Case Trimming

[SixEight]

When I start to trim cases, what is my best bang for the buck?
Do I really need the accuracy of the Hornady Overall Length Gage and Modified Case system which leaves me still needing to buy a trimmer?
Or will the simpler Lee Case Conditioning Kit with trimmer and the Case Length Gage/Shell holder be just fine starting out? The Lee system seems ideal since I can chuck it in my drill and the case prep kit also comes with the deburring tool and primer pocket cleaner. I may not be able to get the accuracy of the Hornady system but shouldn't it be just fine for me starting out?


Hornady Overall Length Gage
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/479...cm_vc=wishList

Hornady Overall Length Gage Modified Case
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/883...cm_vc=wishList

Hornady Case Trimmer
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/315...se-trimmer-kit



Lee Case Conditioning Kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/618...cm_vc=wishList

Lee Case Length Gage and Shell holder
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/634...cm_vc=wishList

[Natty Bumppo]

The length gauge and modified case are not related to trimming brass. They work together to help you determine the maximum length you can load your ammo to without jamming the bullet into the rifling.

Haven't used the Hornady trimmer. Looks a lot like the RCBS trimmer I started out with. A couple years ago I upgraded to the Wilson/Sinclair trimmer and stand. I love the Wilson trimmer. It holds cases by the case body rather than the rim. To me, it's faster and more consistant than the RCBS unit, but probably not a "best bang for the buck" tool. Of the products you reference, I would go with the Hornady trimmer over the Lee tools. But that's what I'm familiar with, so I s'pose I'm biased.

[SixEight]

OK. The Hornady tool is an OAL gauge. You insert a bullet into the modified case and slide the gauge until the bullet touches the rifling...accounting for the correct freebore.

[Woodstock]

The Lee kit will work just fine. They take a little more time than some others and cause your hands to cramp after a while but they do a fine job. I personally use the RCBS Trim Pro with the 3-way cutter head so that I trim, chamfer and de-burr all in one step but it is a little pricey in comparison.

[SixEight]

I would use a drill press with the Lee kit if possible or a cordless drill.

[bar-d]

I still use the same RCBS trimmer I started with 35 years ago. Add a set of good digital calipers and get after it.

[RMP-RLTW]

The question is, how much brass do you need to trim? I used the lee you describe for small applications. Typically when reloading 5.56 I run in batches of 500. I have done this three times and it is not fun usually takes about 4-5 hrs of trimming.

I have stepped up to the hornday system that does everything in one station. I will say it is a vast improvement! My only complaint is that I would like it to spin faster. After dragging my hand across the different cutting heads I understand why it is not spinning faster!

This unit is VERY pricy in my opinion. The only reason I have it now is because a friend is letting me borrow it and will probably sell it to me for about 100.00. Great friend if you ask me!

Depending on what you are trying to do and the selection of calibers you plan on trimming will determine what a true recomendation will be.

I guess that was my long winded way of saying, more info please! Sorry, I get carried away!


Ryan
RLTW!

[SixEight]

I plan on starting small. 50 to 100 6.8 rounds in small increments until I get the right setup and maybe some 5.56 later.

[RMP-RLTW]

For that quantity I would definitely stick with the lee system. Don't forget your chamfer and debuting tool as well. I also would suggest the cutter with the wooden ball on the end. It will help delay the cramping.


Ryan
RLTW!

[SixEight]

For the small quantity I'm starting with I thought the same thing for the price. The kit includes everything but brushes and I'll be using a power drill.