Great video Jay, I was on the fence about buying a lyman universal trimmer but if you're only loading three or four calibars, this makes much more sense especially since it deburrs and chamfers. Thanks again
I have the Dillon 1500 and I use it to make 300 Blackout cases and trim my 223 and 308 but I just picked up a M1 Carbine and learned I have to trim after I size them but Dillon does not sell the die for the trimmer for the 30 carbine. I just ordered one of these on ebay and I thank you for educating me on how to use it. PS with the Dillon trimmer I still have to clean up the top of the case after trimming on about half of them. It works best If I go slow. Thanks for a nice video and for making me feel better about always dropping whatever I am working on!
FYI: On the Lee Precision website you can order some "obsolete" cartridge quick trim dies that will be custom made. I just ordered a QT die in .25-35 WIN for $25 plus shipping.
Lee also made an outfit with a pull string that you mount on the bench and the pull handle looks like one on a chainsaw or similar. It has a threaded post that the Lee shell holder screws onto and where you mount the case to be trimmed. The cutter can be gotten with a wooden ball handle and to trim you pull the string; it basically takes the place of a drill motor.
Thanks for the review. Well done. I see you have paid your gravity bill...;) I have been using the lee quick trim with the caliber specific die with an electric screwdriver and have found that it like so much of this craft is a " feel thing" how long, how fast of the drill or electric screwdriver and how much pressure all come into play. I for now only resize ( of course) and trim straight wall brass to help insure a uniformed crimp on the cannelure. I use only revolvers and leverguns so a good roll crimp is essential. Again, thank you for the video. Safe shootin yo ya and remember to keep your powder dry. Peace..
Great video Jay. Really helped me make up my mind on the trim system. Have been using the Lee hand system and while it works it's a lot of work and wears out my hands. I'll order the Quick Trim this week. Thanks again.
Lee has an option to replace the crank handle with a chuck which fits into a drill. This item make trimming faster, but you lose the tactile feel of knowing when your brass is trimmed by having the action of turning the knob become easier and smoother.
I have a Lyman universal trimmer it works by hand and does a nice job , and being cheap I'll be using it a long time Lord willing, but I still have to do the inside and outside chauffeuring afterward. If I would have got one of those it would have been nicer I think.
+Patriot Silencers Capt JW Freeman USN-ret Hello shipmate ;) This is the 'top of the line' for the cheap manual trimmers....after this it jumps to a few hundred for the cheapest motorized one. Not really much between those price ranges.
Good comparison I was thinking of buying the LQTD and this helped me make up my mind, and very amusing to boot I got a laugh out of the video as I was watching. Thanks.
I went back to the Lee Quick Trim because...it doesn't use a pilot. Pilots can cause damage to inside of neck when cuttings get in there and get ground around... It's also accurate on length and length adjustable. The chamfer aspect should be used with caution...as it's spring loaded..not dead length etc. There is the non chamfer option too. I'm looking at using only the outer chamfer as I want to use VLD style inner chamfer.
You can change it to use a cordless drill / screwdriver. I bought a black & decker that is a hybrid. You can have the handle straight. Or on an angle so it is like a drill. I use mine straight so the weight of it is pushing straight down. Really speeds things up. And you don’t wear your hands out.
I think I'm going to go with the Lee Deluxe trimmer with the power head option since I have an extra Lee press and a cordless drill that I use for work .The Frankfort Arsenal machine looks good but is $179.oo .OK take it easy .
Thank you for the video. Is the die a sizing die, also? Hopefully, so. Otherwise, a die for each caliber just to trim & camphor certainly detracts cost effectiveness.
Ed Rem For what it is and what it costs (compared to others) I'm very happy with it....there are better tools out there at 5-10x the cost. Typically when I reload I do up to 750-1000 rounds and this is just as easy to use for that as any other powered systems. If I was going to sit and do 3-5000 rounds I'd invest in something that requires less arm muscle. Note: Some cartridges, like 45 ACP or 9mm, require very little case prep....most times on my 2nd or 3rd time reloading brass I do nothing to it but clean it before jamming it in my Dillon. So this is much more important for bottle necked or rifle rounds that really need to have the length and lips done right...and, again, most people with the less expensive reloaders aren't cranking 15000 rounds of 7.62 through this... Jay
Thanks for a great overview of all these trimmers. I see there is a Lee Deluxe case trimmer and a Lee Value case trimmer. They look the same. Do you know what the difference is?
I think the deluxe is the one with the wooden ball. The other one just gives you a small knurled metal piece to hold onto. I get the cheap one, then clamp that in a pair of baby vice grips. If you use a drill and don't get the wooden ball one, sometimes the brass will grab and it'll tear up your hand that's holding the cutting tool.
I bought a challenger press kit several years ago. It came with a value trimmer. I had to buy the rifle specific die I needed. The value trimmer doesn’t have the spring loaded chamfer blade. Just a cutting head. It’s as mentioned before a feel thing. The pamphlet with it I believe said it will trim to .006” below max COL. there is a small black plastic knurl below the handle that can be turn to adjust amount trimmed. 1 click is .001”. I’m thinking about getting something different though. It doesn’t cut the case end uniform. One side will be a hair longer than the other. Probably due to the play in the ram as you see it moving when you turn the cutter.
I recently purchased the Lee quick trim and I really like it. I'm just having some issues with over trimming my 30-30 cases. Do you know how far the die should be screwed in? Thanks and i greatly appreciate ur videos
aj - No...mine just screwed in to the stops and it's fine. Looking at it you 'could' leave it high if it's trimming too much. Maybe use another lock ring on it? It's a standard 7/8-14 thread like the other dies.....I've used this on another caliber (7.62x39) and it was dead on also...
+Devon Herrera They're called bullet comparaters, or bullet checkers. Go / No-Go gauges...not expensive (usually) $12-$30 depending on caliber. Here's one source....there are others... www.midwayusa.com/case-gages-and-bullet-comparators/br?cid=8868
Wondered how that worked... I usually only run about 2k in cases minimum at a time so I set the RL550 up to Resize and swag and trim in one shot... Then run them back through on the 650 if it's available or set the 550 up to finish them off... Love the Dillon case trimmer... Sure saves me a ton of time... ua-cam.com/video/VeYUYxazT60/v-deo.html
Hey Jay. If your reloads match the quality of your video, I wonder why you haven't blown yourseld up. Too noisey, poor vebal communication and ttally disorganized. Clean up your space.
Kudos, Man. This is the most hilarious and comprehensive survey of case trimming tools. I loved the sound effects and the "knobby-knob part."
Thanks Man....
Good video but next time turn off whatever machine is running
Great video Jay, I was on the fence about buying a lyman universal trimmer but if you're only loading three or four calibars, this makes much more sense especially since it deburrs and chamfers. Thanks again
I have the Dillon 1500 and I use it to make 300 Blackout cases and trim my 223 and 308 but I just picked up a M1 Carbine and learned I have to trim after I size them but Dillon does not sell the die for the trimmer for the 30 carbine. I just ordered one of these on ebay and I thank you for educating me on how to use it. PS with the Dillon trimmer I still have to clean up the top of the case after trimming on about half of them. It works best If I go slow. Thanks for a nice video and for making me feel better about always dropping whatever I am working on!
FYI: On the Lee Precision website you can order some "obsolete" cartridge quick trim dies that will be custom made. I just ordered a QT die in .25-35 WIN for $25 plus shipping.
Lee also made an outfit with a pull string that you mount on the bench and the pull handle looks like one on a chainsaw or similar. It has a threaded post that the Lee shell holder screws onto and where you mount the case to be trimmed. The cutter can be gotten with a wooden ball handle and to trim you pull the string; it basically takes the place of a drill motor.
My challenger came with the quick trim but I wasn't sure how it stacked up against other options. Thank you for this easy to watch / fun vid.
Thanks for the review.
Well done. I see you have paid your gravity bill...;)
I have been using the lee quick trim with the caliber specific die with an electric screwdriver and have found that it like so much of this craft is a " feel thing" how long, how fast of the drill or electric screwdriver and how much pressure all come into play.
I for now only resize ( of course) and trim straight wall brass to help insure a uniformed crimp on the cannelure. I use only revolvers and leverguns so a good roll crimp is essential.
Again, thank you for the video.
Safe shootin yo ya and remember to keep your powder dry.
Peace..
Great video Jay. Really helped me make up my mind on the trim system. Have been using the Lee hand system and while it works it's a lot of work and wears out my hands. I'll order the Quick Trim this week. Thanks again.
Lee has an option to replace the crank handle with a chuck which fits into a drill. This item make trimming faster, but you lose the tactile feel of knowing when your brass is trimmed by having the action of turning the knob become easier and smoother.
Thanks for doing the footwork.
My pleasure!
I have a Lyman universal trimmer it works by hand and does a nice job , and being cheap I'll be using it a long time Lord willing, but I still have to do the inside and outside chauffeuring afterward. If I would have got one of those it would have been nicer I think.
thank you. I just ordered one with some dies. it will do just fine. Jim
Great video...enjoyed looking at inexpensive trimming tools. Jim
+Patriot Silencers Capt JW Freeman USN-ret
Hello shipmate ;)
This is the 'top of the line' for the cheap manual trimmers....after this it jumps to a few hundred for the cheapest motorized one. Not really much between those price ranges.
Thanks for the review Mad Professor.
Thanks Jay. I'm going to pick one up.
Good comparison I was thinking of buying the LQTD and this helped me make up my mind, and very amusing to boot I got a laugh out of the video as I was watching. Thanks.
You're welcome! I do video's just for people like you....thanks for the input. - Jay
I went back to the Lee Quick Trim because...it doesn't use a pilot. Pilots can cause damage to inside of neck when cuttings get in there and get ground around...
It's also accurate on length and length adjustable.
The chamfer aspect should be used with caution...as it's spring loaded..not dead length etc.
There is the non chamfer option too.
I'm looking at using only the outer chamfer as I want to use VLD style inner chamfer.
Is that a MakerBot I see in the background?
Good info - Thanks for the video - I plan on getting one myself
Great video, thank you. Do you size the cases first?
BTW, I see why you have such a powerful fan (3D printer and lead work) but it's so loud!
The ice cream maker handle is still too much labor for higher production IMHO. Need to go automated. Thanks for review.
You can change it to use a cordless drill / screwdriver. I bought a black & decker that is a hybrid. You can have the handle straight. Or on an angle so it is like a drill. I use mine straight so the weight of it is pushing straight down. Really speeds things up. And you don’t wear your hands out.
Thanks for the review Jay !
Liked !
You're welcome!
FYI...I did buy a powered unit but wound up selling it going back to this...much easier and quicker. (A LOT cheaper too)
I think I'm going to go with the Lee Deluxe trimmer with the power head option since I have an extra Lee press and a cordless drill that I use for work .The Frankfort Arsenal machine looks good but is $179.oo .OK take it easy .
Is your press the Lee challenger
New drinking game...drink every time he drops something. Hahahahaha. But seriously, I like the video.
great review - many thanks!!
Thank you for the video. Is the die a sizing die, also? Hopefully, so. Otherwise, a die for each caliber just to trim & camphor certainly detracts cost effectiveness.
Never mind. Found the answer at Lee. $15.50 for just a trim die. .... Unacceptable.
pnwoods
Correction: MidwayUSA has them for $9.19.
Jay, are you still happy with the Lee Quick Trim system? There seems to be a large difference of opinion on how well the die works.
Ed Rem For what it is and what it costs (compared to others) I'm very happy with it....there are better tools out there at 5-10x the cost. Typically when I reload I do up to 750-1000 rounds and this is just as easy to use for that as any other powered systems. If I was going to sit and do 3-5000 rounds I'd invest in something that requires less arm muscle. Note: Some cartridges, like 45 ACP or 9mm, require very little case prep....most times on my 2nd or 3rd time reloading brass I do nothing to it but clean it before jamming it in my Dillon. So this is much more important for bottle necked or rifle rounds that really need to have the length and lips done right...and, again, most people with the less expensive reloaders aren't cranking 15000 rounds of 7.62 through this...
Jay
Thank you.
Thanks for a great overview of all these trimmers. I see there is a Lee Deluxe case trimmer and a Lee Value case trimmer. They look the same. Do you know what the difference is?
I think the deluxe is the one with the wooden ball. The other one just gives you a small knurled metal piece to hold onto. I get the cheap one, then clamp that in a pair of baby vice grips. If you use a drill and don't get the wooden ball one, sometimes the brass will grab and it'll tear up your hand that's holding the cutting tool.
The deluxe has the deburring blades built in and chrome finish according to Midsouth's specs.
I bought a challenger press kit several years ago. It came with a value trimmer. I had to buy the rifle specific die I needed. The value trimmer doesn’t have the spring loaded chamfer blade. Just a cutting head. It’s as mentioned before a feel thing. The pamphlet with it I believe said it will trim to .006” below max COL. there is a small black plastic knurl below the handle that can be turn to adjust amount trimmed. 1 click is .001”. I’m thinking about getting something different though. It doesn’t cut the case end uniform. One side will be a hair longer than the other. Probably due to the play in the ram as you see it moving when you turn the cutter.
Cases grow in length as they're full length re-sized.
I've found my 204 cases usually grow 1 thou when Lee collet neck sizes
I recently purchased the Lee quick trim and I really like it. I'm just having some issues with over trimming my 30-30 cases. Do you know how far the die should be screwed in? Thanks and i greatly appreciate ur videos
aj - No...mine just screwed in to the stops and it's fine. Looking at it you 'could' leave it high if it's trimming too much. Maybe use another lock ring on it? It's a standard 7/8-14 thread like the other dies.....I've used this on another caliber (7.62x39) and it was dead on also...
that's not at all why cartridges expand in length, but the rest of the video was quite good
EitriBrokkr Englighten us then please.
Turn the tumbler off
Thanks!
whats the thing called that you put the case in after its trimmed to check it? Did that come with it?
+Devon Herrera They're called bullet comparaters, or bullet checkers. Go / No-Go gauges...not expensive (usually) $12-$30 depending on caliber. Here's one source....there are others...
www.midwayusa.com/case-gages-and-bullet-comparators/br?cid=8868
the dies are like 10 bux for a lot of them.
I AM speechless 😶
Wondered how that worked... I usually only run about 2k in cases minimum at a time so I set the RL550 up to Resize and swag and trim in one shot... Then run them back through on the 650 if it's available or set the 550 up to finish them off... Love the Dillon case trimmer... Sure saves me a ton of time... ua-cam.com/video/VeYUYxazT60/v-deo.html
I couldn't use my Lee quick trim set up because the cases kept spinning in the case holder. Good concepts go bad when they don't work in real life.
U must have dropsy
Gee you drop a lot of things while talking. Are you the same way when shooting ?
Hey Jay. If your reloads match the quality of your video, I wonder why you haven't blown yourseld up. Too noisey, poor vebal communication and ttally disorganized. Clean up your space.