Two distinct philosophies of brass trimming sit on the reloading bench today. On one side, you have the mechanical, lever-operated precision of the Hornady Cam-Lock 050140. On the other, the modern, electric-powered efficiency of the Derraco Engineering Ugly Case Trimmer. Both promise to deliver the consistent case length critical for precision reloading, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. This isn’t just about trimming brass; it’s about workflow that fits your volume, patience, and expectations for your reloading tool investment.
My honest assessment is that the right choice depends entirely on your reloading personality. Are you a meticulous craftsman who enjoys the tactile process of case prep, or a high-volume shooter who values speed and repeatability above all? Let’s break down these two contenders, feature by feature, to see which one earns its permanent spot on your bench.
Head-to-Head Overview: Hornady Cam-Lock vs. Derraco Ugly Trimmer
At their core, these trimmers solve the same problem through divergent engineering. The Hornady is a classic manual case trimmer, demanding physical operation but offering fine-tuned control. The Derraco Ugly trimmer is a dedicated, electric-powered unit designed for rapid processing. Honestly speaking, comparing them is like comparing a hand plane to a power planerboth create a flat surface, but the experience and application differ wildly.
| Feature | Hornady Cam-Lock 050140 | Derraco Engineering Ugly Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Type | Manual, lever-actuated | Electric-powered |
| Key Mechanism | Cam-Lock mechanism for case holding | SKF ball bearing & “Lock N Adjust” micro ring |
| Cutting Head | Large diameter, replaceable ultra-hard tool steel | Durable, sharp M2AL High-Speed Steel (HSS) |
| Construction | Steel and alloy, requires bench mounting | CNC-milled 6061 aircraft alloy, hard-anodized |
| Included Pilots/Collets | 7 popular pilot sizes (.22, 6mm, .270, 7mm, .30, .38, .45) | Collet-specific (e.g., .222 Rem, .223 Rem models) |
| Footprint | Base: 8″ x 2.5″, requires permanent mounting | Compact, self-contained unit |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Design & Operation: Manual Cam-Lock vs. Electric-Powered Ugly
The physical interaction with these tools defines your reloading bench experience. The Hornady Cam-Lock is an instrument of mechanical leverage. You insert a case into a standard Hornady shell holder, turn a lever to engage the Cam-Lock mechanism, and then feed the case onto the cutter pilot by hand. It’s a two-step process that locks the case square with the cutter, a design focused on eliminating wobble. You feel every cut.
The Derraco Ugly trimmer, in contrast, is about push-button operation. It’s a self-contained system where the motor, cutter, and collet are integrated. The “Lock N Adjust” ring allows for micro-adjustments, and the use of a high-quality SKF ball bearing promises a smooth, vibration-free spin. From my honest perspective, the Ugly trimmer is built like a modern precision gadget, with its CNC-milled aerospace alloy body offering a ceramic-like hard-anodized finish for durability.
What This Means for You
- Hornady: Requires a permanently mounted station. You’ll need to affix it to your bench using the four screw holes (hardware not included). It becomes a dedicated fixture. The process is deliberate and hands-on.
- Derraco: Offers more flexibility. Its compact, powered design means you can place it on the bench, use it, and store it away. The operation is simplified to inserting the case and activating the motor. The question of Hornady Cam-Lock 050140 setup time vs Ugly trimmer is clear: the Ugly wins on quick deployment.
Precision & Consistency: Measuring Accuracy and Repeatability
Both tools boast impressive specs for precision. The Hornady’s micro-adjust cutter allows for .001-inch changes without moving the case, a critical feature for dialing in exact trim lengths measured from the head of the cartridge. Its large, replaceable tool steel cutter head is built to tackle brass up to .50 caliber without deflection.
The Derraco counters with its 1-thousandth micro-adjustment ring and a very sharp M2AL HSS cutter. The premium SKF bearing is the key here, intended to minimize vibration and promote perfect case concentricity. Reduced vibration during the brass trimming process directly impacts the final runout of your loaded rounds. I honestly believe that for sheer repeatability at speed, the electric-powered Ugly has a theoretical edge, as motor consistency removes the variable of human force.
However, the manual Hornady, in skilled hands, can achieve identical precision. It just depends on the operator’s consistency. The debate over which case trimmer is more accurate Hornady or Derraco often misses this point. Both are capable of exceptional accuracy; one automates the process, while the other places control directly in your hands.
Setup, Speed, and User Experience
This is where the philosophies fully diverge. Setting up the Hornady is a project. You must mount it securely to your bench. You then select the correct pilot from the included seven (a good range covering most popular rifle calibers) and the appropriate shell holder from your press set. The trimming motion is manuallever lock, then feed and turn the case.
The Derraco Ugly trimmer setup is arguably plug-and-play. You choose the model with the specific collet you need (e.g., .223 Rem), and it arrives ready to trim that caliber. The motor does the cutting work. This leads directly to the question of Derrraco Ugly Case Trimmer durability for high volume. Its aircraft alloy construction and quality bearings suggest it’s built for the long haul, but the motor is an additional component that won’t be present in a manual tool.
: Lube, Maintenance, and Support
Most reviews skip the ongoing care. For the Hornady, a drop of oil on the cam and screw threads periodically will keep it smooth. The cutter head is replaceable. Case lube requirements are minimal but can help, especially with larger brass.
The Ugly trimmer’s maintenance schedule likely involves keeping the collet clean and ensuring the motor vents are clear of brass dust. The bearing should be sealed and maintenance-free. A warranty and customer support comparison is wise here; a manual tool has fewer parts to fail, while a powered tool’s motor is a potential point of contention over years of use.
Value Verdict: Best Use Cases and Final Recommendation
So, where does the value per round truly land? The cost comparison Hornady Cam-Lock vs Derrraco Ugly trimmer is only part of the equation. You must factor in your time, volume, and enjoyment of the process.
Choose the Hornady Cam-Lock 050140 if:
- You enjoy the hands-on, methodical nature of reloading tool operation.
- You reload a wide variety of calibers and want one trimmer to handle them (with the purchase of additional pilots).
- You prefer a purely mechanical device with no electrical components to potentially fail.
- Your bench has a dedicated, permanent space for mounted tools.
Choose the Derraco Engineering Ugly Trimmer if:
- Speed and efficiency are your top priorities for high-volume trimming.
- You primarily reload one or two rifle calibers in bulk (like .223 for an AR-15 platform).
- You value a compact, modern tool that can be stored away easily.
- You want to minimize physical effort and maximize consistency through automation.
My honest take is that there is no single “best case trimmer.” There’s only the best tool for your bench. The Hornady is the reliable, timeless workhorsea testament to mechanical ingenuity. The Derraco Ugly is the efficient, modern specialist. For a broader look at trimming methodologies, this authority guide offers excellent context.
If you’re a versatile reloader who touches many calibers and doesn’t mind the arm workout, the Hornady’s flexibility is compelling. If you’re processing buckets of .223 or .308 and dread the monotony, the Ugly trimmer’s speed will feel like a revelation. Always remember, the goal is perfect case prep for safer, more accurate ammunition. Whichever path you choose, ensure it leads to confidence on the firing line. For more gear insights, from trimmers to picatinny accessories, you can always find an Honest Opinion right here. To read more detailed analyses, keep exploring our site.