If you use multiple weapons for your hunting trip, then there are ways on how you can save and conserve that equipment for your next outing! After all, your hunting equipment doesn’t stay in the same new shape forever. It isn’t just about cleaning your gun or patterning your shotgun. You have to take care of your ammunition as well. That’s why it’s recommended to invest in the best case trimmers, which helps you mold brass into shape to fit better in your gun barrel.
However, if you aren’t familiar with the different types of case trimmers available, then read on as I show you the five best ones you can invest in today!
Quick Comparison: Top Case Trimmers
| Image | Product Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System Editor’s Choice | 9.7/10 | Read customer reviews |
 | Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer | 9.4/10 | Read customer reviews |
 | Lyman Universal Trimmer | 9.2/10 | Read customer reviews |
 | RCBS Trim Pro-2 Kit | 8.8/10 | Read customer reviews |
 | LEE Deluxe QK Trim Case | 8.9/10 | Read customer reviews |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
The Five Best Case Trimmers
Based on my research, tests, and overall customer reviews, here are the top five best case trimmers you can get now:
1. The Premium Quality: Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim deserves the top spot because of how it is able to perform fantastically without the hassle! What makes it the best is that you won’t need to chuck it in a rill, nor do you need a drill mount. You are also able to turn at the right RPM so the brass is contained without the noise. It also won’t remove too much metal compared to the other tools, making the case last longer.
And one of the most terrific parts: You can trim, chamfer, and deburr with just one grip on the case. No need to be uncomfortable or try adjusting every few seconds. It saves a ton of time and effort that way. Everything about this case trimmer screams efficiency and amazing performance, making it a worthy investment to last for years.
Pros:
- No noise from the motor
- Compact and easy to set up
- Do everything in just a single grip
- Made of premium materials to last for years
- Saves you time and no problems with precision
Cons:
- Comes at a slightly more expensive price
- Accessory stations are misaligned
2. The Mountable and Precise: Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer
The Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer is an excellent purchase with the sturdy construction and durable finish. It is easy to set up and insert cartridge cases, with the cam lock mechanism working just the way it should. You are also able to adjust the settings quickly because of its spindle, which has a very secure lock to make trimming your cases easily.
Both cutter head and spindle are adjustable according to your preferences, making it easy to ensure that your cases will be trimmed the way you want it. There are no troubles with repeatability so all cases will be trimmed at almost the same length and measurements set for the previous ones. With accuracy and consistency in mind, this is a great investment.
Pros:
- No troubles with repeatability
- Lock mechanisms work effectively
- Robust construction with a beautiful finish
- Trimming is accurate and consistent
Cons:
- A bit difficult to loosen adjustment nuts
- Need to use Hornady case holders
3. The Adjustable and Powerful: Lyman Universal Trimmer
If you’re looking for something small but effective, then the Lyman Universal Trimmer is a fantastic choice. This is a universal chuck head which can handle many types of cases without the need for collets. You can adjust the settings and keep it consistent, making it easy to trim multiple cases without worries of different measurements. There are both coarse and fine adjustments with a power adapter included for longer lifespan when using it. You can trim up to 250 cases within an hour!
I appreciate that it’s very easy to set up and use. It’s also extremely sturdy and built to last.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust and hold trim sizes
- No hassle in set up and adjustments
- Compact and easy to bring around with
- Universal chuck head for versatility when trimming
Cons:
- Looks a bit cheap
- Need to put a bit of weight to trim cases
4. The Outstanding and Trustworthy: RCBS Trim Pro-2 Kit
If you’re looking for a case trimmer of the absolute quality without the expensive price tag, then the RCBS Trim Pro-2 Kit is another great purchase. Made of the highest quality materials, this Bushnell trimmer will be able to deliver thanks to its improved features.
It has the spring-loaded universal shell for security and protection when trimming. The trimmer can work for most standard pilots, coming with nine pilots to use with many types of cases. It works as claimed but more efficient compared to other types of case trimmers. It saves me a ton of time once you have it set up.
Pros:
- Get the exact same cuts for every case trimming
- Easy to set up and use
- Small and durable
- Spring mechanism for security
Cons:
- exclamation-triangleSome bolts get loose easily and need tightening
- exclamation-triangleA bit on the pricey side for its size
5. The Simple and Compact: LEE Deluxe QK Trim Case
Last but not the least, we have the LEE Deluxe QK Trim Case, which is the simple and one of the most affordable trimmers on the market today. It isn’t only cheap but it runs smoothly with the accuracy you want. You receive the nice and even cuts regardless of how many cases you trim and it definitely saves time and space around the house.
Pros:
- Trimming is accurate and with clean cut
- Easy to use and set up
- Inexpensive price
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to trim cases
- Needs some elbow grease to work well
Why Use a Case Trimmer?
A case trimmer helps you mold brass back into the right shape to allow it to fit in your gun’s barrel. But why is that needed? There are so many ways your brass affects your shot accuracy and gun’s lifespan. Here are just some of its benefits:
Lengthens Your Gun’s Lifespan
This is one of the reasons why I appreciate the case trimmer, as it helps keep my guns performing well. Because it molds the brass back to shape, it will then fit your gun and avoid it from misshaping. Sure, it can be quite a tedious task but your gun will definitely thank you for longer lifespans.
Improves Your Shot Accuracy
I remember when I once went on a hunting trip, I noticed a friend who struggled with his shot accuracy because of reloaded ammunition. Through keeping your brass and ammunition well-fitted, there won’t be a problem with your ammunition from bulging as you reuse it. That way, when you take your shot, there is a better chance of catching your game.
Saves You Money
Through using a case trimmer, you will be able to save money by reusing ammunition. It’s best to reuse your ammunition properly rather than to wait for it to bulge and replace it with another one, letting the cycle repeat. Reloaded ammunition, if properly trimmed and prepared, will work just as fantastic as a new one!
No More Manual Workload
There are ways on how you can reuse and trim your ammunition without a case trimmer. But who has the time to do that? Trimming your ammunition is quite a task that no one wants to do, but with a case trimmer, you’ll be able to cut the time and effort put into it.
Read more: The 5 Best Reloading Benches You Need to Invest In Now
How to Choose the Best Case Trimmer
A case trimmer is beneficial, for sure, but that’s only if you choose the right one for you and your weapons! If you’re still new to case trimmers and have no idea how to measure its quality, then here are some tips and factors to consider:
Accuracy and Quickness
The reason why you’re getting a case trimmer is to lessen the frustrations of trimming the brass manually! That’s why it’s important to find a case trimmer that performs quickly and gives you the results you need. It should be able to trim your cases to what length you want and with the precision to ensure no issues when using it. Plus, you’ll want it to be quick especially if you have a lot of cases to work on!
A good case trimmer should also have the quiet motor to avoid disturbing anyone around the house.
Ease of Loading and Unloading
Yes, you can get the most reputable case trimmer available but what you need to focus more on is its ease of use! If you get something difficult to operate then you’re going to have frustrations and issues that make the task even harder. Get a straightforward machine without the complicated settings for you to start with.
How Clean Is the Cut?
The case trimmer should be able to have the capacity to hold shells while you trim and reload it. It should also have the versatile shell holders to work for most of your weapons to work on various cartridges.
Another point to consider is the volume of cases you plan to cut. If you have a lot to work on, getting a more advanced and power model can help. Remember to also check if the case trimmer gives off the nice and clean cuts for accuracy.
What Calibers Does the Trimmer Work With?
What kind of caliber ammunition is the case trimmer compatible with? Because case trimmers aren’t designed to work for all ammunition, you need to know your guns and read up on the features that the case trimmer has to offer.
Read more: The Best Red Dot Magnifier: Target Better With These 5 Products!
Bonus Tips on Maintaining Your Hunting Equipment
Now that you’re familiar with why the case trimmer is beneficial and how to select the suitable one for you, how can you use it? Furthermore, how else can you care for your hunting equipment? Let these tips guide you in caring for your guns and weapons:
- Regardless of the type of case trimmer you have, you need to maintain it properly to lengthen its lifespan. Make sure that you replace its cutters and sharpen regularly for cleaner cuts. Also, oil the crank handle and cutter shaft for smooth performance.
- After every use, keep your cutter clean and remove chips or shavings for better and cleaner cuts.
- Once you have already trimmed the brass, remember to chamfer and deburr it for better bullet seating and chambering. Avoid removing too much material to ensure that the ammunition isn’t loose when putting it in.
- Besides trimming your ammunition occasionally, make sure that you store it well to avoid damage. I recommend that you store it off the ground and inside a sealed, plastic container. Make sure that the powder is dry, keeping it in low-humidity environments. Keeping ammo in hot cars or wet areas with mildew is a huge no-no, as it can result in your ammunition wearing down or being permanently damaged. Learning more about the parts of ammunition can help you understand why this is important to do!
If you’re still unsure of how to use a case trimmer, then this informative video can help you out:
Wrapping It Up
Through using a powerful and strong case trimmer, you will be able to have all your hunting equipment last for longer, ensuring that the brass will fit your guns and keep it at the same length. That way, you are more precise with your shooting! While it may be quite a tedious task, it will be worth it as it saves money in the long run.
Out of all the case trimmers tried and tested, the best one would have to go to the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System. What’s great about this is that it’s versatile, working for many types of cases with the efficient performance one needs to make the task easier. Its cut my workload so much thanks to its quality and quiet motor. While it does come at a slightly high price, it will save you a lot of time and money in the long run, making it worth the investment.
Hopefully, these five best case trimmers gave you an idea of what you should begin purchasing for your hunting equipment. So don’t wait any longer and check any of these case trimmers out today!
For those who have any questions or would like to share their tips and reviews on using case trimmers, then comment below. I would love to hear what you have to think.