Lee Case Trimmer Questions.....

N

NvrGiveUp

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I've reloaded handgun (.40 S&W, .38 SPCL, 9mm) for quite some time and have only recently decided to start loading .30-06 rounds. My question is........what is some of your all's opinions about the Lee Case Trimmer? I know it permits trimming to only one pre-set length. What are the negatives with this system? Thanks in advance.
 
Been using one for a couple of decades and for what it is, it seems to do a pretty good job. I did buy the variable collet so I didn't have to chase down the individual case holders.
 
Thankya, sir. Is it the only thing you use to trim your cases? I suppose I'm just a tight wad and don't really wanna spend the $100+ on a "real trimmer" if I ain't gotta!
 
That might be, Mobuck, but I have been operating one since the early 90s and it still works well. In fact, there is no difference in the length measurement from cases I trimmed back then and those I trimmed last week.

I figure that I have trimmed several thousand cases in this time, mainly 308 Winchester, 270 and some 06. The 308s still measure 2.007" OAL. Its the fastest manual trimmer that I have tried.

Still using the same RCBS chamfering tool, and it still cuts well.
 
I use them for all my rifle calibers except .204 Ruger. They're simple and just work.
For the .204, I have a Lee Quick Trim die and cutter. They don't make a case trimmer for the .204.
 
There are not many of the Lee trimmers I do not have, I do not use them but I have them just in case.

The last big trim job I did involved 400 257 Weatherby and 7mm Remington Mag cases. All of the cases required .025" trimmed from the neck.

F. Guffey
 
I have a Forester crank/lathe type, and a box full of Lee trimmers. I use the Lee a lot more than the Forester.

400 cases? For that sort of job, I would want something motorzied, I think.
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You have a cordless drill? Chuck the Lee case holder in the drill and go to town.
 
I know it permits trimming to only one pre-set length.
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If you are using the Zip Trimmer that is correct, however if you are using their new system, you can adjust the die to whatever length you want to trim too. (you can also adjust the trimmer itself, not a lot but enough to put you right at SAMMI specs.) It's about $30.00 for the die and cutter. Each additional die will cost you about $10.00 per caliber.

Jim



 
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It uses the standard case holder in the press and the die holds the case so it does not turn but trims to the correct height you have set.


Have a happy Thanksgiving and the best to your family.
Jim
 
I have been using a Lee style holder/cutter trimming tool for a couple decades in a 4 different rifle calibers (I got some in hand gun calibers but have never used them). True, you can't adjust the case length as it's set by the stem, but every case comes out the same length (to within .001") and it's really easy to use. I have found Lyman's trimmer a bit easier to use http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/case-trimmers/ezeehandtrimmer.php. and have been using it exclusively on my 30-06 Garand ammo, and 308 bolt gun ammo...
 
I used a lee for years until I started shooting competition. I soon went out and dropped the money to get a motorized Wilson trimmer.
400 Cases would take an hours instead of days and once set everything is the same. I use it so much I have replaced my cutter head twice. I wish I could find some one that could sharpen them.
223, 30 carbine, 6mm Rem, 30-30, 308, 30-06, 7 mm Mag, 300 Win and 45/70.
 
I've been using the lee trimmer system since it first came out. The original shell holders were made from punky soft aluminum, they quickly wore out, bent where the case rim bore on the shell holder. They quickly changed to the present steel ones.

The best part is as long as you have the shell spinning, you can inside chamfer outside de-burr, then wipe the spinning case free from sizing lube.(After trimming it). I also push it into a pad of 0000 steel wool to knock shavings loose and give the freshly cut brass a bit of polish. You can also shine the entire case up with a pad of steel wool.

The best option is to get the cutter that's mounted in the wood ball. Cuts the fatigue factor to nothing.
 
I have the Lee original system and the Lee Zip Trim. I like them both. I don't trim a large volume of cases though.

If I did I can see where they would get old quick. I usually fire about 100 rounds at a time in various rifle calibers. After sizing them all the number of cases that need trimming runs a consistent 10-15% across several calibers.

In other words, after firing 100 rounds of 30-06 in my 1903 I will usually have to trim from 10-15 cases. That's easy on either Lee that I own. I have no plans to change.

When I read about guys trimming 400-500 .223 cases I cringe. That's a lot of work. But then again they are probably young and it is a good character building exercise.


Steve in N CA
 
I can't stand the 223 shell holder. Darn case keeps whipping out when I use it in the drill. I have to use pliers to lock it down hard enough, takes too much time.
 
I can't stand the 223 shell holder. Darn case keeps whipping out when I use it in the drill
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Yep, they do. Try the 3 jaw case holder for the Zip trim, it holds the cases better or get the new trimmer from Lee that sits in the press, I use mine for only 223 those are the only cases that I have so many of that makes it worth while. All the rest I use my Zip Trim or Lyman trimmer with.

Stay safe and have fun.
Jim
 
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