Case triming question.

R

Ramsh00ter

Guest
I am getting ready to trim a bunch of 222 and PPC brass for an upcoming PD hunt.

I normally use a Wilson set up, but I don't feel like cranking the handle that many times.:eek:

I am considering using a soft collet (recess machined to fit case head) in a collet closer mounted to a mill table.

My question is, can I get by with using the cutter from a Wilson trimmer (i.e. no pilot) or should I use the cutter from my Lynman or RCBS trimmer (with pilot)?

Seems like I could hold the OAL pertty tight with this setup.

What has your experiences been.

Keep in mind, these are not match cases, just for shooting lawn puppies......

Randy
 
Yes,

AVanGorder said:
Do they need to be trimmed? If not, don't bother.
Click to expand...

New brass for the 222, and the OAL is all over the place.

The PPC is just a bunch of accumulated match brass that I could get by with out trimming. But figured if this set up worked, woudl not be that much truouble to hit them too.

If it does not work, they will get loaded as is.

Randy
 
In my humble opinion ...

To produce a better product, use the RCBS trimmer with pilot. Art
 
I've done a lot of brass using the Forster setup that is made to be used vertical. I used a drill press with the quill stop set appropriately. Mill would work, also.
I wouldn't try it w/o a pilot unless the case body was held in something like a Wilson case holder or very deep in a soft collet. Holding base only will let the case wobble, I'll bet. Cutter would hit on one side first instead of full coverage.

The "Tri-Cut" cutting head works very well but costs over $100, if still made. Set it up and you trim to length and chamfer inside and ourside in one operation. Very consistent results, also.
 
Thanks for the replies

Your responses are on track with my thinking, I will try it with the pilot first.

I appreciate your input.....

Randy
 
Case trimming

RamshOOter: Before trimming cases, you should measure your chamber lengths. I have and use the Sinclair gages for all my chambers, and they all measure .020" to .032" longer then max case length. If you follow the "advice" of the loading manuals and trim .010" shorter than max case length, you are creating an even greater gap in front of the chambered case mouth, where the carbon ring will form. As examples, my Rem. 700 .222 has a chamber length of 1.720", one of my AR-15s' measures 1.782". Trim the .223 back to the recommended 1.750", and you have a "gap" of 1/32" in front of the case mouth.
 
Fd,

Thanks for the input, I have not taken a measurement yet of the 222, I will be doing that prior to trimming. I rarely use the load data in the books for anything more than just reference. Every rifle is an individual.

These are new cases and I will prob just trim to the shortest one, as they are all over the place in OAL.

Randy
 
Randy, Sinclair sells an attachment that fits on the Wilson trimmer (in place of the handle) that will allow you to use a drill motor on it. That speeds things up considerably.

Rick Graham
 
Hey Rick,

How is going, I still love you flags........!!!! (even though I don't get to shoot much these days....:(:()

I have one of the adapters for the Wilson, but I find it very slow to use when trying to trim any volume of cases.

These days because of the house remodel I am in the middle of, I just don't have much time. So, in order to make the lawn puppy shoot in June, I have to figure a way to speed up a couple of operations.

I got to thinking, I have an old forester trimmer at burried in my stuff, think I will strip it apart and use the cutter shaft.

Thanks for the tips,

Randy
 
Randy...

To speed things up considerably add the RCBS #90359 Trim Pro Power Unit. I purchased one for half price that had been used as a demo at a gun show. Call RCBS at 800-533-5000, Monday through Thursday. Art
 
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