I need a new case trimmer, suggestions?

[quicksylver]

My lyman is rolling the edges now too after 40 years..guess it's time for a new cutter head....
definitely doesn't cut all brass the same...same length yes different manufacturers no..

 

[Gary]

I use the wft on a variable speed drill for bottleneck cases.

Still need to get a powered method for 357 & 454.

Exactamundo!! I just bought my 3rd WFT, and this one is the version 2 which allows bushing inserts for other calibers.

 

[Hawk]

I use the Forster 3 in 1 that trims, chamfers and reams the case all in one operation for my .223 and 5.56 brass.

I was a little leery of the WFT because it indexes on the shoulder of the case and not the base.

Probably is irrelevant, but it just seemed to be not as accurate.

I'm learning as we go on this thread, so anxious to heard all the comments and experiences!

 

[Ian]

The case shoulder and face of head are both valid points, sometimes the shoulder is more valid because you won't get a short case if there's a burr on the rim. Just make sure you don't double-bump the brass when resizing before trimming!

 

[Hawk]

That's the value of this forum. I learn something everyday and I don't have to filter through all the trolls to expand my knowledge base.

 

[Gary]

Indexing on the shoulder is exactly why I chose the WFT. I full length size everything I shoot, except my 6.5 Creedmoor, BEFORE I trim.

 

[Hawk]

Don't you have to full length resize to use the WFT? Will the unsized case fit in the gauge without being sized down?

I neck size some brass for my bolt guns and the demo I saw on YouTube, using sized brass, seemed to be a really tight fit.

 

[freebullet]

Have 5-6 of the original style wft's from before they came out with the bushing style. They will hold .001 with consistent operation & not rushing things. With mixed brass & a bit hurried operation it will hold .002 pretty consistent.

The only disadvantage to the bushing style would be having to reset it all the time. Mine don't really need adjusted ever. You can try other fairly similar necked cases in them to. For example I use my 30-06/270 wft to trim our 30-30 brass(requires adjustment though). The 308 wft will do x39. Basically, if the cases were sized in the same die, the neck is about the same length, & the same caliber it should work & be consistent. Works very well & nothing I know of is faster for the money.

No reason to be full length sizing & trimming all the time unless needed. Its not a fun job.

Got mine mounted on a temporary bench with some plumbers strap.

I put a few sharpie marks around the bushing to tell when it stops.

Need to find a method as fast & consistent for the straightwall mag cases.

 

[Brother_Love]

I have decided to go with a Wilson although I am wondering why I am going to this expense. I mostly shoot all cast and I have some cases shot 7 times and still do not need a trim. Well, I just want one.

 

[popper]

The shaftstop knobs bottom out on the bushing in the frame, to determine length. The bushing is just press fitted into the frame so eventually it moves some. I just use it for 300 brass conversion. I do have the WFT or LC, forget - did some 30/30 few years back. Works fine but just don't trim much rifle brass.

 

[Pistolero]

Forster works well. Make my own pilots now. I have two Forset's and a Lyman. No troubles
with the Lyman.

A friend is really enamored of the World's Finest Trimmer for large quantities. He has even
quickly done 300 BLK, just trimming off the whole excess rather than sawing then trimming.
He runs it in a drill press and says it turns out buckets in no time.

I keep thinking about adding one in .223.

Bill

 

[Ian]

Think about a WFT run in your lathe! All you need is to make an MT case holder collet with a little cam-lever drawbar for the tailstock.

 

[Hawk]

I trim my 7.62X40 on the Forster trimmer and don't use a cut off saw. Got the Hex attachment for the crank and run a variable speed drill.
Cuts them down like butter. You just have to be careful that the blade doesn't get too hot!

 

[Cherokee]

I've been happy with my Lyman, has worked great for many many years. I did buy a Giraud for my 223/762/308/3006 trimming but still rely on the Lyman for small batches and some other cases.

 

[JWFilips]

I have both a Lyman and A Forster: Hands down the forster is more accurate and easier to use. It is like a mini lathe

 

[Ian]

It is like a mini lathe

..except the mini-lathes run on angry pixies instead of grilled chicken and pasta salad.

 

[Hawk]

That's funny!

 

[Pistolero]

And the angry pixies never get tired of pedaling.

 

[Brother_Love]

Just got off the phone with Little Crow and they do not recommend their WFT for 35 caliber. Back to the drawing board. I also am trying the recommended fix for my old Lyman.

 

[KHornet]

Had a number of trimmers over the years. However, all I use now
are the lee, and a cordless drill. Find them pretty accurate, and
faster than most others, and it works for me, so I don't fix it.

Paul