Wilson case trimmer

gh11 · #1 11-01-2009, 08:37 AM

Currently have a Lyman univ trimmer. Trying to get the setting can take some doing and the results are inconsistent. Read through some old posts about trimmers and it seems many of the trimmers have these problems. The Wilson trimmer kept coming up as a favorite non powered trimmer. The question I have will the Wilson once it is set give consistent lengths? Also, is it easy to adjust the length of cut? I know many like the handheld Lee but I have this and interested in the Wilson. Thanks for any help.

Gil Martin · #2 11-01-2009, 12:24 PM

I have used this case trimmer for years. it is easy to adjust and seems to be consistent. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

unclenick · #3 11-01-2009, 12:37 PM

Me, too. Before getting the Giraud, it was the only trimmer I used. It will typically keep trim length within 0.002", and is about the only trimmer I am aware of that will. Holding a case by its head is just too far from the cutting forces to prevent wobble.

The Sinclair base makes the Wilson easier to use. They also make a micrometer head for the adjustment that will let you set depth by the numbers to save time moving from one cartridge chambering to the next. Keep the cutter journal oiled and don't cut too fast and you'll love it. Cases slipping in the holders is the only issue I've ever had, and that doesn't happen often. That's why I said not to cut too fast. Let the cutter do the cutting and not the force you apply to it. That will minimize any tendency to spin the case at the same time.

BigJakeJ1s · #4 11-01-2009, 01:52 PM

I use the Wilson trimmer, without any Sinclair accessories, and it is extremely consistent. It is easy to set up, but would be a bit easier with a micrometer head, so I could just record the setting and return to it later.

It is also quicker and easier to use than the trimmers that use a collet and pilot, since you have to put the case in the collet, advance the pilot into the neck, then tighten the collet in order to get them to be consistent.

With the Wilson, you just slip the case into the holder, bump the case head lightly on the bench to tighten it in the tapered holder, then slip the holder/case into the lathe up against the stop.

Since the case holder only engages the case body, and there is no pilot for the neck, one holder works for all the different variants of the same parent cartridge (so long as the body taper and length are the same). For example, 25-06, 270win, 280rem, 30-06, 338-06 and 35 whelen all use the same holder.

I hold the trimmer in a small vise on my reloading bench (handy for a lot of other things too), so I don't need a stand. I never have figured out why people would use a clamp to hold the case/holder on these trimmers; I just hold in place it by hand. The trimmer body needs to be held above or over the end of the bench (vise, wooden block, etc.) so that the handle swing will avoid contact with the bench.

For all its accuracy and consistency, the Wilson is also one of the least expensive lathe type trimmers available. It is an elegantly designed, simple system that really works.

Andy

Chief RID · #5 11-01-2009, 03:58 PM

I like mine. I find it very consistent.

unclenick · #6 11-01-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJakeJ1s

I never have figured out why people would use a clamp to hold the case/holder on these trimmers; I just hold in place it by hand. . .

I've had the experience of doing enough cases in one sitting that my hold-down hand fatigued. The worst case result is the holder might jump the rails. Probably because I'm going too fast because of the volume. In any event, the quick clamp eliminates the fatigue factor.

ranger335v · #7 11-02-2009, 10:30 AM

My very old Lyman Universal works fine and is consistant if I am. ??

BigJakeJ1s · #8 11-02-2009, 08:11 PM

Nick, thanks for the input. I only load pistol cartridges in enough volume to get my hand tired trimming (when I even bother to trim them), and I use the Lee system for those anyway. I just don't load enough volume of rifle brass at once to notice it.

Do you use one of the toggle-type clamps, or a screw-down type? Someone (can't remember who right now) besides Sinclair makes a stand with a toggle-clamp and micrometer adjustment for it. IIRC, it was about the same cost as Sinclair set.

Stanger73 · #9 11-02-2009, 08:26 PM

I have the Wilson trimmer with the Sinclair micrometer adjustment and am exceptionally happy with it. It is expensive, and the selection of cartridge holders is limited, but the results are outstanding. I have a RCBS trimmer that I do use for cartridges that I either can't get Wilson holders for or that just aren't very critical, but the difference is "night and day" for the really precision loads.

unclenick · #10 11-03-2009, 10:27 PM

Jake,

Mine is old enough that it has the screw-down clamp, but it doesn't slow me down, that I can tell. The time spent on the clamp is far less than is spent turning the cutter. I'd like to try the new one, but can't justify the cost now that the Giraud is doing my .223 and .308 and .30-06.

C&H makes a trimmer that appears, from it photo, to work on the same principle as the Wilson, and which has a built-in clamp.

Stanger,

No doubt about it. It's time for you to buy a lathe and some chamber reamers. Then you can have whatever shell holder you please.

Chief RID · #11 11-15-2009, 04:16 AM

The only reason I went with the Wilson was for trimming 44 mag cases to a specific length that my Lee hand trimmer would not. When I posted here Mike G mad the suggestion I just adapt a Lee 44 mag thingy since they are cheap and it would be a consistant fix. I opted for the Wilson but the adapted Lee would have worked just as well.

Mush from PA. · #12 11-15-2009, 02:12 PM

After reading others comments about trimmers I bought the Wilson because I liked the idea of the case in a solid holder to ensure a clean cut. I also bought the military crimp remover. I used the Hornady hand held crimp remover and I found the Wilson does a more consistant job on the crimp. I am very happy with the Wilson product.