I bought a Wilson case trimmer used and a new case holder for the 45colt cartridge.I see the case can go all the way into the caseholder one way and only 3/4 of the way in the other way.So which way is right? Then when I lay the caeholder in the track and screw in the bolt towards the bit/crank end it just pushes the crank back out! How do you measure for the length you want or amount to take off? Help!

There should be a circumferential groove around one end of the caseholder. Insert your cartridge case into that end. Your cartridge case will be held in the caseholder by friction; you may want to gently tap the end of the cartridge case a little bit on your workbench to make sure it is seated firmly.

The mouth of the case should project a little bit from the other end, so you can trim it.

For straight-sided cartridges (which means most pistol cartridges), Wilson usually makes 2 types of caseholder - one for fired cases, and one for resized cases. It should say on it, which one it is. If it doesn't, then test a fired vs resized case to see which one you have.

You are going to have to work out how far to screw-in the bolt. Put a case in the holder, set it on the track, push the cutter all the way in, and then gently run the bolt to the base of the case. Lock it there. Hold the shellholder firmly down on the track, against the bolt, and trim.

Then measure your case (I''m assuming your case is too long to start with). If it's still too long, then unlock the setscrew, and run the bolt in another 1/8 or 1/4 turn or so, and try it again.

Your hand will get real tired of holding the caseholder down on the track. Sinclair sells a cam type of assembly that mounts on top of th trimmer, which holds down the trimmer. Definitely recommended!

I like to keep a "gauge" of a trimmed case of each caliber I have, to make it easier to reset the trimmer when I change calibers.

Sinclair now makes a micrometer head for that trimmer, so you can simply dial-in the measurement you need. It's nice, but $$$$$$$.

I kind of figured some of that out but what I dont understand is if you tap light or hard will determine how much of the case sticks thru to trim.I like the idea of the Sinclair micrometer gauge.Dont mind holding the case down.

.....what I dont understand is if you tap light or hard will determine how much of the case sticks thru to trim."




No. The rear of the case is not supposed to go all the way into the caseholder. A litle bit of it will stick out the back, and it will be resting on the head of the adjustable bolt. The distance between the head of that bolt, and the cutter when it is done cutting and is all the way in, is fixed.

It doesn't matter how much of the cartridge case is in or out of the caseholder.