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I was trimming some brass, and measuring every few pieces to check, on a Lyman case trimmer. I noticed my trim lengths creeping shorter, and it was because the locking collar on the shaft was not able to be locked down so that it did not move. The force of turning and pressing on the handle was moving it.
I moved the collar to the end of the shaft up against the handle, which is a hard stop.
Then did a rough measurement of the gap between the frame and the collar with a correct length case in place. It needed a bushing of about 6mm.
In the corner of the garage was a length of electrical conduit, looks like 15mm. I chopped a piece off, and cut it so it can clip on the shaft. The first one I cut too short, so I cut another, and using sandpaper, one or two strokes at a time, got it to the correct width.
Now the trimmer hard stops at 4 thou under trim length. Every time.
Posted : 25/10/2025 5:25 am
The small things make life sweet !
Question fot the more experienced reloaders: is there a good reason not to use the Lee case cutter system? I own an old RCBS trimmer like the OP, but found the Lee to be much faster.
However, I don't reload for super accuracy, hence cannot know what I might be missing.
Posted : 25/10/2025 6:46 am
The only percieved downside of the Lee cutter system is that it cannot be adjusted.
It takes a bit of hand strength, but this can be overcome by placing the lock-stud in a drill and glue a larger wooden ball on the cutter.
If it wasn't for the fact that I trim 600 cases at a time, I would still be using a Lee trimmer.
Posted : 25/10/2025 8:59 am
Topic starter
Question fot the more experienced reloaders: is there a good reason not to use the Lee case cutter system?
The Lee system with case length gauges is my preferred method to use. I find it gives consistent case length trim, and when the cutter is on something like the RCBS brass prep center, it's a pleasure to use. I have a spare drill chuck that I use as a handle for the lock stud with that.
You can't use it if the case is primed. In this case, I had a batch of primed BMG brass that I bought from someone, and I didn't want to mess with the primers, so I sized and trimmed primed brass. I've seen ignition problems with primers that I've unseated and reseated before, so I avoided doing that.
Also, it's not available for all calibers. 338 Edge, for example. Different length to 338 RUM.
The press mounted Lee cutter is also fantastic, the blades just don't stay sharp for too many cases. That also is not made for all calibers, I can only get for one of mine.
I'd use both those systems before any lathe type trimmer, they are as accurate as the most expensive lathe type trimmers.
Posted : 25/10/2025 9:27 am