trimming brass
- Thread starter COYKILL
- Start date
ab_bentley
New member
Yep, do it after FL sizing. Does not good to do it before. Adam
CalCoyote
New member
I want to go on record as saying that I HATE to trim brass. I have the inexpensive Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue. I went to the store the other day and bought some new brass just because I did not want to trim the brass I already have. I am looking at the RCBS trimmer.
With regard to your question, the brass stretches when you run it through the sizing die. You want to size it first and then trim it. If you want practice I have a couple hundred pieces that I would gladly ship you that you could trim for me.
I love to reload but I hate to trim brass.
With regard to your question, the brass stretches when you run it through the sizing die. You want to size it first and then trim it. If you want practice I have a couple hundred pieces that I would gladly ship you that you could trim for me.
I love to reload but I hate to trim brass.
Last edited:
Mousedipper
New member
Size afterer trimming only. It is a waste of effort to size before.
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
Originally Posted By: CalCoyoteLee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue.
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess
.
Lee case trimmer
Regards,
hm
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess
Lee case trimmer
Regards,
hm
ab_bentley
New member
Originally Posted By: MousedipperSize afterer trimming only. It is a waste of effort to size before.
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
You mean trim after sizing. Adam
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
You mean trim after sizing. Adam
zilla
New member
Originally Posted By: CalCoyoteI want to go on record as saying that I HATE to trim brass. I have the inexpensive Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue. I went to the store the other day and bought some new brass just because I did not want to trim the brass I already have. I am looking at the RCBS trimmer.
That's exactly why I bought am RCBS electric trimmer. I have artheritus in my right wrist and it kills me to use a manual trimmer. In fact I tried using the palm of my hand to turn the crank and apply pressure as trimming, but developed a large blister. I then bought an RCBS trimmer.. I am now a happy man. Triimming is still a bit tedious but still easier than a manual trimmer
That's exactly why I bought am RCBS electric trimmer. I have artheritus in my right wrist and it kills me to use a manual trimmer. In fact I tried using the palm of my hand to turn the crank and apply pressure as trimming, but developed a large blister. I then bought an RCBS trimmer.. I am now a happy man. Triimming is still a bit tedious but still easier than a manual trimmer
17tactical
New member
http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-top-cut-off-saw-42307.html
This is what I use, fast and easy.
This is what I use, fast and easy.
Uncle_Steve
New member
Quote:Originally Posted By: CalCoyote
Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue.
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess smile.
I have the same set up, but instead of a cordless drill i picked up a cheap bench drill press at harbor freight. A lot faster and you have 2 hands available to place and remove brass. With the RCBS prep station running right beside the press it goes quick.
Steve
Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue.
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess smile.
I have the same set up, but instead of a cordless drill i picked up a cheap bench drill press at harbor freight. A lot faster and you have 2 hands available to place and remove brass. With the RCBS prep station running right beside the press it goes quick.
Steve
doggin coyotes
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: 17tacticalhttp://www.harborfreight.com/bench-top-cut-off-saw-42307.html
This is what I use, fast and easy.
Oh yeah? I use this one. Faster and easier. Even works to shorten barrels and trim toenails on the dog.
http://www.acetoolonline.com/Milwaukee-6176-20-CUT-OFF-SAW-MACHINE-p/mil-6176-20.htm
And I always re-sized BEFORE I trimmed. Or trimmed AFTER re-sized. Either way.
This is what I use, fast and easy.
Oh yeah? I use this one. Faster and easier. Even works to shorten barrels and trim toenails on the dog.
http://www.acetoolonline.com/Milwaukee-6176-20-CUT-OFF-SAW-MACHINE-p/mil-6176-20.htm
And I always re-sized BEFORE I trimmed. Or trimmed AFTER re-sized. Either way.
Mousedipper
New member
to ab bently,
No, I mean size after trimming.
Dave
No, I mean size after trimming.
Dave
Originally Posted By: Uncle_SteveQuote:Originally Posted By: CalCoyote
Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue.
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess smile.
I have the same set up, but instead of a cordless drill i picked up a cheap bench drill press at harbor freight. A lot faster and you have 2 hands available to place and remove brass. With the RCBS prep station running right beside the press it goes quick.
Steve
I do all case prep in one setup w/this jury rig fixture which holds the Lee case trimmer and the case neck chamfer tool. Just turn to the next step w/o shutting down drill.
(The "jig" happened to be sitting on a primer pocket cleaner made w/sewing machine motor w/foot switch; it has nothing to do w/trimming operation.)
Regards,
hm
Lee trimmer and after 15 cases my thumb joints are so sore I can't continue.
You need to get the proper shell holders to use w/Lock Stud shown in link below and chuck in a cordless drill. Saves lots of wear and tear on joints.
I have retired my Forster case trimmer in favor of the Lee and use drill. Just color me lazy, I guess smile.
I have the same set up, but instead of a cordless drill i picked up a cheap bench drill press at harbor freight. A lot faster and you have 2 hands available to place and remove brass. With the RCBS prep station running right beside the press it goes quick.
Steve
I do all case prep in one setup w/this jury rig fixture which holds the Lee case trimmer and the case neck chamfer tool. Just turn to the next step w/o shutting down drill.
(The "jig" happened to be sitting on a primer pocket cleaner made w/sewing machine motor w/foot switch; it has nothing to do w/trimming operation.)
Regards,
hm
CalCoyote don't throw away those Lee Trimmers of yours.
A very good combination for easy case prep, is to use an RCBS Case Prep Center and on one of the power port/connections, put a Lee Case Trimmer. This takes all the hand strength issues out case prep, and you can completely prep a case without ever taking it out of your hands, and it's all done on one machine.
Have the base (with the cutter) of the Lee Case Trimmer drilled and tapped with the right threads to match the Prep Center. This will allow you to screw it onto the rotating power port. "If centered correctly, it will not wobble"
You can change calibers very easy, and as you probably know, their
A very good combination for easy case prep, is to use an RCBS Case Prep Center and on one of the power port/connections, put a Lee Case Trimmer. This takes all the hand strength issues out case prep, and you can completely prep a case without ever taking it out of your hands, and it's all done on one machine.
Have the base (with the cutter) of the Lee Case Trimmer drilled and tapped with the right threads to match the Prep Center. This will allow you to screw it onto the rotating power port. "If centered correctly, it will not wobble"
You can change calibers very easy, and as you probably know, their
CalCoyote
New member
Some very interesting suggestions on case trimming. I know that I can't continue the way I have without ruining my hands. Bigdog2, your idea about the RCBS setup is very interesting. It sounds like I could do that for about the same price as a RCBS case trimmer. In the mean time I am going to go buy a small drill and see if that helps. It is either that or go out and buy some more brass...
chefpierre
New member
I use the L.E. wilson with the shark fin, and power adapter, I used to use a drill now I use a battery powered screw driver. Works just as well.
Size, trim, chamfer, deburr.
Trimming sucks
Size, trim, chamfer, deburr.
Trimming sucks
biggen0_8
New member
Originally Posted By: ab_bentleyOriginally Posted By: MousedipperSize afterer trimming only. It is a waste of effort to size before.
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
You mean trim after sizing. Adam
OK we have contradicting advice here. My understanding has always been the same as most others have said. Trim after sizing because the brass stretches during the sizing process. But I'm open to learning something new if there is something I've been missing.
In reference to CAL COYOTE, The fact that brass stretches when sizing is EXACTLY why you only size AFTER trimming.
Dave
You mean trim after sizing. Adam
OK we have contradicting advice here. My understanding has always been the same as most others have said. Trim after sizing because the brass stretches during the sizing process. But I'm open to learning something new if there is something I've been missing.
Heretic
Active member
Originally Posted By: CalCoyoteI love to reload but I hate to trim brass.
I'm with you on this. I have the Giraud case trimmer. Best $400 I've spent. I size/decap, the trim. Done.
I love reloading to begin with, but now I really, really love reloading. I wear a light leather work glove that has all the padding I need for holding the cases. You'd be surprised how fast you can trim cases. Think Pencil Sharpener.
I'm with you on this. I have the Giraud case trimmer. Best $400 I've spent. I size/decap, the trim. Done.
I love reloading to begin with, but now I really, really love reloading. I wear a light leather work glove that has all the padding I need for holding the cases. You'd be surprised how fast you can trim cases. Think Pencil Sharpener.