Case trimmers

[El_flasko]

I'm looking to try something different that can increase speed for case trimming. I've seen two drill mounted options that look fairly unique and figured I'd see if anyone here has used them yet and ask for feedback.

http://www.littlecrowgunworks.com/wft.html

Or

http://www.thecleaningandreloadingstore.com/KWICK-CASE-TRIMMER-874637.htm


For some reason the idea of simply attaching to a cordless drill seems appealing to me for space and availability reasons. Drop some knowledge on me fellas and thank you in advance for your input.

Ryan

 

[byf43]

I have the Little Crow Gunworks "World's Finest Trimmer" in .223 and .308.

I have used:

RCBS 'collet style' trimmer (first trimmer bought). What a POS!!!!
IF a casehead is smaller, the case will be trimmed 'longer', and vice-versa. Bigger casehead, 'shorter' trimmed case.

Lyman Universal Chuck trimmer.
I used this for many years. GREAT trimmer, but slow.

Lyman Drillpress trimmer adapter.
I set-up a dedicated benchtop drillpress for .223.
This works/worked extremely well. Fast. The only problem with this is set-up time IF you use it for different calibers.

Lee "Zip Trim".
I bought this to try. I REALLY like this little tool. Fast. Repeatable.
It relies on the 'spud' (Pilot) that goes through the case and flash-hole and bottoms on the tool. Case length is NOT adjustable unless you want to either file some material off of the end, or use extremely thin washers.
(My .223 and .308 pilots make the cases .001" longer than the trim-to length.)


Little Crow "WFT".
I use this on another benchtop drillpress. (Trim using the SLOWEST speed possible!)
Once they are set-up (really fast, using a previously trimmed-to-length piece of brass!).
I can trim over 100 cases per hour, without trying.


Buy the Little Crow trimmer!!!!! Yes, they are pricey.
You will NOT regret spending the $$$.

 

[El_flasko]

I have the Little Crow Gunworks "World's Finest Trimmer" in .223 and .308.

I have used:

RCBS 'collet style' trimmer (first trimmer bought). What a POS!!!!
IF a casehead is smaller, the case will be trimmed 'longer', and vice-versa. Bigger casehead, 'shorter' trimmed case.

Lyman Universal Chuck trimmer.
I used this for many years. GREAT trimmer, but slow.

Lyman Drillpress trimmer adapter.
I set-up a dedicated benchtop drillpress for .223.
This works/worked extremely well. Fast. The only problem with this is set-up time IF you use it for different calibers.

Lee "Zip Trim".
I bought this to try. I REALLY like this little tool. Fast. Repeatable.
It relies on the 'spud' (Pilot) that goes through the case and flash-hole and bottoms on the tool. Case length is NOT adjustable unless you want to either file some material off of the end, or use extremely thin washers.
(My .223 and .308 pilots make the cases .001" longer than the trim-to length.)


Little Crow "WFT".
I use this on another benchtop drillpress. (Trim using the SLOWEST speed possible!)
Once they are set-up (really fast, using a previously trimmed-to-length piece of brass!).
I can trim over 100 cases per hour, without trying.


Buy the Little Crow trimmer!!!!! Yes, they are pricey.
You will NOT regret spending the $$$.

This is a seriously awesome post and I appreciate your input! I'm happy to hear the positive feedback on the "WFT". I've read they are finicky to get set but once set they are really nice. I don't mind spending the money on something fast, reliable, and consistent. I only load (currently) 2 rifle calibers and that's all I plan on for the near term.

 

[Traveler]

I am happy with my L. E. Wilson. I have yet to use the drill power attachment. Very high quality kit.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/214923/le-wilson-case-trimmer-kit-stainless-steel

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/315672/le-wilson-case-trimmer-power-adapter

 

[SKIP]

I purchased X dies for 223,30-06 and 308 and sold my high end RCBS case trimmer.

 

[Major03]

For inexpensive and low tech, but fairly quick and easy...+1 on the Lee Zip Trimmer. After trimming several thousand cases, the leaf spring broke on my, but it's an easy fix and Lee will take care of you if that happens.

If you buy the Lee 3 Jaw chuck ($10 or so) it makes the process go even faster. You can also use this little gem mounted on a spindle in a cordless drill.

 

[soup101]

I have the Little Crow/WFT for 223. It works great. Wasn't to hard to get it set. I have trimmed several thousand thus far and have not had any issues. For the money its the best trimmer IMHO.

Heres a post that has a review of it.

 

[byf43]

I've read they are finicky to get set but once set they are really nice.

When I got my .223 and .308 "WFTs", I set up the .308, first.

Like a dummy...... I set the trimmer up using the "trial and error" method.
WRONG way to do it!!!

• Get a KNOWN properly sized/trimmed case.
• Loosen the two (2) setscrews that hold the cutter in place.
• Set the sized/trimmed casehead on a flat surface.
• Set the "WFT" on top of the case and press down, LIGHTLY.
• Lower the cutter shaft down to the casemouth and TOUCH it LIGHTLY.
• Lock the setscrews.

You're done.

It's THAT simple and easy.

It's so easy and fast, I don't even keep track (now) as to how long it takes.
I size, then tumble the lube off, clean primer pockets, then go to the drillpress with a small bucket of brass and trim them all.
100 - 300 at a time, I'm loading, now.

 

[Pinecone]

Of course, no discussion about case trimmers is complete without mentioning the Rolls Royce of trimmers, the Giraud.

But another reasonable priced option is the Possom Hollow trimmer. I have heard good things about it.

But I am about to order a WFT for .308.

 

[byf43]

Of course, no discussion about case trimmers is complete without mentioning the Rolls Royce of trimmers, the Giraud.

But another reasonable priced option is the Possom Hollow trimmer. I have heard good things about it.

But I am about to order a WFT for .308.

Yeah, I looked at the Giraud. Keyword..... looked.

I've read about the Possom Hollow trimmer, and it looks pretty good, the Little Crow trimmer looked more robust.


It IS a workhorse.
IF I shot '06 more, I'd have one for that caliber. I may wind up getting the WFT for .243 IF my son starts shooting that more.

Helluva hobby we got, here!

 

[El_flasko]

Sounds like the reviews on the WFT are pretty solid and I love the idea of using a proper case initially to set it! I'm only doing 223/308 so this sounds like the way to go!

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[IndispensableDestiny]

I am happy with my L. E. Wilson. I have yet to use the drill power attachment. Very high quality kit.

I have the upgraded Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer version and do use the power adapter on a second cutter head. Works great for making .300 Blackout.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloadi...air-stainless-ultimate-trimmer-prod39292.aspx

 

[hylomar]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=367770896

I like it this one better than the Possum Hollow.

 

[Melnic]

Thx for the posts, now I don't have to make my "I hate trimming" Post.
Just got done trimming 500 223 cases this past few weeks. Now I know what to look at when those are used up which will be quite a while for me.

 

[Bolts Rock]

What are you trimming and how much at one time?

I use a Giraud for .223 and am thinking of adding .308 and .30-06 heads in the future/ Yes, it is the Rolls Royce of trimmers but worth it.

 

[ibang1]

I posted before the CTS case trimmer. You can't go wrong. I got the trimmer for the 300 blackout. There are adjustments you can make and it even works on .233 casings too.
There are variances since it uses the shoulders on the casing to trim off. Depending on the case the lengths can vary.

 

[El_flasko]

What are you trimming and how much at one time?

I use a Giraud for .223 and am thinking of adding .308 and .30-06 heads in the future/ Yes, it is the Rolls Royce of trimmers but worth it.

223 (a bunch) and 308 as needed. I tend to be more precise with the 308 and 223 is more for plinking. I will do some 223 for distance but 300yds is typically the most I see unless I go to see Ed shell again

 

[Bolts Rock]

223 (a bunch) and 308 as needed. I tend to be more precise with the 308 and 223 is more for plinking. I will do some 223 for distance but 300yds is typically the most I see unless I go to see Ed shell again

It's less about the precision of load than saving time when you do need to trim 500-1000 cases. If you're doing that many at a time the Giraud is worth it.

 

[bkonschak]

I use the RCBS Trim Pro 2 manual trimmer. The quick change handle makes it very easy and fast to change cases and I take the handle off and use my drill. Very fast once you have it set up for caliber and case length.

 

[byf43]

It's less about the precision of load than saving time when you do need to trim 500-1000 cases. If you're doing that many at a time the Giraud is worth it.

It's been a while since I looked at the Giraud.

How much (ballpark) do they cost now??
How much (ballpark) do the caliber 'kits' cost???
How long to change set-up/calibers???


I've seen them used (Youtube).

With all of the calibers that I load, it may or may not be worth it.

I typically load 100 to 300 .223 and/or .308 at a time.
.243; 45-70 and .30-'06...not so much.

.223 and .308 are fairly fast to process before actually loading, the way I go about it.