Case trimmers

[billjoe]

I've been reloading a number of years now but do not end trim my cases.  I am looking to get a trimmer but not sure which to buy.  I don't know hardly anything about trimmers.  Are Pacific trimmers or Hornady trimmers a good buy?  Will most brands of pilots univerally fit them?  Any direction would sure be great.  Currently I use a Lee press and shell holders.  Will those shell holders work for any trimmers?  I reload a number of calibers from 223-375JDJ.
bj

[Dand]

The Hornady is probably a good trimmer - I think most of those by the major makers are good.

I really like the Lyman Universal.  I think its handy for placing the cases in and out.  But it doesn't seem to be favored by the benchrest crowd. One thing, I've had to replace the lock screws on mine as the hex head screws would round out with use. Now I have big fillister head screws in place - I think I've had this for 25+ years.

I don't know if pilots are interchangeable - probably not.  To my knowledge, the shell holders used in presses are not used in case trimmers as they don't allow the shell to be locked in place.

I see favorable comments of the Lee trimmers and have used some long ago but my fingers got tired using the hand ones.

HTH

[Hairtrigger]

My RCBS trimmer had the collet style shell holder and I did not much care for it. RCBS came out with a kit that converts it to a unique shell holder... a flat plate with u shaped slot.  Once I converted it I like it much better.

[quickdtoo]

Here's a previous thread on trimmers.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,129866.msg1098476887.html#msg1098476887

[Troyboy]

I use the lee trimmers they are very simple and inexpensive. FYI you can drill and tap the non ball end trimmer attachment and install it on the rcbs case prep center and cut and chamfer your brass. Buy a bit handle and put the case holder in it and BAM done

[quickdtoo]

That's ultimately what I did earlier this year after I saw Dave's setup. 

Tim

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,27212.0.html

[billjoe]

If using Lee trimmers, which case length guages would you use for the 7-30 waters, 6.5JDJ, and 375JDJ?  Can a 7mm-08 be used for the 7-30 and a 444 Marlin for the 375JDJ?  No clue for the 6.5.
I appreciate all your guys help with this.
bj

[quickdtoo]

7mm-08 will work for the 7-30 with a little modification, 6.5x55 should work for the 6.5JDJ by shortening the tip of the pilot. A washered 375 Win should work for the 375JDJ, or you could chuck the .444 trimmer in a drill and file it down to .375", I made a .204 trimmer from a .22-250 trimmer that way. I've made trimmers for a few cartridges that Lee doesn't make them for, just takes a little work.

Tim