like the Giraud, Gracey, WFT, CTS engineering, PMA tool, Trim it etc is that they all index off of the case shoulder.
So FL sizing and sizing/headspace consistency is crucial if you want consistent trim lengths.
The same can really be said for the Wilson unit but it's case holder contacts the whole case body taper, and the adjustment at the head so it is a bit different in design.
The good things about them is they are generally fast and easy to use, and a case head out of square with the body will not affect the trim length.
Not that this normally is problem in most modern precision bolt rifles though.
As what you achieve with consistent trim lengths on the necks is more consistent neck tension, but you must be quite good a shot to notice the difference of 0.001 in trim length in the first place.
Especially for people struggling with flowback and carbon ring deposits with slow burning powders it is a worthwhile investment.
Using a trim length that is close to the chambers shoulder, instead of what you find in a manual, will help the brass seal the chamber faster and greatly reduce blowback into unsealed chamber clearances.
It should reduce throatwear some, and your SD can sometimes be improved a very minimal amount.
Another important thing to remember, with trimmers like the Giraud, Gracey, WFT, CTS engineering, PMA tool, Trim it etc is that they all index off of the case shoulder.
So FL sizing and sizing/headspace consistency is crucial if you want consistent trim lengths.
The same can really be said for the Wilson unit but it's case holder contacts the whole case body taper, and the adjustment at the head so it is a bit different in design.
The good things about them is they are generally fast and easy to use, and a case head out of square with the body will not affect the trim length.
Not that this normally is problem in most modern precision bolt rifles though.
As what you achieve with consistent trim lengths on the necks is more consistent neck tension, but you must be quite good a shot to notice the difference of 0.001 in trim length in the first place.
Some products only trim. Some do the trimming, debur, and chamfer. I think when you weigh your decision, you need to look at the time to perform all 3 functions.
I was very interested in the WFT, but then realized I would still have to debur and Chamfer after trimming. Some solutions like the Girard and Dillon trimmer do all 3 steps, but are more costly up front.
It seems we need to chose a low cost solution that isn't super fast (for all 3 steps), or you spend the big bucks for a super fast solution.
I am currently leaning towards a Forster setup with the 3 in 1 head, that has a drill attached. I already use this for my 6.5 Creedmoor prep, but I only do 200 cases per session. My hands are pretty tired at the end. If you do more than 200 brass in a session, I recommend you look at the Girard or Dillon setups.
I was very interested in the WFT, but then realized I would still have to debur and Chamfer after trimming. Some solutions like the Girard and Dillon trimmer do all 3 steps, but are more costly up front.
It seems we need to chose a low cost solution that isn't super fast (for all 3 steps), or you spend the big bucks for a super fast solution.
I am currently leaning towards a Forster setup with the 3 in 1 head, that has a drill attached. I already use this for my 6.5 Creedmoor prep, but I only do 200 cases per session. My hands are pretty tired at the end. If you do more than 200 brass in a session, I recommend you look at the Girard or Dillon setups.
