I wanted to get opinions on the most convenient/easy-to-use MANUAL case trimmer setup.

JB,
Have you looked at the Lee set up. Very simple.
(Easiest to setup)

1. Locks stud you can chuck in drill if you want to.

2. A cutter that will fits all calibers.

3. Then you need a mandrel for each caliber you shot. Just screw mandrel in the cutter and it is already set for the proper length. The mandrel also come with a shell holder that you screw on to lock stud.



There are a lot of good trimmer out there (Lyman, RCBS, Hornady) Try to get one with a universal shell holder so you dont have to buy collets. Also check the price of there neck pilots in case you lose one. A replaceable cutter head is nice in case you dull yours.

I use a Forester that I motorized for trimming.
Something I always do is make a dedicated trimmed cartidge that I mark and use as a standard to set my calipers, mike, trimmer with.
Just put the marked case in the trimmer and gently push cutter up against brass. Then set the lock collars on trimmer. Trim a fired case and check its length. Sure saves a lot of time if you are switching and loading for several calibers.

I like the LE Wilson. It is essentially a mini lathe and it is fairly inexpensive.

http://www.lewilson.com/casetrimmer.html

thanks for the input guys!

I think I'll go with the Lee cutter and lock-stud setup for now. I really like the lathe style trimmers but I'm going to keep costs to a minimum for now.

Jim,

I have not experienced that. I tap them in on a wood block and then tap them out. I use Hornady One shot and they fit real tight.

I'll keep an eye out for it. That is interesting. It would definitely slow you down if spinning in the case holder.

Good info.

NTRP,
I never experienced it until this last weekend of loading. All was well until cases started spinning in the case holder slowing the trimming to a crawl. I was pounding them in with no luck. Moved the trimming ahead of the sizing and all was good again.

I placed all the loaded in newly purchased plastic boxes - you know the 50 round plastic boxes. Does this pose a moisture problem? Is it safe to put one of those silica pouches in the box. Those are the moisture remover pouches we get in random purchased items. I usually throw them in the bottom of my gun safe.

Let me know wht you think.

Thanks,

Jim

I save all the desiccant packs out of every medicine bottle I can find to put with all my reloading gear and rounds. I can't imagine moisture being an issue as the tolerances are so tight.

Did this happen to be .308/.243/.260/7-08? Because a fired and unfired shell holder is made by LE Wilson. An unfired new case (based on the .308) will not fit quite right in a fired shell holder. Other than that I would have to observe what is going on.

JB, please let me know if this is a high jack of your thread. If so I will take it to PM, sorry.

Jay,
Don't sweat the hijacking thing.. Jeremy's my brother.. He won't care.. LOL

lol, that is funny