Every reloader knows the moment. You’re deep in the brass prep stage, surrounded by fired cases, and the task of bringing them all to a uniform trim length looms. It’s a critical step for safety, accuracy, and consistency, especially for precision rifle reloading. The tool you choose for this job can make the difference between a chore and a streamlined process. Two names often come up in this conversation: the established Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress and the purpose-built Derraco Engineering Ugly SRT Shoulder Referenced Trimmer. They represent two distinct philosophies in reloading equipment.
One prioritizes powered speed for volume, while the other champions mechanical precision. Deciding between them isn’t just about picking a case trimmer; it’s about aligning a tool with your specific reloading workflow, goals, and budget. Let’s break down exactly what each offers, using only their stated features, to see which might earn a permanent spot on your bench.
Head-to-Head: Lyman Case Trim Xpress vs. Derraco Ugly SRT
At their core, both tools perform the same fundamental task: trimming case length. How they achieve it, and what they require from you, is where they diverge completely. This table lays out the hard specifications based on the manufacturers’ own descriptions.
| Feature | Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress | Derraco Engineering Ugly SRT Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Core Operation | Powered, variable-speed motor with integrated system. | Manual, hand-operated precision tool. |
| Power Source | Own power source & motor; no drill needed. | Requires a hand drill or screwdriver for rotation. |
| Case Holding Method | Uses bushings that contact the case shoulder. | Uses a specific, numbered collet system (e.g., SRTNO.10). |
| Key Adjustment | Fixed via bushing; trim length is set per bushing. | Micrometer adjustment via “Lock N Adjust” ring (1 thou increments). |
| Cutter Design | Long-lasting carbide cutter. | Durable & very sharp M2AL High-Speed Steel (HSS) cutter. |
| Primary Construction | Not specified in provided features. | CNC-milled 6061 aircraft alloy; hard-anodized finish. |
| Included Components | Comes with 10 bushings for popular bottleneck cases. | Trimmer body with one specific collet (must select correct “SRT+NO.XX” option). |
| Target User | Reloaders seeking speed for high-volume trimming. | Reloaders prioritizing precision adjustment and repeatability. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Performance on the Bench: Precision & Speed Unpacked
The specs tell a story, but how do they translate to the bench? Speaking honestly, your definition of “performance” will dictate the winner here.
The Lyman Trim Xpress is built for throughput. Its strong variable-speed motor and bushing-based system mean you can grab a case, push it into the correct bushing, and trim it in seconds. The contact on the shoulder is designed for quick alignment. There’s no fiddling with measurements for each case; the bushing sets the trim length consistency. For someone processing hundreds of .223 Remington or similar brass, this speed is a massive advantage. The carbide cutter is also a plus for longevity against abrasive brass.
The Derraco Ugly SRT lives in the world of thousandths. Its entire design screams precision rifle and benchrest ethos. The shoulder-referenced collet system provides a solid, repeatable lock on the case. The star of the show is the micrometer adjustment ring. This allows you to dial in your exact trim length with 0.001″ precision and lock it. For shooters chasing the smallest groups, this level of control over case length is non-negotiable. The trade-off is speed; each case must be inserted into the collet and rotated via a drill.
From my honest perspective, the Lyman is a semi-automatic, while the Derraco is a bolt-action. One is fast and efficient; the other is deliberate and exacting. The question becomes: are you trimming for functional consistency or for ultimate precision?
Price, Value & Identifying the Right User
Cost is more than a sticker price; it’s about what you get for your investment and what you might need to spend later. Honestly speaking, both tools present very different value propositions.
The Lyman Trim Xpress is a complete, out-of-the-box system. You get the motorized unit, a carbide cutter, and ten bushings covering many common calibers. Your initial purchase gets you running immediately for a wide array of bottleneck rifle cases. The value for money is high if your caliber needs align with the included bushings and you want a dedicated, powered station.
The Derraco Ugly SRT is more of a modular precision instrument. Your initial purchase is for the trimmer body and one specific collet (e.g., for .222 Rem or .223 Rem). If you reload multiple calibers, you must buy additional collets separately. However, you are investing in a tool built from aircraft alloy with a fine-adjustment mechanism. For the shooter dedicated to one or two precision calibers, this focused investment makes perfect sense. My honest take is that the Lyman offers broader immediate utility, while the Derraco offers deeper, caliber-specific precision.
Durability, Maintenance & Real-World Considerations
Competitors often gloss over long-term ownership. Let’s talk about what happens after 5,000 rounds. Cutter head design and material matter. The Lyman’s carbide cutter is extremely wear-resistant, promising long life with minimal maintenance. The Derraco’s M2AL HSS cutter is very sharp and durable but may eventually require sharpeninga consideration for ultra-high-volume users.
Noise and vibration are factors. The Lyman’s motor will produce some hum and spin, while the Derraco’s noise depends entirely on the drill you attach. Vibration is generally minimal for both when set up correctly. Compatibility is another key point. The Lyman is a standalone station. The Derraco, being manual, can be mounted in various ways or even used in conjunction with some case prep centers if you have the right adapters, offering more integration flexibility for an existing workflow.
Maintenance is straightforward for both: keep them clean. For the Derraco, ensuring the micrometer threads and collet are free of brass shavings is key. For the Lyman, periodically clearing the housing of debris maintains performance. Honestly to goodness, both are built to last, but their maintenance profiles differ slightly due to their mechanical vs. powered nature.
Final Verdict: Which Case Trimmer Should You Choose?
So, which case trimmer is more accurate, Lyman or Derraco? For pure, dialable, repeatable precision, the Derraco Ugly SRT wins due to its micrometer adjustment. If you want my honest opinion, its design is purpose-built for shooters who measure success in tiny fractions of an inch.
Is the Lyman vs. Derraco better for volume reloading? Absolutely the Lyman Case Trim Xpress. Its powered operation and quick bushing system will save hours over a long reloading session. Its the clear choice for processing large batches of brass for semi-automatic rifles or general hunting ammunition.
For the precision rifle reloader obsessed with consistency, the Derraco is a compelling tool. For the pragmatic reloader who values speed and broad compatibility, the Lyman is a fantastic workhorse. Your choice hinges on whether your brass prep ritual is about refinement or efficiency.
Before making any decision, I honestly believe you should read more of our detailed guides on setting up an efficient reloading bench. And if you’re building out a precision rifle, don’t forget the foundationcheck our guide on selecting the right picatinny bipod for stable shots. At the end of the day, the best tool is the one that fits your process and helps you shoot better. That’s the Honest Opinion from our bench to yours.