Case trimmer that doesn’t suck?

[analog_peninsula]

Is there a power case trimmer that will trim large bore cases that doesn’t suck, and that isn’t a drill press? I’ve got the RCBS unit, and it’s distinctly unimpressive. It’s got to be something that cuts based on OAL, and not and on offset from the shoulder.

Sigh …

 

[Surgeon1]

that frankly is an oxymoron! All case trimmers suck, likely the best was a Dillon on one of their 1050 presses

 

[deewayne2003]

I use Forster classic, I’ve seen people modify the turn handle to accommodate a drill Chuck.

 

[John the Electrician]

Not cheap. But they are amazing at making case prep not suck.

 

[Datchew]

Giraud does not suck..

Excellent product

 

[analog_peninsula]

Am I right that you need cartridge specific case holders and billet diameter cutters at about $100/combo, or did I read the site incorrectly?

 

[John the Electrician]

For the most part yes. I’ve not done it, but you could probably fuss with .30 cal cutters and get them to work within the family groups of brass. .308 probably can work with .30-06, that sort of thing.

The thing though, is set up is really straightforward and once it is done, you can trim a case in a few seconds. You can do a 100 round batch of brass in several minutes. They are all nearly perfect and no cranking or cramped fingers.

Trimmed and chamfered in one shot. Saves so much time.

 

[Bandera]

The only only case trimmer that doesn’t suck is the one that you sucker somebody else into operating for you.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

Little Crow Case Trimmers suck less than any others I have used, and I have used most. It’s the only one I use now.

Safe shooting

 

[small bore]

How about a file trim die, that old fashioned manual method that uses a trim die mounted in a press and a file. The tools are economical and compact and it's said to be a simple and precise way to trim cases.

I have not tried it yet but have a trim die on order from CH Tool and Die out of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

 

[SaintPanzer]

I like my Forester trimmer, and I can see how it would be improved with a small electric motor, such as a drill motor. But the one thing about it that frustrates me is in use, the handle spins anti-clockwise... which loosens the screw that holds the handle. I've tried rotating it the other way, but the cutters are not set up to work that way, so eventually you end up tightening the handle screw. This is one place a left handed screw would be ideal.

 

[GOLK09]

I have both an RCBS Trim Pro-2 and a Redding Model 2400 Manual Lathe. Each works well. Either requires pilots, as do most lathes.

I've used at various times in the past Forster and Lyman lathes; each worked well. None of these are overly expensive.

 

[Bonk]

I have a Giraud and as has been noted it most definitely does not suck.

 

[akrifleman]

Giraud is the gold standard for trimmers. Downside is you have to buy per cartridge, and it cuts off the shoulder.

Henderson trimmers are excellent, with collets per case head and cutter for specific calibers. Upside is OAL trim length, downside is it only covers the common calibers ie 458, 416, 375, 338, 300 etc... No .323 .318 .411 etc

These are benchrest quality trimmers. I'm unaware of any others that are in the same tier.

 

[snow_bullet]

As said above Giraud is an excellent option, but it indexes the case from the shoulders, so it is not going to work for you. Henderson Precision makes the trimmer you are after. Trims based on OAL. Roughly the same price range as Giraud, so definitely not cheap, but is an excellent tool. Hornady recently made a copy of Henderson, that is slightly cheaper. Henderson however is better than Hornady in the easiness of changing calibers. Once set, Henderson is really easy and fast to use. Generally Henderson and Giraud dominate the market of high end motorized trimmers. You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[MacJenkins]

For large Bore and Nitro's I use the Forster. Girard is awesome and I use it on a few calibers. Not quick to change calibers and mine pretty much stays set up for 223 or 50 BMG. My Wilson gets used a lot for calibers I don't shoot often.

Henderson for me gets the most use. Pretty quick to chage calibers if you leave the cap head screws set and dedicated to each case your trimming.

 

[Rare Breed]

I feel like such an idiot when I have tried to trim brass. I started with the RCBS hand turn and never could get that to work. Then bought a nice Forester that could never get consistency. I finally gave up and end up buying new brass versus trimming. Fortunately I get many shots without the need for trimming. my stupidity but I just could never make them work…just me

 

[Rare Breed]

My bad I meant a Frankford Electric Trimmer

 

[Esoteric Junkie]

As said above Giraud is an excellent option, but it indexes the case from the shoulders, so it is not going to work for you. Henderson Precision makes the trimmer you are after. Trims based on OAL. Roughly the same price range as Giraud, so definitely not cheap, but is an excellent tool. Hornady recently made a copy of Henderson, that is slightly cheaper. Henderson however is better than Hornady in the easiness of changing calibers. Once set, Henderson is really easy and fast to use. Generally Henderson and Giraud dominate the market of high end motorized trimmers. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Before Doug's passing he made me several straight wall case holders. His trimmer works just fine for straight wall cases.

EJ

 

[frog stealer]

I’ve used quite a few different ones over the years, and the best in my opinion is the Wilson. I use the large and small frame to trim everything from 220 Swift to .577 NE 3” with great accuracy.