First off. Thanks for the video Johnny. It takes a lot of work to get these vid's out there for people and it's appreciated. OK so... you're probably going to feel dumb when I tell you this... I also own the Frankford Arsenal trimmer. Here's a tip... Set the case trimmer unit on it's back so that the bits are facing up. Once you do that... gravity will keep the case shoulder bushing and case body collet in place and then... you can use two hands to screw the collet adjustment cap w/ o-ring onto the case holder. Easy peasy lemon squeezey :)
@@hbsoldier3 Standing the unit on end is only to assemble the collet and bushing. After that operation is complete, one would assume that you operate it on the stand as intended. But ya never know about some people LOL.
I've used a lot of different types of trimmers and I always end up going back to my Lee style with the gauges and holder chucked in my drill. I hate having to adjust trimmers and always have issues getting consistent length from those types depending on how hard you push. I would love to see one of these that uses the Lee gauges so you don't have to adjust them every time, and it would be more consistent that way too.
Good video. Thanks for taking the time to post it. Like Randall said, install the O-ring first, then the collet nut. I found that using some lube on that O-ring eliminated the resistance during the install. Also makes is very easy to slip into the space on the large collet nut.
I know this is an old video and I watched it a while ago. I'm watching it again and sitting here laughing at you trying to put that o ring and cap back on. When you said, shit, I thought welcome to my world. I'm an auto mechanic.
I have loved this tool from the moment I took it out of the box. I can't imagine any man that is into reloading is going to have a problem with the set up. I never gave the noise a second thought. i use it a lot for 300bo so using a glove it almost a must because you just don't have a whole lot to hold on too. Any other cases including 223 are not an issue at all. I would recommend for every reloader unless you do mostly straight wall cases, which this is not meant for. Heck, just the champer, debur and primer pocket cleaner make it a great tool, that you'll use even in you have to use another trimmer for your straight wall and pistol brass.
It's a great little machine, I love mine! However, use caution when working around the rotating bits. This is a low speed but powerful, high torque motor. If the bit grabs hold of your clothing such as your glove or a sleeve, it will wind you up into it potentially causing serious injury. I use a small patch of leather cut from an old belt to hold on to the case when deburring/reaming cases which works good. And I use the machine horizontally with a lid from a plastic container, such as the lid from a Lee die set container, to catch the shavings. Hope this helps
I think the reason they dont turn faster is because they wanted torque and less heat instead. I use a cheap drill press with a WCT trimmer and man does it get hot if youre trimming more then one or two hundred cases. I usually do 600 or so 223 at a time and that thing gets toasty.
+Jeffrey Kelley I've considered those many times, but they are $70 per caliber. I reload too many different things, so I'd have a ton of money in WFT's for everything. The Frankford Arsenal is universal, which was its biggest selling point for me.
I've got one and I love it. I've got the "Big Boy" for .50 BMG too. With either the WFT or the WFT II, they're usually said to be "one cartridge only" in a lot of reviews but most will do at least two cartridges. It just depends on the shoulder angle and the taper and diameter of the case. The same trimmer or insert that does .308 will also do .30-06, for example. I think there's a chart on their website that shows the interchangeability. I looked at them quite a while back and I kind of balked at the one cartridge or cartridge family per trimmer thing to because that was before the WFT II came out. I don't shoot and loads ton of rifle ammo but when I got my Dillon 550 set up for ..223 and with my huge variety of brass I've accumulated because I'm a scrounger from hell, I ended up occasionally ending up with someone's discarded "long" cases and would run into problems on the press even using a Lee Factory Crimp Die and only using the seating die for seating. So I decided it would be a good idea to start trimming cases going in and I didn't want to do that by hand and then have to deburr as well. I decided to bite the bullet and get one for .223 and luckily they'd just came out with the WFT II, so I got one with a .223 insert and a .308 insert. Same deal when I got into .50. When I saw what the .50 bench trimmers were going for I about shit. I decided to see if Little Crow had a .50 WFT and I think they'd just come out with THOSE, so I got lucky again. They are advertised as being "trim free", but that's pretty subjective. Depending on the case and the brass hardness and the trimmer sharpness etc. its possible to end up with a very slight "burr". On "mass production" cases I don't sweat it. On my .50 cases I go ahead and hit them lightly with the reamer.
I’m glad you do such honest reviews. Frankfurt Arsenal makes some great stuff. But not everything can be a winner. I really liked the idea of an all in one machine.
Everything about it is good. I wish the case length trimming gearing was a little faster. The other 3 stations are geared well. The cooling fan on mine broke about 15 minutes into it's first use. I had to open it up to extract the fan. The power cord is obnoxiously stiff. I prep decapped .223 and 5.56 brass on mine while watching tv. How much have I used it? I have a 3lb bag of brass chips and shavings collected from it.
@JRB So it's been a little while... where is the more comprehensive review you have for this? You promised one towards the end of this video. I honestly think most of us, myself included, trust your opinion and views. I am probably going to end up purchasing one in the next couple of months just to deal with my 223 shells. I'm currently using a drill for a lot of it, but my time per case is still stupid high. This seems like a robust unit that might be worth it.
Yes, you can definitely feel it. It's really all about feel, which is hard to portray in video! I still love this unit, by the way, a year and a half later.
It's a little higher pitch than a washer/dryer so it's a little more annoying. A vacuum is probably a good comparison but it's not quite as loud as a vacuum. I wouldn't worry about the neighbors. I regularly watch netflix or youtube while using it so it can't be THAT loud.
Plus one for the Update Video! I’d love to see it! I’m currently using the Lee cutter/lock stud thingy in my cordless drill. My current rate when I’m actually focused is 1 case trimmed, chamfered, and deburred every 20 seconds. So 3 cases per minute. I lock in a case, zip it quick to trim, grab my Lyman chamfer/debur tool like yours and zap it quick with each end while the case is still locked in the drill. But, unlocking a case and locking in a new case eats the shit out of my fingers, even with bitch-mittens(gloves) on. I ground down the sharper edges on the case holder thing and it helped some, but not enough.
Like Henry Ford and many others have shown us over the years, The more we can automate, and simplify these operations, the more it can speed things up, and wear our fingers and arms less!
I picked up an old lyman universal(blue) trimmer for 20 that needed tlc, added the pilot kit that was missing plus the 2 for my mauser and mosin, then a drill motor upgrade for less than 40. Like you I form brass to a different caliber(8x57mm from 30-06) and had the lee hand one but after 20 cases it was killing my hands, I had thought about the prep center in the video but I reload on a budget and could not pass op the lyman. I do wonder how this would fair trimming the 30-06 to 8x57 length?
I laughed my ass off watching this vid. But I think I now know more about this trimmer than if I had read the owners manual twice. I am now subscribed and can't wait to watch more of your work. Thank You!!!
John thanks for the very explicit video on this machine, in my quest for a case trimmer this one has been crossed of the list. I currently use Lee products and find them very time consuming. For my money the Dillon power trimmer seems to hit the mark, but very expensive. Keep up the good work, and I admire your patience.
The o-ring is to keep the collet retainer from backing out and it works real well. I have the Frankford Arsenal depriming tool and it uses the same type collets and o-ring setup.
Great video, I'm new to the reloading game but I really enjoy it, I've been looking into the different ways to prep cassings an I've changed my mind several times and still wasn't sure but I think I've decided after watching your video that for the money I'm going to order this unit and will add it to my loading room I'm trying to put together, with this prep center I will have almost everything I need to get the brass ready to load, I bought the Lee Loadmaster and luckily I like to tinker so I've been learning a lot, like I said I'm new I've only made a little over a thousand rounds of 40 Cal and am getting together all the toys to start making 270 rounds, so just wanted to thank you for the informative video and helping me make up my mind thanks again.
Thanks again Johnny! As a newb to reloading I have been looking at this stuff for years and I still could not decide which brand/machine I want for each of these tasks. Your videos really help brother!
thank you for making this video! this too looks like an awkward piece of crap after watching you fidget and bumble with it. Not your fault, I think it was a great idea just they kinda went the cheapest route of executing it and it just doesn't work. If you want people to pay over 100 bucks for it, it better not cause you so many problems. Great job demonstrating both the pros and cons. It looks convenient but it's just a bit too awkward.
mafbloggerdanny I thought the first thing at first, BUT these things are highly regarded for the money. It’s reviewed and rated at the top even compared to ones that cost 3-4 times more.
So I have leaned a lot from using this over the last five months. 1. I went through several pairs of gloves before I started to use lock-channels pliers to hold the brass cases. 2. I found that brass shavings will accumulate in the cutter port and slow the trimmer down. I had to periodically take the cutter apart to clean it until I put a 2x4 board under the rear to elevate rear and keep brass shavings from making its way in the port. It works well now. 3. I started with the wrong caliber bushing limiter and had VARY inconsistent case lengths. After realizing that I was using the wrong limiter, I was getting better results. 4. I also learned to not to jam or force the casing into the cutter. Doing so will put a load of the machine and give inconsistent case lengths. Overall, despite little things that improve this tool, I really like mine and know that saves me a lot of time when processing hundreds of 300aac cases.
+Noma Martini Thanks for the tips, I gave up on the gloves after a few hundred cases as well. I have a shell holder with a handle that came with my K&M neck turning tool that works pretty fast. Once I got into a rhythm I was able to work pretty fast. I'm very happy with it so far!
Thanks for your demo, but why not use the Dillon motor cace trimer that mounts on your press? I feel it is more accurate for exact specs. And you can also buy the swage attachment that mounts on your press also. Then when you are done, use the wet tumbler from Arsenal arms with the pins to chamfer the neck. And that also takes the lube off to. Thats how I do it and also you don't need to feed anything, if you have a case feeder. Check out that swage add on. Go to swage it on Google search, you should see it there. I know your going to say Ya! BUT Thats LOTS OF MONEY! But think on the time you save. And the accuracy. Check out my video if you want. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but I did allot of waisting money on all different equipment myself. And now I found that Dillon is my choice because of there no nonsense warranty. I myself over the years have went through lots of reloading equipment. But you did a great job on your video, I gave you a thumbs up on the demo you did. I don't do many reloading videos but the one I did you might want to look at it. Thanks again, and keep making videos, I like your channel. I can learn more things that you may have. Thanks again and God bless. Be safe.
@John Beige also, this tool runs off of the shoulder, so precision relies on 2 factors, annealing and how precise you can get with OAL dies. I’ve had the best luck with Rcbs and Hornady dies. Hornady in particular is very precise.
Ive used mine for a couple years and it works great for necked cases. Love Johnny, but hes a little dramatic on the collet nut, i push the Oring on the shaft and install the nut, and push the Oring to the back of the nut. Best trimmer as i load for over 20 calibers!!
Just got mine. The case hits the shoulder bushing on the way in almost every time and I have to wiggle it around and I am using the correct shoulder bushing and collet. I guess I will have to live with that. Great video on how to setup and I appreciate the additional information on the RCBS cutting head and pilot. Thanks.
You know the O-ring will slide down that shaft and after you get the ring threaded then you can easily tuck it back into the cap afterwards by following it around the shaft..once it is just tighten the ring... on you're 300 blackout..rig up a shell holder on the end of the brass to give yourself something to hang onto? Just sayin?
I like watching your videos occasionally because it makes me feel like i am not such an idiot! lol. i do the same shit you do. the other guys edit their videos but your leave in the parts wheree you screw up. lol. thanks.
Good video. You sound a lot like me. Shits and damns etc. How do you make your .300 Blackout brass? I shoot 7.62x40WT and I make my cases from once-fired Lake City 5.56. I bought a used mini chop saw on eBay and a jig specifically for 7.62x40WT to mount in it. It took some tweaking and tuning but I finally got it dialed in to where my cases come out of the sizing die about .005" long so the amount of trimming, which I don't like at all, is minimized. I know WT is about 5mm longer than .300 so it may not be possible to get .300 that precise depending on where the cases get cut off. My 5.56 cases end up being cut just at the "bottom" of the shoulder where the case starts turning the corner into the shoulder. It definitely took some time to figure everything out to get my "death loss" of cases down. I ream the cut off case to remove the burr because I use a cutoff wheel rather than a saw blade. I've got blades but I've never tried them. Cutoff wheels seem to work fine. Before I started reaming the case I was having lots of problems during sizing crushing cases, denting shoulders, etc. The other major improvement I made was going to Imperial Die Wax and putting my liquid case lube away. I've used Franklin lube in the squirt bottle and Cabela's and both worked and continue to work fine for regular sizing, but were too "dry" for that much resizing converting cases. I don't know if you use a jig or not or if its adjustable, but you might be able to dial in your initial cut length to get rid of almost all of your excess neck length before you even size the cases.
You should actually put the collet on the case then the bushing and put the 3 in together and then screw the cap over the brass. It's much much easier that way.
I was having a somewhat boring day until I stumbled across this video. How long can one cut a 300 AAC case before it's a wedding band...lol. Watching this guy wrestle with the o-ring, I couldn't stop laughing. Mama don't like it dry son, luber up! I hit like and subscribed because funny!
Ive use this four 2 years now. Your dramatics installing the collet nut was painful, slide the O ring on then the collet nut and push the I ring with your fingers. Simple.
I bought one of these it was the worst trimmer I have ever used. Its so inconsistent. Good video bro. But this trimmer is horrible. I got +3 to -3 constantly. If your a compation long range shooter like me this is not for my class of shooters. Great video. Keep up the good work.
It's been little over a year with this case prep center. What do you think about it ? Is it worth buying. I have old school stuff. Hornady trimmer hand held de-bur and pocket tool etc. This looks like its more powderful than the RCBS station.
I can remember you saying during one of your other videos, that the trimming of cases was the least pleasurable part of reloading. My very sentiments, until after I purchased the RCBS Power Pro. I have two Lyman crank type (one length trimming & one to outside neck turning). The RCBS Pro, trims, & simultaneously chamfer the case mouth inside and out. Though expensive, it is well worth every cent!
Wizardry !!! Still not as funny as your Real Doll video but still funny! Just buy a new unit for every caliber so you can do away with the problem with the o ring.
I know that this is a late comment, but try putting some lube on the o-ring before installing the cutter cap. Use something like Vaseline or similar lube. O-rings slide much better when lubed.
Could you use an RCBS trimmer cutting head with a lee precision case trimmer attached and put it in where the cutter is on the machine then trim the case by holding onto it instead of using the contraption that comes with the prep center? If it would work then you wouldn't have to mess with setting the depth on the trimmer.
+Glenn Leger It keeps the adjuster nut thingy from moving. Without the O-ring it would probably move on you while you're inserting and removing brass. I'm hoping it will get less annoying as it gets broken in.
debating on buying this, i ordered 1000rounds of once fired brass for my AR after wet tumble i resized then tumbled again then hand trimmed them all deburred and the works to get to point of reload to find out they all have crimping on the primer pockets and the thought of buying a hand tool and doing 1000 cases by hand is exhausting to say the least so this is next on my list im thinking
I still love this unit. I was just doing a huge batch of 6.5 Creedmoor brass prep the other day and it was a life saver. Money well spent if you don't already have a case prep center.
Just got mine in the mail today. Will give it a try after work. Excited to speed things up a bit. My hands were killing me prepping big batches of pistol cases by hand. Ive been using the lyman case trimmer with good results so well see how this does with trimming
I just got this thing and it is wonky. Case length results vary, depending on how hard you push in the case - push harder and it takes more off the neck. The soft case shoulder presses into that aluminum ring's sharp edge. You'd have to press the case in with the exact same pressure, every time, to get consistent results.
I haven't experienced this, but I usually push them all in pretty hard. I also use pilots in the cutter and make sure to give each case a half turn at the end. Seems to help even things out.
Don’t know why you have an issue with the o ring. I flipped mine out to trim another size brass and it slips right on. You just can’t rush it. Somebody else mentioned it but a tray or hopper underneath keeps the trimmings all collected. I just use an old baking sheet with short sides. Good details over all.
I have mine set up exactly the way you did. The main thing that I had to deal with was finger fatigue. I made a holder with automotive gas tubing. .223 and 300 AAC use 3/8" ID tubing. Push a case into case in the other end. the open end to limit the case seating depth.. Push the base end of the case into the other end till it is stopped by the case in the other end. Trim the tubing on the trim brass so that it will seat into the case trimmer. This will help relieve stress on fingers some, but I continued building the holding end with tape and foam till I had a palm rest and took all the strain off. If you have your brass in a loading tray base up, you can pick up your brass just like picking up primers with a primer tube.
