Two tools sit on the reloading bench, each promising to solve the same fundamental problem: restoring your brass to perfect, consistent dimensions. The Hornady Cam-Lock 050140 and the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer represent two distinct philosophies in the world of brass prep. One is a dedicated, bench-mounted workhorse, while the other embraces a modular, drill-powered approach. For reloaders deciding which case trimmer fits their process, the choice isn’t just about cutting metalit’s about workflow, precision, and long-term value on the reloading bench.
My honest assessment is that both are competent tools, but they cater to different users. The right one for you depends entirely on how you like to work, the volume you shoot, and what you value most in your reloading equipment. Let’s break them down side-by-side.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
To understand the core differences, we need to look at their design and included components. This table lays out the key specifications based on their actual features.
| Feature | Hornady Cam-Lock Trimmer 050140 | Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Core Mechanism | Bench-mounted manual trimmer with a lever-actuated Cam-Lock system. | Handheld unit designed to be used with a 1/2″ drill or drill press. |
| Case Holding | Uses standard Hornady removable shellholder heads. | Uses an adjustable universal shellholder collet system that indexes on case shoulders. |
| Caliber Compatibility | Trims cases up to .50 caliber. Includes 7 pilots: .22, 6mm, .270, 7mm, .30, .38, .45 cal. | Works with shouldered cases from .17 Remington to .460 Weatherby. Not for straight-wall cartridges. |
| Adjustment & Precision | Micro-adjust cutter allows for .001-inch changes. All trim lengths measured from the cartridge head. | Built-in depth micrometer for micro-adjustments. Brass shaving ejection port for a clean trim. |
| Construction & Cutter | Large diameter, replaceable cutting head made of ultra-hard tool steel. | Ultra-hard hardened stainless-steel cutter. |
| Setup & Mounting | Affixes to bench with 4 screw holes (hardware not included). | No mounting required; used with a power drill. Includes a storage case for collets and collars. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Price Analysis & Value for Money
Honestly speaking, the upfront cost is only part of the value equation. You must consider what’s in the box and what you might need to buy later. The Hornady includes seven specific pilot sizes, covering the most common rifle calibers. That’s a solid starting kit. However, it requires separate Hornady shellholders, which you may already own if you use their presses. The Frankford Arsenal uses its universal collet, so no additional shellholders or pilots are needed for the calibers it supports.
For a beginner reloader looking for the best budget case trimmer, the Frankford’s all-in-one approach is compelling. You buy the tool, chuck it in your drill, and you’re theoretically set for dozens of calibers. The Hornady, while potentially a higher initial investment, is a dedicated, single-purpose tool built for a specific task on your reloading bench. Its value is in its focused design and the trimming consistency that design promotes. From my honest perspective, the Hornady offers more inherent precision, while the Frankford offers more immediate versatility.
Setup & Ease of Use Comparison
How these trimmers integrate into your workflow is a major differentiator.
Hornady Cam-Lock: The Dedicated Station
This is a classic manual case trimmer meant to be bolted down. Setting it up is straightforward: secure it to your bench, insert the correct shellholder and pilot, and you’re ready. The Cam-Lock system is the star here. You insert the case, turn the lever to lock it securely, then feed the case onto the cutter pilot. This two-step action is intuitive and ensures the case is held square to the cutter. It’s a deliberate, controlled process. The lack of included mounting hardware is a minor annoyance, but any trip to the hardware store solves it.
Frankford Arsenal Universal: The Power Tool Attachment
Ease of use is this trimmer’s headline feature. There’s no bench mounting. You insert the case into the collet, tighten it by hand to index on the shoulder, then insert the unit into a drill. The universal collet system means you rarely, if ever, change parts between calibers. This can dramatically speed up processing large batches of mixed brass. However, it introduces variables: the steadiness of your hand, the speed of your drill, and the potential for increased vibration. Speaking honestly, the learning curve involves right drill speed and pressure to avoid chatter and ensure a clean cut at the case mouth.
Noise and vibration during use are practical considerations often overlooked. The Hornady is virtually silent and vibration-free. The Frankford, when used in a hand drill, can be loud and transmit vibration through your arm during extended usesomething to consider for high-volume sessions.
Precision, Consistency & Real-World Results
This is where the rubber meets the road. Both tools advertise high precision, but they achieve it through different means.
The Hornady’s entire design prioritizes repeatable accuracy. The case is locked rigidly in the shellholder, and the micro-adjust cutter allows for incredibly fine adjustments. Because it measures trim length from the head of the cartridge, it effectively ignores minor variations in rim thickness. This method is renowned for producing exceptional trimming consistency and minimizing runout, as the case isn’t subjected to lateral forces during cutting. For competitive shooters or anyone loading for extreme accuracy, this controlled environment is a significant advantage.
The Frankford Arsenal relies on its depth micrometer and the shoulder-indexing collet for consistency. Honestly speaking, when set up correctly in a stable drill press, it can produce very consistent results. The built-in micrometer is a nice touch for quick adjustments. However, when used in a hand drill, consistency is more dependent on the operator’s technique. Maintaining perfect alignment and steady pressure is crucial to avoid uneven cuts that could affect the case neck and, ultimately, bullet seating. For general hunting ammo or bulk plinking rounds, it’s more than capable.
So, which case trimmer is more accurate, Hornady or Frankford? In my honest opinion, I believe the Hornady has a higher inherent accuracy ceiling due to its fixed, rigid design. The Frankford can match it in ideal conditions (like a drill press) but requires more skill from the user to achieve that level consistently with a hand drill.
Covering the
Let’s address some practicalities the spec sheets don’t always highlight. Case lube compatibility is rarely an issue with either tool, as trimming is typically done on cleaned brass. However, a tiny bit of lube on the case neck can make the Hornady’s pilot operation smoother. Warranty and customer service are brand-dependent. Hornady has a legendary reputation for standing behind their products, while Frankford Arsenal, through their parent company, also offers solid supportchecking the specific warranty terms for each is always wise.
Another consideration is the Frankford Arsenal Universal trimmer compatibility with other case prep tools. Its drill-powered design makes it a natural companion for a case prep center, allowing you to potentially trim, chamfer, and deburr in a streamlined sequence if you have a multi-station drill setup. The Hornady is a standalone unit, though its robust construction means it will be a fixture on your bench for decades.
Final Verdict & User Recommendations
between these two excellent tools boils down to your reloading personality and goals.
Choose the Hornady Cam-Lock 050140 if:
- You value maximum precision and minimal runout above all else.
- You prefer a dedicated, quiet, and methodical brass prep workflow at your reloading bench.
- You already own Hornady shellholders for your press.
- You load for precision rifle competitions or long-range shooting.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Trimmer if:
- You want the fastest, most versatile tool for processing high volumes of mixed brass.
- You have a drill press to unlock its full potential for consistency.
- You’re a beginner seeking a simple, all-in-one case trimming tool without buying extra pilots.
- Bench space is at a premium, and you appreciate portable, storable tools.
My honest take is that there’s no single “best” tool here. The Hornady is the precision craftsman’s choicea testament to focused engineering. The Frankford is the pragmatic volume processor’s frienda clever, adaptable design. For insights from another authority guide on this topic, their testing often echoes these core trade-offs.
Both will get the job of brass prep done effectively. Your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize the absolute confidence of a locked-down, mechanical process or the flexible speed of a powered, universal system. At the end of the day, the right tool is the one that you’ll use consistently to produce safe, accurate ammunition. And that’s the Honest Opinion from this corner of the reloading world. For more gear deep-dives, you can always read more of our comparisons, from case trimmers to the best picatinny accessories for your rifle.