Lets talk trimmers

[Ed3645]

LE Wilson, very accurate.

 

[nm.otter]

As a new reloader looking to minimize the effort while not investing in equipment I don't actually need, I'd appreciate some feedback on the advisability of what I recently posited in another thread:

If I'm only loading for one rifle, this could get stupid simple: Set FL sizing die so that a finished case will chamber easily, but one with a layer of Scotch tape on its heel gets tight. That should produce the maximum amount of case life with a minimum of slop.

 

[Dmoua]

Those with the three way trimmers, are you guys using it every brass prep to chamfer debur? Or are you only using them when trimming is necessary?

Only when trimming is needed. I have 21 times fired Alpha 6 Dasher brass that hasn’t needed trimming since the first initial trim.

 

[NorthIdahoDude]

The somewhat new (ish?) Frankford Arsenal Universal is what I use anymore. Fast, easy, works on any cartridge known to man. What's not to like?

 

[HuntHarder]

As a new reloader looking to minimize the effort while not investing in equipment I don't actually need, I'd appreciate some feedback on the advisability of what I recently posited in another thread:

It would possibly work, but I would want to confirm the thickness of the tape to be sure. I would just think a more fail proof method is a set of headboard gauges to put on your calipers. They are pretty inexpensive and can save you a bunch of money and headaches in the future.

It's a common practice to use tape on go and no go gauges, but might be a PITA to use it on brass you are sizing. You will find that brass springs back and want to spot check your bump often.

 

[Jayman_77]

Henderson since 2022, fast and highly repeatable.

 

[wind gypsy]

Those with the three way trimmers, are you guys using it every brass prep to chamfer debur? Or are you only using them when trimming is necessary?

Only when case grows enough to need trimming for me.

 

[HuntHarder]

New to the 3 in 1 game, but will only trim when needed. I have a RCBS case prep station that is quick on Chamferring.

 

[nm.otter]

I would just think a more fail proof method is a set of headboard gauges to put on your calipers. They are pretty inexpensive and can save you a bunch of money and headaches in the future.

Sure -- $40 or so all in.
More importantly -- do I actually care about the specific measurement if I'm only loading for one rifle?

It would possibly work, but I would want to confirm the thickness of the tape to be sure.
...
It's a common practice to use tape on go and no go gauges, but might be a PITA to use it on brass you are sizing. You will find that brass springs back and want to spot check your bump often.

I'm only proposing to use it (either with two pieces of tape, or an extra few degrees of lock ring twist) to set the die to my chamber. Re-check every few hundred rounds just to be sure, but otherwise: FLS, load and shoot. If I minimize my shoulder bump every time, I should maximize my brass life.

 

[jk_minn]

I am in the market for a trimmer and debating between Henderson/Hornady. I’ve used the Henderson, and only watched videos on the Hornady.

I would argue that the Henderson is going to be a lot faster once you set up the bolt and nut for that particular cartridge (length), then install the appropriate cutter head. Each time you go back to that cartridge the length is still set.

On the Hornady, because there is only one cutter head, you are adjusting the cutters and pilot each time you switch calibers. Additionally, each time you switch cartridges you are having to “dial in” the length.

Maybe someone that has used both has more actual insight? I am leaning Henderson for the reason I just described.

 

[TimberHunter]

I was sure I was the only person using these. A few bucks to add a new cartridge to the mix seems fine for me. I have no experience with other trimmers, mostly because this was a simple way to get started when I was first beginning reloading. Now it seems logical to just keep it up.

I’ve been using the Lee as well but trimming more than a handful of cases becomes a chore. Half the time I don’t get the case tightened down enough and it comes flying out while the drill is spinning.


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[HuntHarder]

I am in the market for a trimmer and debating between Henderson/Hornady. I’ve used the Henderson, and only watched videos on the Hornady.

I would argue that the Henderson is going to be a lot faster once you set up the bolt and nut for that particular cartridge (length), then install the appropriate cutter head. Each time you go back to that cartridge the length is still set.

On the Hornady, because there is only one cutter head, you are adjusting the cutters and pilot each time you switch calibers. Additionally, each time you switch cartridges you are having to “dial in” the length.

Maybe someone that has used both has more actual insight? I am leaning Henderson for the reason I just described.

I have not used the Henderson, but the Hornady is pretty damn fast and easy to set the trim length. I have only trimmed 200 pieces so far, but it was impressive.

 

[Bam2880]

I like using my Lyman case prep center with Lee cutter attached

 

[Herzog81]

I have an old Foster hand trimmer, it's been great for me. But I could see it getting annoying if I wanted to do any sort of volume reloading. Fortunately I just do smaller batches for my hunting rifles.

 

[MacJenkins]

Giraud, Forstner, LE Wilson, Hendersen are the trimmers I use the most. Giraud is for sure the fastest for bulk. Pretty much gets left set up for 223 and only changed over for 50 BMG when needed. Hendersen is fantastic and quite fast. The bolt setting does not bother me. I just leave a bolt set for each cartridge I use it for and have bought a separate cutter for each caliber as well. I load for calibers between a couple 17's up to 600 Nitro Express. Not one trimmer handles every caliber well. If I was only to get one to handle most of the cartridges I would go with the Hendersen or possibly the new RCBS/Hendersen collab. I have not looked at one yet however to see if it has improvements. Not sure if I would prefer the micrometer on it over the bolt of not. The bolt is simple and quickly repeatable. I guess you could keep a log of the micrometer setting as well.

F Hornady for knocking off Hendersen.

 

[tstowater]

Was in the market for a new trimmer after trying a variety of manual and semi manual versions. Really was interested in the RCBS/Henderson version but it is not set up to do 17 and 20 caliber cases, which I have a high level of need due to prairie dog shooting. Called Henderson and visited about options. Decided to go with a version 3 as the changes to a V4 wasn't going to be of value to me. Waiting for a V3 and accessories to show up in the near future. I like the three way trim option that some of the others don't offer.

 

[drnls]

I have the WFT for 223 and 6.5c, recently purchased a similar model on Amazon for 6.5g - seems to work the same.

 

[jk_minn]

Was in the market for a new trimmer after trying a variety of manual and semi manual versions. Really was interested in the RCBS/Henderson version but it is not set up to do 17 and 20 caliber cases, which I have a high level of need due to prairie dog shooting. Called Henderson and visited about options. Decided to go with a version 3 as the changes to a V4 wasn't going to be of value to me. Waiting for a V3 and accessories to show up in the near future. I like the three way trim option that some of the others don't offer.

What specifically swayed you to the v3 instead of v4? Isn’t the main difference around $100 and the micrometer vs bolt?

 

[Fireflyfishing]

I have the new Hornady 3 in 1. Works great. If you get it, buy extra cutter heads so caliber change is faster.