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Posted: 2/3/2010 9:20:15 PM EDT
| New reloader here. In my other thread with questions it was recommended to me to get a good case trimmer for 223. I'm looking at the RCBS Trim Pro power trimmer kit. I've read about the Giraud and that's just too far out of my price range and the RCBS power trimmer is pushing it. I realize there are cheaper alternatives but from the reviews I've read those that have bought this trimmer were always glad they did and said it was a big improvement over manual or drill-connected power options. What are the experienced reloaders opinions of this trimmer and is there a better option for the same or less money? |
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I just use the manual RCBS trimmer. Gets the job done and I can afford it :) Me too...don't have the funds to devote to reloading for a Giruad...But I do have the time and relatively young hands to hand crank. My RCBS is solid, accurate, and repeatable-Great trimmer. |
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The RCBS unit is very good if you let the built-in spring power do the cutting and not try to hurry it with pushing. This is a Pretty Good Review
A guy posted a great conversion to make it still faster. Very effective, but it you're not into McGiverism the lack of details on his improvements won't help. Over simplified, he uses a foot pedal to power pneumatic cylinders to release the shell holder and move the spring loaded motor away, to allow you to add the next case. Releasing the foot pedal allows the spring to return the motor back to the cutting job. Trim Pro Conversion Many people just use a part sold to convert the handle of the manual version of that or another brand trimmer to drill power. Such as the You Tube Example below (also posted in your last thread), or This one. (the three-way cutter would be an improvement to that one.) I use a Forster Trimmer I bought a million years ago. Forster also makes a drill conversion part. Since trimming cases is the bottle neck for me these days, I'm in process of improving the situation as needed in the following order (cheap to expensive). We'll see where I land. (achieve contentment) 1. $20 Black & Decker Power Screw Driver using my Forster Trimmer and drill conversion part, on a wooden support. I Don't think the RCBS 3-way cutter will fit the Forster. (Anybody know??) But the RCBS Trim Mate already does a quick enough job of doing the rest of the case prep. 2. Buy a new RCBS Trimmer (manual) and rig like the You Tube Example using the B&D Screw Driver or a more powerful drill if needed. (Three way cutter would be included.) 3. Add the RCBS parts (motor and carriage) to convert the thing to the Power Pro. 4. Admit defeat and buy a Giraud.  (Bet you I don't make it that far!)
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Take a look at Gracey MatchPrep trimmers. With Bob Jones Sights or Doug Giraurd's upgraded blades it's a very very good system. The better blades will cost you around $30.00 more but are worth every penny. It makes the cutting much easier on your fingers.
These aren't cheap, but they are the next best thing to a Giraurd. |
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