Looking for a case trimmer

T

taseal

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 18, 2011
1,492
14
39
SE FL
#1
It was one thing that I put off because I didn't need when I first bought all my reloading gear, but I need it now... I still don't have much (maybe like 40 cases) to trim, but I have little bit of cash saved up to get it....

I was looking at the 3 big names (RCBS, Hornady and Forster) trimmers, and honestly they all look the same. I figured if I get the RCBS one I can get the $50 rebate because I'm gonna get a chargemaster with it I think (something else I'm looking at)

anyways, I'm assuming all 3 of these trimmers are really the same I think, am I correct? maybe different way to attasch the case, but in the end, same concept. the RCBS has a 3 way cutter I see that also will chamfer and deburr...

now I also looked at the WFT trimmer. I only reload (for now) .30-06 so I don't load many calibers... problem is, I neck size everytime. I don't full size my cases... I heard WFT will not work with it and is not reccomended because the necks can have be varied.

so all in short, which would you reccomend? I don't want to spend over 100 dollars, but if I can spend less (for example RCBS vs Hornady will be $20-30 difference) I'm all for it...

Thanks!
 
#2
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

WFT will be fast n easy compared to the others you listed, since your going to need a FL die, when properly setup it should only bump the shoulder .001-.0015, since the WFT indexes off the shoulder your brass will be that much shorter, I wouldn't worry about it, I doubt you or 99% of the rest of the shooters here could shoot the difference, another trimmer to consider is the Wilson, if you go the hand crank route this is IMHO the only one to get.
 
#3
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

I like my wilson trimmer a lot.

If I were to buy a power driven it would be WFT.

If money was no object, I'd get a Giraud trimmer.
 
#4
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

I really like my RCBS power trimmer. While a it is way outside of your budget you can get the hand crank version for now and then add the power module at a later date. For me, I love the three way cutter for bulk trimming of 223 and 308WIN. I get VERY consistent trim lengths every time. If I set it to trim my 308WIN brass to 2.005", 98% come out at 2.005". The other 2% may come out at 2.004" (for example). Takes me about 6 to 7 seconds per case including changing them out. I would say the RCBS is perfect for precision rifle brass but is too slow if your doing alot of 223 or similar. I think of the unit as being precise but not fast. (compared to a Giraud) Hope this helps.
 
#5
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

I have a Giraud and it's great but I honestly am liking the output of the WFT a little better, plus it costs abput the same as a cutting head for the giraud.

I've found it works best for me by holding it in a static (non moving) chuck and then putting the case on a small power drill and spinning the case. This method takes a wee bit longer than just shoving it into the giraud but it's much easier on the hands.
 
#6
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

While a it is way outside of your budget you can get the hand crank version for now and then add the power module at a later date.
g.gif
 
#7
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

I have the Forster. For some fuc*ing reason I cant get the SOB to trim at 2.005. Its either at 2.003 or 2.006.5 +/-... Its very frustrating. I have messed up a shit load of cases trying to get my Forster dialed in, and its not working. I would really hate to shoot a case that was cut to 2.002 lol.. I may just sell it off and go another route, ,I dont know
frown.gif
 
#8
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

Thanks guys

So WFT seems to be the one to get... but the neck sizing thing...

To be truly honest, I don't understand how that can be an issue because when I neck size, they all get the same treatment, so how can it vary?

if anything I can get the rcbs one.

remember, i'm only trimming like 100 cases at most. this initial one will probably be like 30 cases... lol...

it's a very small operation. doubt for a while i'll do over 100.

but if wft is fast and easy, I dont see why not.
 
#9
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Forster. For some fuc*ing reason I cant get the SOB to trim at 2.005. Its either at 2.003 or 2.006.5 +/-... Its very frustrating. I have messed up a shit load of cases trying to get my Forster dialed in, and its not working. I would really hate to shoot a case that was cut to 2.002 lol.. I may just sell it off and go another route, ,I dont know
frown.gif
</div></div>

You realize that there is a coarse and fine adjustment, right?
 
#11
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gene Poole</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Forster. For some fuc*ing reason I cant get the SOB to trim at 2.005. Its either at 2.003 or 2.006.5 +/-... Its very frustrating. I have messed up a shit load of cases trying to get my Forster dialed in, and its not working. I would really hate to shoot a case that was cut to 2.002 lol.. I may just sell it off and go another route, ,I dont know
frown.gif
</div></div>

You realize that there is a coarse and fine adjustment, right? </div></div>
X2
DOH!
smile.gif
 
#12
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gene Poole</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Forster. For some fuc*ing reason I cant get the SOB to trim at 2.005. Its either at 2.003 or 2.006.5 +/-... Its very frustrating. I have messed up a shit load of cases trying to get my Forster dialed in, and its not working. I would really hate to shoot a case that was cut to 2.002 lol.. I may just sell it off and go another route, ,I dont know
frown.gif
</div></div>

You realize that there is a coarse and fine adjustment, right? </div></div>
X2
DOH!
smile.gif
</div></div>

And your trimming your cases way too short!
 
#14
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

Good input"X"
smirk.gif


Gene- I know on the Adjustment knob there are 3 hex nuts. Loosen all 3 of them. When you loosen the 1 that sits by itself you can move the entire knob as far as you want. WHen you get it into a ball park figure of where you want it tighten it back down, then you play with the 1 nut that pushes the adjustment knob back or forward for fine tuning, then tighten the top hex nut so the other hex nut that fine tunes doesnt move.. Am I right or wrong here?


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gene Poole</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Forster. For some fuc*ing reason I cant get the SOB to trim at 2.005. Its either at 2.003 or 2.006.5 +/-... Its very frustrating. I have messed up a shit load of cases trying to get my Forster dialed in, and its not working. I would really hate to shoot a case that was cut to 2.002 lol.. I may just sell it off and go another route, ,I dont know
frown.gif
</div></div>

You realize that there is a coarse and fine adjustment, right? </div></div>
X2
DOH!
smile.gif
</div></div>
 
#16
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Frogman77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like my wilson trimmer a lot.

If I were to buy a power driven it would be WFT.

If money was no object, I'd get a Giraud trimmer.

</div></div>

^^^ DITTO- Exactly...
 
#17
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mkollman74</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Frogman77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like my wilson trimmer a lot.

If I were to buy a power driven it would be WFT.

If money was no object, I'd get a Giraud trimmer.

</div></div>

^^^ DITTO- Exactly... </div></div>

boy....

<span style="font-weight: bold">anyone have any experience with neck sized brass with the WFT!?</span>
 
#18
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good input"X"
smirk.gif


Gene- I know on the Adjustment knob there are 3 hex nuts. Loosen all 3 of them. When you loosen the 1 that sits by itself you can move the entire knob as far as you want. WHen you get it into a ball park figure of where you want it tighten it back down, then you play with the 1 nut that pushes the adjustment knob back or forward for fine tuning, then tighten the top hex nut so the other hex nut that fine tunes doesnt move.. Am I right or wrong here?
</div></div>

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. I usually snug up the locking screw so the fine adjustment screw is tight, but can still be turned, then work it a few fractions of a turn until the trim length is correct and then lock it down.
 
#21
Re: Looking for a case trimmer

Ok. Get a Forster trimmer.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taseal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">great how my topic has been hijacked </div></div>
 
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