World's Finest Trimmer - WFT vs WFT2

[bluto77]

I'm looking at getting the World's Finest Trimmer for the reloading bench. I have a few questions. It looks like the WFT2 would be a more economical approach since you could just by one housing unit and the trim chambers in the caliber you need instead of a $70 expense for each caliber.
- Pros and cons to each?
- Do you have to reset/set the trim length for each trim chamber every time you swap it out on the wft2?
- Website says you can use the same trim chamber for each cartridge in a case family (308 and 243), obviously you have to reset the trim length on the trim chamber when going from 308 to 243, but is there a way to mark the settings so quick adjustments can be made?
- Is it better to just get a separate chamber for 243 and 308 to avoid re-adjusting all together?

I'm new to reloading, so let me know I'd there is anything else specific to case trimming that I'm not taking into consideration.

 

[dlouie87]

I didn't know they even had a WFT2. I would assume that you would need to reset the trim length every time you switch calibers.

 

[jsthntn247]

If you have to reset trim lengths it's not worth it. Getting the right trim length withoug ruining a couple pieces of brass is a pita. The need to come up with some sort of micrometer dial.

 

[sentry1]

If you have to reset trim lengths it's not worth it. Getting the right trim length withoug ruining a couple pieces of brass is a pita. The need to come up with some sort of micrometer dial.

Why not just have a 'calibrated' piece of brass for each caliber? Get it trimmed to the right length, mark it as your reference piece, set it aside. Then use that piece to set up the cutter every time you switch.

 

[bluto77]

That sounds like a good idea. However, I'd really rather have it completely set so I don't have to mess with it at all. Mind you, I'm new to this, so I can't really conceptualize that 100% in my head. If somebody smarter than me could read the information below from the WFT website and tell me what they think, I'd appreciate it. It sounds to me like you should be able to mark the "master case" in different spots for your .308, your .243, and your .260, and go right to that to set it. The whole point of this trimmer is supposed to be how simple it is to use. I'm trying to decide if I should get the WFT2 and the various trim chambers or just go with the original WFT and get one for each caliber. As a new reloader, the less I have to mess up, the better.

WFLink to WFT: World's Finest Trimmer at Little Crow Gun Works
Unlike other case trimmers the W.F.T. does not use pilots, the case is supported by the shoulder and body of the case.....Each W.F.T. is made to trim a specific cartridge or cartridge family such as a 308 trimmer will also trim 7mm-08, 260 Rem., 243 Win......Most of the cartridges in the drop down box are for the largest cartridge in a case family....

Link to WFT 2 : World's Finest Trimmer 2 at Little Crow Gunb Works
The WFT 2 is our next generation of WFT trimmers. The two main improvements are the ability to trim up to 45 caliber and interchange trim chambers....The feature most customers asked for was the ability to interchange trim chambers....Instead of press fitting the trim chambers, like our original WFT, the trim chambers on our WFT 2 are a slight slip fit in bearing with a groove cut for an O-ring which creates a press fit.

Changing out trim chambers is accomplished by removing the cutter and pushing out the trim chamber with the knock-out dowel that is provided. Installing the trim chamber is accomplished by setting the trim chamber on a flat surface and steadily pushing the housing onto the trim chamber. Setting the cutter depth is easily adjusted by placing a “master case” in the trim chamber and sliding the cutter up to the case mouth and tightening down the set screws.

 

[mike.h.]

I've been using the WFT for 223 for a year or so now and it's OK. After ruining too much brass I now use it to get the brass to within a couple thousands. I used to use the lee trimmer to finish them but now use the Forster Original Trimmer, it's a little more precise.

 

[427Cobra]

My advice is get a Wilson handcranker, and a Sinclair chamber length gauge, the gauge will tell you exactly what YOUR trim length is, and the Wilson trimmer is a micro lathe, skip the WFT, and save up for a Giraud, yes there expensive, but so totally worth the cost.

 

[Ring]

or.....

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...se-trimmer-review-fast.html?highlight=trimmer

 

[bluto77]

How does the Sinclair chamber length gauge differ from the Hornady headspace gauge that I already have, functionally speaking.

I have an email in to the guy at CTS Case Trimmers based on the post from Ring.

 

[fireEMT5]

bluto, I have the WFT in .308 and .223. In my humble opinion (if you are going to go this route), just buy the WFT for each caliber - then set it and forget it. The price difference if you are only talking about using 2 different calibers is negligible if consider your time savings down the road. When you need to use it, you pull it out, chuck it up in your drill and go to town. You will have no setup time involved after your initial setup with the WFT. If you want to mess around and spend time swapping that's up to you, but it is awfully nice to just grab a tool and go when you decide to do a batch of this or that and not have to fuck around setting up. In theory the WFT2 sounds good and setup appears easy when using the "master case". With my WFT1's I found it did take some time to get them set just right, but once I got them set right and locked down, I'm good to go. I imagine that you'll have to tweak your settings using the mentioned "master case" too, but I don't know this as fact as I haven't used the WFT2. Is the WFT or WFT2 the end all be all? No, probably not. It is however very fast if your looking to do batches of 100's of rounds. For my type of shooting - punching paper, banging steel, and the occasional deer hunt, it does a fine job. As others have mentioned, there are more expensive and more accurate methods out there. The choice is up to you. Good luck, and let us know what you decide. If you do go with the WFT, they don't come with any sort of case for storing - I made a couple PVC pipe holders for mine. Cut a short piece of PVC, glued a cap on one end, and used another cap just slip fit on the other. Protects them quite nicely when not in use.

 

[fw707]

skip the WFT, and save up for a Giraud, yes there expensive, but so totally worth the cost.

That's some very good advice right there.

 

[fireEMT5]

When they mention "master case", it means that you have one cartridge case of each caliber you trim, trimmed to your spec. Now each time you change to a different caliber, you will use this marked master case to set up the WFT2 for the size you are preparing to trim. How many different sizes are you talking about doing? If you have lots of time, go for it, but the beauty of the WFT is once it's set up, you just grab it, chuck it up and go. As others have said, and I agree, the less set up time involved the better. The adjustments mentioned with WFT2 after changing bushings, is pretty much the same as setting up the WFT when you first get it. Set up the WFT just once and buy for each caliber you trim, or spend time setting up the WFT2 each time you want to switch. Your initial investment will certainly be higher if you buy several WFT's, but your consistency should stay very close since you won't be readjusting with every switch over. Plus, your time savings down the road when you want to load more than one caliber will add up. I probably screwed around approx. 1/2 hour or more setting up my WFT the first time. If I had to do that every time, I wouldn't use the damn things. Also note when using the WFT that you'll probably have to clean up the case mouth a tiny bit after using the WFT, either by taking off the burr on the inside or out. So, you trim a piece or two, clean up the burrs, then check your final measurement. Re-adjust the WFT as needed to get your de-burred brass right where you want it. It was this process that took me awhile to dial in, and I certainly wouldn't want to do that each time.

 

[ryanjay11]

Personally, I think the fact that he calls it the "World's Finest Trimmer" when the Giraud came out first is laughable. That alone is enough for me to skip anything he makes. Get a Wilson and save up for the Giraud - same as 427Cobra recommended.

 

[acts238]

I started out with Possum Hollow quick trimmers in a drill press-
recommended in the reloading sticky- & haven't looked back
I don't see how any brand could trim any better
I know none could be any faster
very inexpensive & their very efficient IMHO

 

[19Scout77]

I started out with Possum Hollow quick trimmers in a drill press-
recommended in the reloading sticky- & haven't looked back
I don't see how any brand could trim any better
I know none could be any faster
very inexpensive & their very efficient IMHO

Obviously you have never used a Giraud.

 

[-Nick-]

...save up for a Giraud, yes there expensive, but so totally worth the cost.

Exactly! Money well spent...

 

[Tactical]

I have bought a lot of trimmer/chamfer/Case prep products but when I started using GTC Home I found the prefect tool for case prep. If you can afford it you wont look back

 

[acts238]

just watched a Giraud trimmer video

they are definitely faster as they champer inside & out & trim at same time
looks like 440.00 for the trimmer set up for one cartridge
and 70.00 for each additional cartridge
defiantly the way to go - if - you can afford it

 

[Tactical]

I now do all three steps in 20% the time it took to just trim Worth every dime

 

[elfster1234]

FireEMT5's info is spot on. I would hate having to reset the trimmer every time i used it even with a master case as it takes a little while to get it just right even with my master case. That is why i like the WFT is for the fact you can chuck it and start trimming and its stupid fast. My trims are within my margin of error by .001 +/ - which is really damn good. I have both in 223 and 308 and it is one of the best pcs of kit in my reloading arsenal short of my stainless steel tumbler.

The Giraud is nice, but there is no way in hell im paying that much for a trimmer when my 65 dollar WFT does everything i need it to do and does it really well. All the ammo and group shots ive done have been with the WFT.

If you have the money and want the best, then yes get the Giraud.

bluto, I have the WFT in .308 and .223. In my humble opinion (if you are going to go this route), just buy the WFT for each caliber - then set it and forget it. The price difference if you are only talking about using 2 different calibers is negligible if consider your time savings down the road. When you need to use it, you pull it out, chuck it up in your drill and go to town. You will have no setup time involved after your initial setup with the WFT. If you want to mess around and spend time swapping that's up to you, but it is awfully nice to just grab a tool and go when you decide to do a batch of this or that and not have to fuck around setting up. In theory the WFT2 sounds good and setup appears easy when using the "master case". With my WFT1's I found it did take some time to get them set just right, but once I got them set right and locked down, I'm good to go. I imagine that you'll have to tweak your settings using the mentioned "master case" too, but I don't know this as fact as I haven't used the WFT2. Is the WFT or WFT2 the end all be all? No, probably not. It is however very fast if your looking to do batches of 100's of rounds. For my type of shooting - punching paper, banging steel, and the occasional deer hunt, it does a fine job. As others have mentioned, there are more expensive and more accurate methods out there. The choice is up to you. Good luck, and let us know what you decide. If you do go with the WFT, they don't come with any sort of case for storing - I made a couple PVC pipe holders for mine. Cut a short piece of PVC, glued a cap on one end, and used another cap just slip fit on the other. Protects them quite nicely when not in use.

 

[trickpony]

The Giraud is a great trimmer, I got a Chipley trimmer and it works just as well but is a bit louder depending on the drill you have to use with it. Mine's a cheap Craftsman drill.

Chipley Arms 3 in 1 Case Trimmer - YouTube

 

[-Nick-]

FireEMT5's info is spot on. I would hate having to reset the trimmer every time i used it even with a master case as it takes a little while to get it just right even with my master case. That is why i like the WFT is for the fact you can chuck it and start trimming and its stupid fast. My trims are within my margin of error by .001 +/ - which is really damn good. I have both in 223 and 308 and it is one of the best pcs of kit in my reloading arsenal short of my stainless steel tumbler.

The Giraud is nice, but there is no way in hell im paying that much for a trimmer when my 65 dollar WFT does everything i need it to do and does it really well. All the ammo and group shots ive done have been with the WFT.

If you have the money and want the best, then yes get the Giraud.

Then you have more time than most to sit around and prep brass. Some of us would rather spend more time shooting and less time trying to adjust and do every step in a separate motion.

 

[elfster1234]

Who said anything about adjusting? That was the whole point i was trying to make. Get the the regular WFT so you only need to adjust it once when you first get it, then you never need to do it again. Once it is set up then youre done.

Then you have more time than most to sit around and prep brass. Some of us would rather spend more time shooting and less time trying to adjust and do every step in a separate motion.

 

[-Nick-]

Who said anything about adjusting? That was the whole point i was trying to make. Get the the regular WFT so you only need to adjust it once when you first get it, then you never need to do it again. Once it is set up then youre done.

Yeah because everyone loads only one size cartridge right? And who wants something that ALSO chamfers and deburrs. Let's do some math shall we. If it takes me literally 2 second to trim, chamfer, and deburr a cartridge yet it takes you at least 10 seconds since you have to use 2 separate tools and go through 3 separate motions... How much time does it take you to prep 1K vs how much time it takes me to prep the same amount of brass? And I'm talking total equipment so as to make it completely unfair since you have to swap out tools during. The answer... It takes you 10x longer.

 

[ryanjay11]

Yeah because everyone loads only one size cartridge right? And who wants something that ALSO chamfers and deburrs. Let's do some math shall we. If it takes me literally 2 second to trim, chamfer, and deburr a cartridge yet it takes you at least 10 seconds since you have to use 2 separate tools and go through 3 separate motions... How much time does it take you to prep 1K vs how much time it takes me to prep the same amount of brass? And I'm talking total equipment so as to make it completely unfair since you have to swap out tools during. The answer... It takes you 10x longer.

It's waaaaaaaaaaay more than 10x longer. I know from experience. Brass trimming is also one of the most tedious steps of reloading. The Giraud is a no-brainer if you do any volume of shooting. Another benefit is your chamfer and deburr angle will be way more uniform than if you are doing it by hand.

 

[elfster1234]

How is it 10x longer when its two extra steps? Wouldnt that be 3x times longer especially when i have a lymann case prep center and it only takes 1second for each step to chamfer and deburr... Come on guys... Kinda strecthing here. Case prep center is needed for primer pockets anyway.

I never said dont get the Giraud... Its a fine pc of kit if you have the cash. Not everyone has 400 to 500 bucks to get going with a Giraud if all they ae doing is 223 and 308 and they are also buying boat loads of other equipment just to get started.

Clam down nick... Clam down. We all know how you get when people disagree with you hides behind JD rifle.

 

[-Nick-]

How is it 10x longer when its two extra steps? Wouldnt that be 3x times longer especially when i have a lymann case prep center and it only takes 1second for each step to chamfer and deburr... Come on guys... Kinda strecthing here. Case prep center is needed for primer pockets anyway.

I never said dont get the Giraud... Its a fine pc of kit if you have the cash. Not everyone has 400 to 500 bucks to get going with a Giraud if all they ae doing is 223 and 308 and they are also buying boat loads of other equipment just to get started.

Clam down nick... Clam down. We all know how you get when people disagree with you hides behind JD rifle.

The number of steps does not set the amount of time it takes to complete those steps. It takes a lot more than 3 seconds for you to trim, chamfer, and deburr using a WFT and a prep center. And a Giraud has ZERO set-up after the initial set-up. You have to chuck up a cordless every time and then pull out a prep center. A Giruad I simply flip a switch and done.

And 3/4 of the people here saying "not everyone has the money for a Giraud" are the same people with $3-5K rifles with $1-3K scopes. It's an excuse to be cheap so they can spend their money on toys.

 

[ryanjay11]

Stainless media eliminates the need to clean out the primer pockets in a separate step. Deprime then clean. There are multiple ways to skin a cat and the Giraud isn't for everyone. I just find it humorous that the WFT is called what it is when the Giraud exists, therefore the WFT is not the WFT.

 

[Autark]

I have the WFT in two calibers and for the price, it's pretty good for what it is. The giraud looks nice, and I may get one someday. The real question is about budget and how much else the OP needs. He says he's new to reloading, so that might mean buying a lot of things at once, then upgrading where needed. I'd go that route.

If budget is no issue, I'd probably go the route these others are so avidly backing.

 

[elfster1234]

Totally, get the Giraud if you can afford it.

As for me, I hate reloading rifle ammo in stupid size batches over 100pcs. Even 200 to 300pcs kinda drives me nuts and I like to size, trim, blah blah blah brass in 50 to 100pc batches just in case I need to modify headspace for a particular rifle between my many AR's so these "extra steps" don't drives me so crazy as I reload in small batches anyway = easier to keep track of # of fires on the brass anyway as stated in my epic AR thread.

As for myself, just to get going with .223, .308, 9mm, 40 sw, and 45acp the way I wanted to about 1year ago to the day I needed the following. This was a LOT of money for me & are actual bills from midway that I looked up just now:

1 @ hornady LNL @ $415 shpped

1 @ tumbler & SS media @ $223 shipped

lymann case prep center, bullet puller, wax & lube, .308 .223 & 9mm dies, trays, primer tray, funnel, ammo cases, stuck case remover, blah blah blah other reloading BS = $311 shipped

45acp die set $50

calipers $25

headspace gauges, dry lube, other collets & misc. reloading gear = $110

shell plates & 40sw die = $83

more shell plates = $31

rcbs chargemaster = $300

bench and shelf material / brackets = about $110 bucks

grand total for what I have right now JUST TO GET GOING for 9mm, 40sw, 45acp, .223, and .308 = $1548 dollars NOT COUNTING my two WFT's in .223 and .308 & steel cabinet for powder / primers & storage for brass & trash cans & air compressor.... Now, with that being said. $1548 is a boat load of money for me especially when I haven't even accounted for the componets = brass, powder, bullets, and primers. My stock pile of componets is well into the thousands of dollars now about one year later. Spending $500 for a Giraud, which is awesome and bad ass and would LOVE to have it, would've bumped my grand total to $2048 dollars or a 1/4 of my total just to trim brass / chamfer / deburr. If you have the money, then I would get it! As for me, I had to purchase my .223WFT and .308WFT, and many many many other pcs of reloading gear as I could afford it while keeping components in mind like bullets, powder, brass, and primers so I can actually use all of this expensive gear. Now, some day... when I can afford it.. I'll put my WFT's on ebay or armslist and will get a Giraud.

And yes, the TV was important so I can watch the packers while reloading! More important, to me that is, than a Giraud ....... Other items I would LOVE to have is a Dillon super 600 swager. Is it bad ass? yes! Can I afford it or need it right now to produce stupid small groups? Hell NO!


I hope this helps.

 

[bluto77]

I should say, I shoot for groups right now. I love small groups. There is something about a .876" group at 300 yards that is really satisfying to me. I haven't shot groups at 600, 800, or 1000, but when I already know that the farther away the target is when I shoot a small group, the more I like it! That bug has bit the crap out of me. I'm sure I'll do some kind of tactical shooting comps in the future, shoot at steel and the like, but the first competition I will be in is F-Class. I don't see myself becoming a bench rest guy though, as from what I understand, that's not really "shooting". I realize F-Open is pushing it, but it's still different.

I will immediately be loading 100 round lots of .223, .243, .308, and 50 round lots of .338 LM. In the near future 100 round lots of .264 LBC (6.5 Gren), 300 Blackout, and 50 round lots of 300 WSM. With the main point being able to load consistently week in and week out, it sounds like I will not want to have to reset any of them for every use, meaning I will have to get 4 WFT units (separate unit for .243 and .308) immediately. I'd be dropping $279.96 if I ordered from Midway today. Then will need an additional 3 WFT units within the next 60 days for another $209.97.

Immediate Cash outlay for WFT: $279.96
Cash outlay for WFT within next 60 days: $489.93
Plus Electronic Case Prep Center: $120.00 - $160.00 (call it $140.00)

Total WFT cash outlay: $629.93



I'm also looking at this.

or.....

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...se-trimmer-review-fast.html?highlight=trimmer

42.95 each + 3.50 shipping
67.95 for .338 Lapua, .408 Chey Tac, .50 BMG etc..........+ 5.50 shipping.

Immediate Cash outlay for CTS: $198.80
Cash outlay for CTS within next 60 days: $325.65
Plus Electronic Case Prep Center: $120.00 - $160.00 (call it $140.00)

Total CTS cash outlay: $664.45




Cash outlay for the Giraud Trimmer :
- Base Trimmer + 1 cartidge: $440.00
- Additional cartridtges: $30.00 each

Immediate cash outlay for GT: $560.00
Cash outlay over next 60 days: $120.00

Total GT cash outlay: $680.00


I started buying reloading equipment sometime around October or so of last year and slowly acquired it. The problem is, I wasn't actually loading, so I didn't really know what I need. I tried to stick with hand/manual tools though, and I have plenty of them that are NIB that I can sell to recoup some of that cost. I easily have $200 - $300 of stuff I can sell that deals with trimming and case prep. That will offset the new trimmer/case prep investment. Using the lower $200 figure, I'm basically looking at an effective expenditure of $429 - $480 to replace. If Giraud is hands down, without a doubt, the best quality equipment, provides the most consistent results, and cuts the time spent on this step of the process by 80%, then we've got it narrowed down to price. $51 is $51, but looking at it as a long term investment, the $51 extra to get the Giraud sounds like money well spent. I have 2 small children, so anything that saves me 80% of time is a no-brainer to me because time is so valuable. Plus, I'll probably end up getting the Meplat trimmer once my OCD completely takes over. Can I get confirmation that this logic makes sense?

The only problem I see is, per the Giraud website, there is a 12 week wait. What the heck am I supposed to do for the next 12 weeks?

 

[elfster1234]

If I was you, with what you want to reload for and it sounds like money is not an issue for you, then I would totally get the Giraud. It would be totally worth the money up front. Being that I only load for .223 and .308 rifle ammo, I'm going to stick with what I have until I can afford the Giraud, then I feel really confident that I can sell my WTF's on ebay or armslist for about $40 to maybe $45 each I'm guessing and take the $40 hit in which I've totally got my money's worth out the two WFT's already....

My next two major reloading purchases will be a Dillon super 600 swager & the Giraud. I'll be tip top then once I get these two items when I can afford to spend $650 dollars.

I should say, I shoot for groups right now. I love small groups. There is something about a .876" group at 300 yards that is really satisfying to me. I haven't shot groups at 600, 800, or 1000, but when I already know that the farther away the target is when I shoot a small group, the more I like it! That bug has bit the crap out of me. I'm sure I'll do some kind of tactical shooting comps in the future, shoot at steel and the like, but the first competition I will be in is F-Class. I don't see myself becoming a bench rest guy though, as from what I understand, that's not really "shooting". I realize F-Open is pushing it, but it's still different.

I will immediately be loading 100 round lots of .223, .243, .308, and 50 round lots of .338 LM. In the near future 100 round lots of .264 LBC (6.5 Gren), 300 Blackout, and 50 round lots of 300 WSM. With the main point being able to load consistently week in and week out, it sounds like I will not want to have to reset any of them for every use, meaning I will have to get 4 WFT units (separate unit for .243 and .308) immediately. I'd be dropping $279.96 if I ordered from Midway today. Then will need an additional 3 WFT units within the next 60 days for another $209.97.

Immediate Cash outlay for WFT: $279.96
Cash outlay for WFT within next 60 days: $489.93
Plus Electronic Case Prep Center: $120.00 - $160.00 (call it $140.00)

Total WFT cash outlay: $629.93



I'm also looking at this.


Immediate Cash outlay for CTS: $198.80
Cash outlay for CTS within next 60 days: $325.65
Plus Electronic Case Prep Center: $120.00 - $160.00 (call it $140.00)

Total CTS cash outlay: $664.45




Cash outlay for the Giraud Trimmer :
- Base Trimmer + 1 cartidge: $440.00
- Additional cartridtges: $30.00 each

Immediate cash outlay for GT: $560.00
Cash outlay over next 60 days: $120.00

Total GT cash outlay: $680.00


I started buying reloading equipment sometime around October or so of last year and slowly acquired it. The problem is, I wasn't actually loading, so I didn't really know what I need. I tried to stick with hand/manual tools though, and I have plenty of them that are NIB that I can sell to recoup some of that cost. I easily have $200 - $300 of stuff I can sell that deals with trimming and case prep. That will offset the new trimmer/case prep investment. Using the lower $200 figure, I'm basically looking at an effective expenditure of $429 - $480 to replace. If Giraud is hands down, without a doubt, the best quality equipment, provides the most consistent results, and cuts the time spent on this step of the process by 80%, then we've got it narrowed down to price. $51 is $51, but looking at it as a long term investment, the $51 extra to get the Giraud sounds like money well spent. I have 2 small children, so anything that saves me 80% of time is a no-brainer to me because time is so valuable. Plus, I'll probably end up getting the Meplat trimmer once my OCD completely takes over. Can I get confirmation that this logic makes sense?

The only problem I see is, per the Giraud website, there is a 12 week wait. What the heck am I supposed to do for the next 12 weeks?

 

[justinbaker]

How does the Sinclair chamber length gauge differ from the Hornady headspace gauge that I already have, functionally speaking.

I have an email in to the guy at CTS Case Trimmers based on the post from Ring.

They are both used for completely different tasks.


The chamber length guage from sinclair tells you how long you can let your brass grow before trimming.

There is no sense in trimming back to sammi specs if you don't have to

 

[serater]

sometimes you have to lift your leg really high to run with the big dogs plus when you buy the best the first time you only cry once lol

 

[bluto77]

At what point would you use the Sinclair chamber length gauge?

 

[elfster1234]

bluto77, I just sent you a PM... keep in mind, as for me, Giraud or no Giraud, you will need OR might want a case prep center for pocket uniforming and other tasks like brushing out the neck once trimmed and such (maybe not needed with the Giraud and I'm not sure as I obviously don't own one and maybe someone that has a Giraud can chime in here)...... I use stainless steel media to clean and it does a lot of work with the primer pockets, but for .223 brass I still find myself doing a lot of primer pocket uniforming so the primer will seat just below flush. Some of these tasks I would hate to do by hand and having my lyman case prep center is awesome.. If you think you're going to be reloading boat loads of 5.56 and 7.62 crimped primer brass such as once fired lake city, then I would highly advise purchasing a Dillon super 600 swager if you can afford it above and beyond the Giraud = another $125 dollars. Right now, i'm cutting out my crimps with my lyman case prep center chamfer & reamer. It is definitely not the preferred method of dealing with crimped primers, but I have yet to have an issue with it over 7fires on my brass & only needs to be done once you first get the brass & is almost as fast as using a Dillon swager (not as fast, but damn near & is not the preferred method)... As stated before, my next two purchases will most likely be the Dillon swager first, and then the Giraud & will sell my WFT's on ebay.

Giraud or not, I think you would still want lyman case prep center and a Dillon super 600 swager if you're doing to be reloading boat loads of crimped primer 5.56 and 7.62 lake city brass. I have the lyman case prep center and its awesome IMO. Maybe someone with both a Giraud and Dillon swager can chime in here on the need for a case prep center above and beyond the Giraud and swager.

Giraud = $680 as stated above
Case prep center depending on what you get = about $130 ish
Dillon super 600 swager if you need it & don't cut out your crimps as stated above = $125

 

[justinbaker]

At what point would you use the Sinclair chamber length gauge?

I use it before I trim anything. It's really a one time use thing per rifle.

I have a 308 and 243 one you can use. Send me a pm if you shoot one of these.

And if anyone has a 6.5 one I could use please let me know

 

[yfzjen]

Giraud website may say that but not always the case. Says the same thing when I bought an annealer but it was here in a week.

 

[-Nick-]

bluto77, I just sent you a PM... keep in mind, as for me, Giraud or no Giraud, you will need OR might want a case prep center for pocket uniforming and other tasks like brushing out the neck once trimmed and such (maybe not needed with the Giraud and I'm not sure as I obviously don't own one and maybe someone that has a Giraud can chime in here)...... I use stainless steel media to clean and it does a lot of work with the primer pockets, but for .223 brass I still find myself doing a lot of primer pocket uniforming so the primer will seat just below flush. Some of these tasks I would hate to do by hand and having my lyman case prep center is awesome.. If you think you're going to be reloading boat loads of 5.56 and 7.62 crimped primer brass such as once fired lake city, then I would highly advise purchasing a Dillon super 600 swager if you can afford it above and beyond the Giraud = another $125 dollars. Right now, i'm cutting out my crimps with my lyman case prep center chamfer & reamer. It is definitely not the preferred method of dealing with crimped primers, but I have yet to have an issue with it over 7fires on my brass & only needs to be done once you first get the brass & is almost as fast as using a Dillon swager (not as fast, but damn near & is not the preferred method)... As stated before, my next two purchases will most likely be the Dillon swager first, and then the Giraud & will sell my WFT's on ebay.

Giraud or not, I think you would still want lyman case prep center and a Dillon super 600 swager if you're doing to be reloading boat loads of crimped primer 5.56 and 7.62 lake city brass. I have the lyman case prep center and its awesome IMO. Maybe someone with both a Giraud and Dillon swager can chime in here on the need for a case prep center above and beyond the Giraud and swager.

Giraud = $680 as stated above
Case prep center depending on what you get = about $130 ish
Dillon super 600 swager if you need it & don't cut out your crimps as stated above = $125

The Dillon super swager doesn't always get it all out, so often you'll want to lightly chamfer the inside of the primer pocket. As Elfster mentioned, the Lyman prep center is also nice for uniforming the primer pockets and flash holes which should be done on every singles case if your goal is getting the most accuracy.

 

[bluto77]

I use it before I trim anything. It's really a one time use thing per rifle.

I have a 308 and 243 one you can use. Send me a pm if you shoot one of these.

And if anyone has a 6.5 one I could use please let me know

PM sent. Thanks man. That's cool of you to let me use it. I appreciate it.

 

[Pinecone]

If your Villon swager is not getting out the entire crimp, it isn't adjusted correctly. Properly adjusted, it does put a slight chamfer (actually roll) on the edge of the primer pocket.

 

[bluto77]

I traded a few emails with Doug Giraud. He said he's running at about 10 to 12 weeksor so right now on trimmers. He said, "There are currently about 250 trimmers ordered, I'm shipping about 25 per week, and it looks like it's going to be that way for the unforeseeable future...." That's roughly $44,000 per month in sales. I'm betting it costs him less than 50% of the sales price to produce it, so that's a nice little "side" income (website says he does this on the side!) Anyway, I'm going to order mine tomorrow morning and get in line. I have my other reloading equipment for sale right now in the options and accessories board. Most of it in NIB, and I've listed it for 75% - 80% of what I paid for it. Price includes shipping. I'm going to see if I can return it all to Cabela's though to exchange for some different equipment that I now know I need.

Edit: My math was a little fuzzy on the wait time. 250 units ordered in front of mine, 25 shipped per week = 10 weeks and not the 6 I had said. Misunderstood Mr. Giraud's email.

 

[lte82]

I traded a few emails with Doug Giraud. He said he's running at about 6 weeks or so right now on trimmers. He said, "There are currently about 250 trimmers ordered, I'm shipping about 25 per week, and it looks like it's going to be that way for the unforeseeable future...." That's roughly $44,000 per month in sales. I'm betting it costs him less than 50% of the sales price to produce it, so that's a nice little "side" income (website says he does this on the side!) Anyway, I'm going to order mine tomorrow morning and get in line. I have my other reloading equipment for sale right now in the options and accessories board. Most of it in NIB, and I've listed it for 75% - 80% of what I paid for it. Price includes shipping. I'm going to see if I can return it all to Cabela's though to exchange for some different equipment that I now know I need.

As you know, I have WFTs (the original not the 2) in 223, 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and the big boy trimmer with inserts for 338 lapua and 50 bmg. I think all of that ran about $300. If I stick with WFT's I'll probably end up getting the 260 rem eventually, and use it for both the 243 and 260 since their case lengths are only .010 away from each other and I wouldn't necessarily have to change the cutter depth to stay within SAAMI spec. I do have to change it slightly when going from 308 to 260 and back.

If I did it all over again, I would probably go with the Giraud. Even if it wasn't superior to the WFT in speed and accuracy (and it may be, I don't know first hand), you get local support, and that's worth a LOT to me.

If you have the $$ up front get the Giraud, if you want to start with one caliber and slowly grow, the WFT isn't a bad place to start. It sure as heck beats the hand crank!

 

[Disturbed]

I ordered a giraud last week. If it sames me 25 hours over the life of reloading it will be well worth it. A electric powder charger was also worth it in my opinion.

 

[FN in MT]

The Giraud is a great trimmer, I got a Chipley trimmer and it works just as well but is a bit louder depending on the drill you have to use with it. Mine's a cheap Craftsman drill.

Chipley Arms 3 in 1 Case Trimmer - YouTube

Whats the story on THIS trimmer? Cost? Any negatives?

Did three searches and found NOTHING on Chipley Arms or the trimmer...other than your video.

FN in MT

 

[bluto77]

I'm going to order the CTS trimmer in .223, .308, and .338 and just use that until the Giraud gets here.

 

[bluto77]

The CTS trimmer was only available in .308 and .338 when I ordered. It may be another couple of weeks before they have another run available. So I'm going to order the WFT in .223 and .243. I'll be able to see firsthand which one I think is better and then compare to the Giraud whenever it gets here 3 months from now!

Those of you using the Giraud:
Did you order an additional cutter head w/ blade along with each additional case holder for each cartridge? They're $45 each. The lady i spoke with told me most people do so that there is nothing to reset when changing the case holder to trim a different cartridge. She also said you can get away with using just one cutter head/blade, but there is a slight adjustment that must be made. To me that partially defeats the purpose. I guess if I'm spending $440 on the trimmer, I might as well pony up the $45 for each blade. I'm looking for some first hand feedback on that first though.

 

[Chiller]

I buy an additional blade for each of my high volume calibers.

 

[roboto1138]

Whats the story on THIS trimmer? Cost? Any negatives?

Did three searches and found NOTHING on Chipley Arms or the trimmer...other than your video.

FN in MT

I am very interested in this too. I combed the internet and didn't find shit.

Josh

 

[earthquake]

Tag.