I have not used my trimmer in many years, but bought some new brass and wanted them all the same length. The trimmer is an old RCBS and I could not get it to hold a steady length. No matter how much I tighten and re tightened, it still would creep and I would end up with a short case. Maybe I am not setting it up right. Put a proper size case in, run the cutter down to the case mouth, lock it down.
Any one have a thought? The large tightener sets on the smaller outside which locks to the shaft, seems odd to me.
Jim

If it is the RCBS which is several years old and uses the draw collets, this is completely normal. As the collet is tightened it pulls into the sleeve until the collet is tight on the case rim. The problem lies in the imprecise diameter of the rim! The smaller the rim, the further the collet has to pull in to tighten. As it pulls into the sleeve, it is being pulled away from the cutter. .001 difference in diameter will make about .003 difference in length, there isn't any way to avoid this with this type of collet arrangement.

The Forster on the other hand has a sleeve which is pushed onto the collet while the collet position is maintained by its face contacting a flat surface inside the bearing. This isn't dependent on rim diameter, and will cut to the same length any where within the gripping range of the collet. Similarly. the simple Lee trimmer uses a fixed length pilot with a pin through the flash hole contacting the locking screw which is screwed tight against the base of the case. These , and the L.E. Wilson are the only trimmers which will cut consistently to length!

The fascinating thing is the Forster and Wilson are the most expensive trimmers available, and the Lee is the cheapest!

Spend $3.88 and get a Lee Case Trimmer for your specific caliber. They never need adjustment and always work.

Spend $3.88 and get a Lee Case Trimmer for your specific caliber. They never need adjustment and always work.I couldn't agree more!

Yup, I've been using the lee for lots of years. They will make one up for an odd calibre if you send them a case trimmed to the proper dimensions. Only thing is that it be a case that they will fit one of the rim sizes that is already on hand. (they have a bunch)

If you decide to go with Lee get the Ball Grip handle for the cutter. It is well worth the cost for the comfort it gives when trimming. I also have the Lee Zip Trim and think it is a great product as well.

If you decide to go with Lee get the Ball Grip handle for the cutter. It is well worth the cost for the comfort it gives when trimming. I also have the Lee Zip Trim and think it is a great product as well.

I've been looking at the Lee trimmer on Cabela's web-site. My old RCBS won't work for 45/70 cases and I don't think I can get a large enough collet for it after talking to the folks at the factory. Cabela's doesn't list the ball grip for the Lee trimmer. Any suggestions on where to purchase it?
Thanks,
Doug

www.midwayusa.com

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www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

www.grafs.com

www.midwayusa.com

www.natchezss.com

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

www.grafs.com

Thanks for the info.

I've been looking at the Lee trimmer on Cabela's web-site. My old RCBS won't work for 45/70 cases and I don't think I can get a large enough collet for it after talking to the folks at the factory. Cabela's doesn't list the ball grip for the Lee trimmer. Any suggestions on where to purchase it?
Thanks,
Doug
Doug,
Check out Boses at the link below. I have purchased several items from them and am pleased with their service. Others on this forum have purchased from them as well. Great prices.

http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=281

I got several of the Ball Grips and I just leave the caliber specific pilot on the Ball Grip/Cutter. Very convenient that way.

Cary

Doug,
Check out Boses at the link below. I have purchased several items from them and am pleased with their service. Others on this forum have purchased from them as well. Great prices.

http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=281

I got several of the Ball Grips and I just leave the caliber specific pilot on the Ball Grip/Cutter. Very convenient that way.

Cary

Thanks Cary. I did a search on Midway's site and couldn't find the ball grip. Then I saw your post and gave the folks at Boses a call and they have what I need. Seem like very nice folks to deal with. I'm getting cutters and ball handles for all the rifle calibers I have.
Thanks again,
Doug

Spend $3.88 and get a Lee Case Trimmer for your specific caliber. They never need adjustment and always work.

If the Lee is caliber-specific,does that mean I need one for every caliber I load for.
The Forster will also outside-turn necks,hollow-point bullets,and inside-ream necks.
I got a Forster back in 1958 and also picked up one at flea market that I keep set up for neck turning.As I recall,3 collets cover most calibers and you need a pilot for each bullet diameter.
I've never had a problem with either.
Forster will also re-sharpen the cutter for a small fee to cover shipping.
The Wilson has a big following among bench-rest shooters.

Thanks Cary. I did a search on Midway's site and couldn't find the ball grip. Then I saw your post and gave the folks at Boses a call and they have what I need. Seem like very nice folks to deal with. I'm getting cutters and ball handles for all the rifle calibers I have.
Thanks again,
Doug
I have used the hand crank lyman and the powered Lyman units. They work OK but a while back I changed over to the Lee trimmer setup. I use the ball cutter and put their universal chuck in my Dewalt cordless drill motor and can really cut em up! It's a cheap overall set up, except for the Dewalt drill :p , but it has a whole lot of other uses. :D Greg