Trimming cases is a job that every reloader looking to recycle their cartridges do. You can’t skip the job unless you’re up to purchasing a new one every time you load those bullets. And back in the days, you have no other ways than using a manual trimmer by turning your hand on the case that has been put on the holder.
It simply takes way too much time.
Seeing that the method isn’t exactly the most effective or maybe how your recent trimmer is probably losing its edge it used to have when you first had it, here’s the review you’ve been waiting for. The case trimmer you should get next for a better reloading experience!
How does a case trimmer work?
Various case trimmers work differently from each other. Almost all companies produce both the manual and automatic prep center. Manual case trimmer has a lock and handles turning system that has been made more convenient and precise. While the handles were initially made to be manually turned, they can be easily replaced with a driller to fasten the whole process.
Before trimming, one has to find the right case holder and size it by trimming one case before hand or follow the manuals that come with it. After you size the first case you trim, adjust it and there, you have got your trimming template. The case holder uses a sort of locking system by turning to loosen and tighten.
Lee trimming system is different in that it makes use of the reloading press. You only need to adjust the length of the screw and manually turns the handle to trim it. While a prep center is automated with three different trimmers. There’s a small adjustment needed depending on the length of the cartridge you want and the other two are for cleaning the mouth of the brass.
Top Three Best Case Trimmer in 2019
These 3 case trimmers have their own strengths and can depend on your own preferences. Each brand has a different type of case trimmers and you may have your own preferences or budget that you want to stand-by.
#1 Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System
The Frankford Arsenal is the best case trimmer that works differently and amazingly quick for us. It has 4 different functions. It trims, chamfers, deburrs and cleans your primer socket in 5 seconds. The whole set is portable and all the tools can be kept in the case that’s attached to the machine.
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep come with the four mentioned tools, 3 collets, and 6 shoulder bushings to trim various cartridges into the sizes that you want.
Pros:
- Quiet even though the machine turns three tools at once due to the fact that they are not necessarily turning like a drill, but at just enough speed to trim the cases at the right length. The rubber isolator at the feet also prevents vibration and dampens the noise.
- Wide capability: Trims cases from .17 Remington to .460 Weatherby by adjusting the bullet with the right collet and shoulder bushing.
- One template for all: After you get the right collet and bushing, you install it into the trim socket, lock it and adjust the length which has a visible mm knob.
- 4 functions at once: Other case trimmers come with only trimming but this prep center also has deburring, chamfering and even cleaning the primer sockets in one run.
- The adjustable position allows you to work in the most convenient position for you. You can place it face up, horizontal or even turn it upside down; whichever works best for you!
#2 Hornady 050140 Cam-Lock Case Trimmer
The case trimmer here works with brass from Hornady only and makes it the choice for those who use the brand. It has easy prep and no electricity needed, while it’s manual and has to be turned by hand. But it’s a great choice for those of you who look forward to simplicity (and budget!). Comes in red color.
The trimmer can be attached to the bench and comes with 7 pilots for various mouth sizes. Adjusting it is as easy as locking the brass on the right case holder and adjust the length of the trimmer so it’ll stop at the right point. The handle is designed to allow you to use your palm to turn the handle and trim. Rinse and repeat!
Pros:
- Simplicity is the great thing about using case trimmers like this if you don’t like having machines work the job and trim too much before you see it.
- Hand-drill (optional) can be mounted instead to trim them faster, just place it at the right position to get it to stand
- Affordable compared to prep centers and also works with the case holders that you probably already have from Hornady.
- Range – trims case mouth of various sizes with additional pilots can be bought separately.
- Accurate and quick as it trims cases down to 1000th of an inch and cycling each case is as easy as pulling out the trimmer, loosening the cartridge, and tighten them again.
#3 Lyman Universal Trimmer with 9 Pilot Multi-Pack Trims .17 Cal to .458 Cal
Lyman Universal Trimmer works similarly to the Hornady’s. The major differences are in the color and the handle’s shape. While the Hornady’s shape is much like a flattened cone, Lyman’s uses a knurled handle which can be changed into a drill as well. It can also be attached to a power adapter which is sold separately. And it comes in the color of orange.
Similarly, Lyman trimmer case can be screwed to the bench as the offset is provided there. It comes with 9 different pilots instead of 7 to give even better precision depending on cartridge size. The brass is locked in place similar to the Hornady’s; loosening and tightening the brass by turning the lever can easily be repeated.
Pros:
- Simplicity is the great thing about using case trimmers like this if you don’t like having machines work the job and trim too much before you see it.
- Hand-drill (optional) can be mounted instead to trim them faster, just place it at the right position to get it to stand
- Affordable compared to prep centers and also works with the case holders that you probably already have from Hornady.
- Range – trims case mouth sizes from .17 to .458 and 9 pilots are included with this trimmer.
- NO case holders! As opposed to the Hornady’s that requires them, this trimmer case is truly universal for any brass so long as they are within the range of the pilots available. Simply lock it in place and you are ready to go.
- Accurate and quick as it trims cases down to 1000th of an inch and cycling each case is as easy as pulling out the trimmer, loosening the cartridge, and tighten them again.
Things to consider before choosing a case trimmer
Before you rush to the Amazon to get that new prep center or case trimmer, be sure that you’ve done a quick homework on them. They might not look that complicated, but choosing the right one will save you the pain of turning the handle hundreds of times while pouting or bewildered by the automated machine that seems to screw with your usually precise feelings.
Advantages of Having a Case Trimmer
A lot of times, we see brass in much less good condition, but not at the size we want. Others might notice that the mouth is a little cracked and wants to salvage what’s left by trimming the cracked edge. Whichever it is, here’s a good reason to get a case trimmer:
- No need to buy new cartridges
- Trim within seconds, especially if you get a prep center, everything is in one place and you don’t need to buy separate tools or be bothered to manually put pressure on your hand while trimming.
- Salvage unused cartridges, such as the ones that you found or have been shot before. After tumbling them, you can trim them for other uses or salvage brasses that you found in ranges.
Conclusion
Once you get your case trimmer, you’ll know how much time you will be able to save in the long-run. You don’t have to worry about buying new cartridges every time you want to reload. A case trimmer isn’t exactly costly considering the cutters and pilots can be used for a very long term.
The Frankford is the best value that we have to recommend due to how there are many tools available in a single device. The Lyman is our next favorite guy being a universal trimmer and trims a brass like a pro. The Hornady is a great addition for Hornady lovers and we love the handle shape that makes it easy to turn and trim with the palm of your hand.
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