The Ultimate Guide to Find The Best Case Trimmer in 2024!

Whether you shoot for hunting, competition, or just for fun, accuracy is a must. Everything needs to be just right for the bull’s eye we all are looking for, including the powder weight, primer, bullet seating, and of course case length. To achieve the perfect case length, you need the best case trimmer that gives you control and precision for each 1000th of an inch you trim off the case. And not drain your pocket.

In this article 8 case trimmers were compared to find the best case trimmer. And help you make the final decision.

All veteran handloaders use reloading manuals to guide them in their reloading. Check out which is the best reloading manual suited for your purpose.

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To determine the world’s best case trimmer for precision trimming and reloading. We boiled down to the crucial 6 factors that were considered from 10 factors when buying a case trimmer in their priority order.

1. Trim Accuracy.
2. Trim Length Control.
3. Trim Speed.
4. Range of acceptance for Caliber cases for trimming.
5. Other Available functions of the case trimmer.
6. Value for the price.

World’s Best Case Trimmer Comparison

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Short Description of the 3 Best Case Trimmers.

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But if you want to reload both pistol and rifle cases, then you have 2 options, Motorized or hand-crank. If you want a motorized trimmer then Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center. But the best manual case trimmer definitely is the RCBS Trim Pro-2 Manual Case Trimmer.

Read the full article to find out how I ranked these case trimmers and see where your brand falls on the list. Find out the world’s best case trimmer and why.

The World’s Best Case Trimmer Brands

A case trimmer is a long-term investment, there are many brands in the market but few are trustworthy, and even fewer are budget-friendly. Out of all those Frankford Arsenals, Lyman, Hornady & RCBS are trustworthy. In this article, we will be reviewing case trimmers from these manufacturers. 

Frankford Arsenal

Frankford Arsenal has 2 case trimmers and we are going to review both.

1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center.
2. Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer.

Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center

This is the Swiss knife for case trimming and preparation, an all-in-one case preparation unit. It is precise and consistent with its noisy motorized cutter. It also includes a motorized chamfer, deburr, & primer pocket cleaning tool to prepare your brass cases for precision reloading.

Having this many parts to keep track of is a hassle, and to overcome that, the unit is equipped with a built-in storage compartment, to avoid losing any small important parts. This unit is also quite easy to store and (if required) relocate.

The steel cutter of this trimmer is made of good quality. And Frankford Arsenal does not make carbide cutters if you are looking for one.

Setting up the trimmer is simple.

1. Open the end-cap and find the washer that sits on the shoulder and the collet that has the best fit for your ammo case.
2. First, insert the washer (look inside if it is in line with the cutter head) then the collet (that is not too tight on the case), and screw the end-cap back.
3. Then place your case in the collet and screw the end-cap until there is no side-to-side wiggle and the case can be easily removed and inserted in the collet.
4. Place the case through the collet, making sure the case’s mouth is just touching the cutter’s head. This provides the reference to begin trimming.
5. Now measure your brass case, and with relevance to a reloading manual, find out how much it needs trimming. 
6. Now spin the jammer nut to make fine adjustments with an increment of 0.001″ to get the desired length.
7. Give it a trial trim to check if further adjustment is required.

Once the desired length is achieved, remove that case and insert the next case for successive trimming. It does not end there, after trimming use the chamfer and deburring tool to clean the case mouth and primer pocket to completely prepare the case for reloading. From case trimming to primer pocket cleaning of one case takes me about 15-20 seconds.

As is in the name, it is a total Case Trimming and Preparation Center for your brass ammo cases. But this unit cannot trim most pistol cases because of the lack of case shoulder. Hence if you are a rifle shooter and you handload, then this is the best reloading case trimmer for you!

In summary: 

• Assembling complexity: Complex (8/10).
• Trim Accuracy: Accuracy with ±1 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 3-5 seconds.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: 0.17 Remington to 0.460 Weatherby Magnum cases with a shoulder.
• Other accessories: Chamfer, Deburr, primer pocket cleaner & built-in storage box.
• Other Remark: The collet is of plastic and should be careful not to heat it to avoid deforms. 
• Improvement: None.

Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer

Frankford Arsenal makes durable products, and this case trimmer is no exception. Just like its godfather (Platinum Series Case Trim & Prep Center), this case trimmer is precise and consistent in trimming exactly the amount you need to cut with an accuracy adjustment of ±0.001 inches. 

But to operate this case trimmer you must have an electric drill. So when buying you must consider the price of an electric drill as well. And just like the other case trimmer by Frankford Arsenal this too has a complex setup and can only be used on cases with a shoulder.

To set up, follow the steps below or the guide provided.

1. Begin by choosing the right washer (flat shiny pilot) and collet for your ammo case. Choose the washer that sits comfortably midway around the shoulder of the case that you want to trim.
2. Now select the collet that fits the case the best, not tight but not too loose. Choose the smallest collet that you can insert your case freely.
3. Then unscrew the case trimmer’s end-cap, insert the right washer, and then collet. Screw the end-cap back in.
4. Adjust the collet opening by spinning the end-cap of the trimmer to make sure the case does not wiggle when placed in the collet and faces slight friction. Too much friction will hinder the easy removal and insertion of a case in the collet.
5. Finally, adjust the length by rotating the base and using the stop nut to fix the length in position with the jam-nut for accurate trimming.
6. Set the unit on an electric drill & and begin trimming.

With the setup completed, you can now begin trimming the case. Each trimming may take anywhere from 3 to 5 seconds. Always be careful not to let the case rotate while trimming, as heat caused by friction might deform the collet, which is made up of plastic. The blade has a good life and can be changed with other standard blade manufacturers.

In summary: 

• Assembling complexity: Complex (7/10).
• Trim Accuracy: Accuracy with ±1 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 7-10 seconds.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: 0.17 Remington to 0.460 Weatherby Magnum.
• Other accessories: None Included.
• Other Remark: The collet is of plastic and should be careful not to heat it to avoid deforms. 
• Improvement: None.

Comparison of Frankford Arsenal case trimmers.

Frankford Arsenal case trimmers are meant for rifle case trimmers and the only difference between them is the extra features. Hence if you already possess a chamfer, deburr, primer pocket cleaner & an electric drill for the job, choosing a universal precision case trimmer is a viable option, as it is cheap and more portable and it can also act as a backup unit.

But if you buy the Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center you get all the case preparing tools in one place compact place. Trim and prepare your cases in the least amount of time required.

Lyman.

Next in line is Lyman, and I will review 3 of their products. 

1. Lyman’s case trimmer Xpress,
2. Lyman Universal Case Trimmer,
3. Lyman E-Zee Trim Hand Case Trimmer

Lyman Power Case Trimmer Xpress Review

Lyman Case Trim Xpress is the only motorized case trimmer by Lyman. And it can only trim rifle cases. On this trimmer, you can trim your brass cases at variable speeds, but I suggest using a higher speed to have a more precise cut. 

The major setback one might have with this case trimmer is getting used to the spring washer for consistent case trimming. You won’t need lots of practice but at first, you may end up applying lots more pressure than you will usually need.

In the package, you will receive the case trimmer (attached with a blade, collet holder & spring washer), a set of ten bushings, which are spring-loaded with the washer, power adapter & some instructions. The Spring-washer provides mechanical feedback but also requires constant pressure for consistent trim length.

To begin trimming follow the steps below:

1. Open the bushing holder (carefully, as the spring washer may spring out).
2. Find out using the manual which bushing is right for you.
3. Place the spring washer on the bushing and screw the bushing holder back to the case trimmer.
4. Place a caliber case through the bushing and apply gentle pressure (to compress the spring washer), while adjusting the blade to just touch the case mouth.
5. Measure the case, then using the reloading manual find out how much it needs to be trimmed.
6. Using the dialer (which has steps of 0.001-inch increment) fine-tune the length that needs to be trimmed. For the first trim, it is better to trim in small steps instead of aiming for the perfect length in one trim. Shortened cases can’t be used and need to be repurposed.
7. If the desired length is achieved remove the case, input another case, and keep trimming.

Practice is a virtue because you will need to apply equal pressure for consistent trim accuracy. After the right adjustments, you can trim one case in approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Usually, it is a clean trim, but that does not mean you do not need a chamfer and deburr, you definitely need those.

If you want to trim other cases, changing from one bushing to another is quite simple and fast. Just unscrew the bushing holder, carefully replace the bushing, keep the spring washer aligned, and close the head back. Adjust the trim length dialer. And, now you are ready to trim other caliber cases.

In summary:

• Assembling complexity:  Simple (4/10).
• Trim Accuracy: Accuracy with ±4 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 4-5 seconds.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: Only rifle cases, with the available bushing.
• Other accessories: None Included.
• Other Remark: other bushings can be bought separately.
• Improvement: Chamfer and Deburr could have been included as it has its own motor unit.

Lyman E-Zee Trim Hand Case Trimmer

This is the most affordable case trimmer in this listing. But it is also slow, because of the time it takes to replace a brass case in the shell holder. It is simple and handheld, but it is limited to a few types of calibers only.  It is not as accurate because it expands and contracts in summer and winter respectively.

In the package, you will receive a Pilot Holder, a case holder, an Electric Drill Adapter, and 5 Rifle pilots (or 6 pistol pilots). No complex settings are required if you are using this. It has precisely shaped pilots for the brass case that does not require adjustments. 

Setting up Lyman E-Zee Trim Hand Case Trimmer a child’s play. Does not require instruction but in case you do:

1. Choose the correct pilot and using the hex key & screw, tighten the pilot on the blade.
2. Place the shell plate in the shell plate holder, then place the case in the shell holder.
3. Insert the pilot in the case and trim the case (hold the shell plate holder firmly to avoid slanted trim).

Simple as that, just clean the burrs afterward. If the pilot you want is not available in the package, you can buy that pilot separately which Lyman will happily sell to you. This case trimmer can also be used with an electric drill with the power trim adapter that is included in the package. 

One key difference from other case trimmers is its simple pilot setting for easy length setup. Its main marketing point has shown problematic for me, as it does not trim the caliber case to the exact length as it promises. In summer, the pilot expands and trims less, and in winter the pilot shrinks and trims more than desired.

In summary: 

• Assembling complexity: very simple (2/10).
• Trim Accuracy: accurate with ±4 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 10-12 seconds because of case changing procedure.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: limited with the available pilots.
• Other accessories: None Included.
• Other Remark: Could be the best beginner’s case trimmer. 
• Improvement: using an electric drill. 

Lyman Universal Case Trimmer Review.

To begin trimming follow the 6 steps or the guide provided with the case trimmer.

1. Select the appropriate pilot for the case.
2. Use the Allen range to tighten the pilot with the cutter shaft (The pilot is there to prevent slanted trimming).
3. Insert the case in the case holder and tighten it using the universal chuck head.
4. Push the hand crack until the pilot is completely inside the case and the blade is touching the brass case’s mouth.
5. Using the Allen range slightly tighten the blade position with the lock ring.
6. Now measure the case, and with relevance to the reloading manual, determine how much it needs trimming.
7. Using the stop collars adjust the trimming length. The small stop collar is used for major changes and the bigger dialer is used for precise adjustments.
8. Now place the case in the universal chuck head and then begin trimming, while applying inward pressure on the hand crank.

To reach the desired length for precision reloading, trim the case in small steps to avoid shortening the case. Then use a chamfer and deburrer to finish the case length preparation for reloading.

Using the pilots both rifle and pistol cases can be trimmed. But, if you are going to trim a bunch of cases using the hand crank, you will end up with lots of trimmed cases and a stressful wrist. However, by upgrading the hand crank with a Lyman Case Trimmer Power adapter and connecting it with an electric drill, it is possible to increase the efficiency (highly recommended).

In summary: 

• Assembling complexity: slightly complex (6/10).
• Trim Accuracy: Accuracy with ±2 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 7-12 seconds because of case changing procedure and hand crank
• Trim-able Caliber Range: .17 calibers to .458 calibers.
• Other accessories: None Included.
• Other Remark: Trimming a bunch of cases can cause rapid stain injury using the hand crank. 
• Improvement: Buy the Lyman case trimmer power adapter to use an electric drill. 

Comparison of Lyman Products

Hornady

Everyone loves Hornady, and here we will be reviewing the famous trimmers they have in the market.

1. Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Center, and
2. Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer

Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Center

1. Always check the adjustment handle for the dead space (the rotating of the handle that does not move the case holder up or down).
2. The lock nob moving the trimmer plate can loosen the shell holder and misguide the case length.
3. Placing a mark on the base of the adjustment handle to help keep a reference. Try to avoid sharp objects for reference marking as it may damage the paint and lead to rust. 
4. If you are trimming a rifle case, make sure the lock bolt is set into the rifle hole.

If you happen to find any of the listed problems, the video below provides all solutions in detail.

After examining the trimmer, and if everything is operational, you can move on to setting up the case trimmer for trimming.

1. Begin by choosing the correct shell holder and pilot for the case you want to trim.
2. Remove the shaving catch tray to find the hex screw, and use the Allen range to unscrew and tighten the pilot on the blade.
3. Place the shell holder in the plunger and insert it in the cam-lock.
4. Loosen the cam-lock by rotating the cam-lock clockwise, insert the case, and then rotate the cam-lock counter-clockwise to tighten it.
5. Press the spindle lever to bring the case down to touch the blade. If the case touches the blade before the spindle lever is completely down or the case does not touch the blade when the spindle lever is completely down, then adjust it using the rotating length adjusting handle.
6. Measure the case and determine using the reloading manual how much it needs trimming.
7. Using the rotating handle on top adjust in small increments and reach the desired trim length. The distance between the two ridges on the rotating handle is 0.001 inches.
8. Once the length is set, trial trim, chamfer, and deburr and measure the length.

If everything is in order, start the trim session and at the same time use the chamfer, deburr, primer pocket cleaner, and neck cleaner to prepare the case for reloading. It is much cleaner to place the chamfer and deburr at the bottom to avoid having shavings on other tools.

This trimmer is excellent for advanced precision reloaders and if the case trimmer is performing without any disturbances then this could be the best case trimmer in the market. It is very precise, accepts both pistol and rifle cases, has additional tools for total case preparation, and lastly keeps all case shavings contained in the trays. All these features come at a price.

In summary:

• Assembling complexity: normal if all system is in working condition (5/10).
• Trim Accuracy: ±1 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 5-10 seconds because of case changing procedure.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: almost all caliber if pilots are available.
• Other accessories: 6 changeable adjustments to completely prepare your case for reloading.
• Other Remark: Total care for the case trimmer.
• Improvement: none.

Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer

To set up the trimmer for case trimming.

1. The first step is to choose the right pilot and the shell holder for the case you want to trim.
2. Then unscrew the cam-lock and place the shell holder in. And using the Allen range insert the pilot on the blade shaft.
3. To place the case, loosen the shell holder by rotating the shell lock lever anticlockwise. Place the case and rotate the shell lock clockwise to tighten the case in position.
4. Push the Blade Shaft all the way left and the Left Side Spindle towards the blade and tighten the position of the spindle using the Spindle lock knob.
5. Now remove the case and measure to determine how much it needs trimming, using a reloading manual.
6. Using the micro-adjust to trim the case is steps and not all at once because a shortened case can’t be lengthened.
7. Trim and measure the case and if required do further adjustments using the micro-adjust, until the desired length is achieved.

Upon reaching the correct trim length successive trim sessions can continue. With practice using this trimmer the time required to trim each case will be around 5-10 seconds.

The hand crank is slow and stressful on the wrist, hence it is better to upgrade from the hand crank to Cam-Lock Power Trimmer Adapter which works with a battery-operated screwdriver but needs to be bought separately. Unlike most other trimmers in this list, which can trim with an accuracy of 0.001” the Cam-Lock case trimmer trims with an accuracy of 0.01″.

In summary:

• Assembling complexity:  Complex (6/10).
• Trim Accuracy: Accuracy of 0.01 of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 5-10 seconds.
• Trim-able Caliber Range: up to 50 caliber.
• Other accessories: None.
• Other Remark: To trim you will need to buy a shell holder separately.
• Improvement: Buying a power adapter to use a battery-operated screwdriver.

Hornady Case Trimmers Comparison

Of these case trimmers that Hornady manufactures, Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Canter is better even though it is more expensive. Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer has lower-trim accuracy, and we use case trimmer For Accuracy.

Whereas Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Center can easily be the best case trim & prep center. The prep center has a motorized chamfer, deburr, primer pocket cleaner, and neck brush. But these features come with expenses.

RCBS Trim Pro – 2 Case Trimmers

The RCBS Trim Pro — 2 Case Trimmer has high accuracy and consistency. Though it takes a lot of space on the table because of the massive case loading handle, it still is the best manual case trimmer. And I call it the best because if you upgrade this trimmer it will be able to compete with high-end case trimmers that chamfer, deburr & trims in a single step.

Though setting the 3-way cutter can be complex, especially the outer burrs. But once you set it up you will be able to completely prepare a case for reloading in one go. Although you will need to buy pilot cutters for different calibers. And RCBS does not make pilot cutters for all types of calibers.

To assemble the unit for case trimming,

1. First, choose the correct pilot for your ammo case, and using a hex screw, screw it at the center of the blade.
2. Then insert the case into the spring loader. Release the spring loader and push the hand crack until the pilot fits in the case and the blade is touching the case.
3. Now slide the adjuster and fix the position of the blade.
4. Then measure the case and find out how much you need to trim using a slide caliper & a reloading manual.
5. Fine-tune that length by using the dialer.
6. After the adjustments are completed, do some trial trimming and measure again to confirm if all settings are perfect.

If everything is in order, you can start trimming case by case. It takes about 7-10 seconds to trim each case. Since it is a hand crank, you will have a sore wrist if you are trimming a bunch of cases. My suggestion would be to upgrade to a motorized cutter. Following the trim, use the chamfer, deburr, and primer pocket cleaner (not included) to prep the case for reloading.

In summary:

• Assembling complexity: Simple (6/10).
• Trim Accuracy: ±3 thousand of an inch.
• Successive Trim Speed: 7-10 seconds because of case changing procedure and hand crank
• Trim-able Caliber Range: almost all from 17 Rem to 500 Smith and Wilson.
• Other accessories: None Included.
• Other Remark: Hand Crank, you will have a sore wrist for trimming a bunch of cases.
• Improvement: buying the rotary case trimmer power trim converter to enable you to use an electric drill.

FAQ

So, Who Makes The Best Case Trimmer for Reloading?

After a detailed comparison of 8 case trimmers from 4 renowned brands, it still poses a challenge to choose who makes the best case trimmer for reloading. With the 5 factors – Trim Accuracy, Trim Speed, Range of acceptance for Caliber cases for trimming, Other Available functions of the case trimmer & Value for Price, in my Honest Opinion, I believe Frankford Arsenal’s Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center is the most suitable for any rifle cases and the best case trimmer for the money.

But depending on needs and circumstances other case trimmers could suit much better for your needs. The aim of this article is to inform you about the factor to consider and the detail of the world’s best case trimmer brands, to help you make a decision on how to choose a case trimmer.

But if you are new to case trimming or reloading, you can read more about using a case trimmer to enhance your knowledge.

Reference list

• https://www.hornady.com/support/faqs/
• https://www.lymanproducts.com/list_faqs/faqs/index/