{"id":55663,"date":"2016-04-10T08:25:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-10T12:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=55663"},"modified":"2016-04-10T08:25:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T14:16:02","slug":"reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"OK,

OK, so maybe this isn’t the most precise way to trim your cartridge cases…<\/p><\/div>\n

SERIES<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Part 1:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span>Want to Reload Your Own Ammo? Basic Questions to Consider<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 2:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span>The Reloading Process<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Part 3:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The Gear You\u2019ll Need and What It\u2019ll Cost You<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Part 4:\u00a0Brass Cleaning and Preparation to Load<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 5:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span>Brass Resizing<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 6:\u00a0Trimming Cartridge Cases<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 7:\u00a0Repriming the Cartridge Case<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 8:\u00a0Powder, Propellants, and Pressure<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 9:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span>All About Primers<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 10:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span>Projectiles: Materials, Weights, and Styles<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 11:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Seating and Crimping Bullets<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 12: To Crimp or not to Crimp<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 13: Final Inspection and Packaging Tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

While touring the FN factory last week, I got an up close and personal look at their process for cold hammer forging barrels. In case you don\u2019t know how that works, they stuff a steel rod, with an oversize hole for a bore, into a machine that hammers the living snot out of the barrel blank. A mandrel inside has the mirror image relief cut of the desired rifling pattern. As the hammers mash the steel into the mandrel, the bore takes the desired shape. It’s kind of like doing auto repair with a hammer – just pound away ’til all is right.<\/p>\n

Why do I mention this in an article about cartridge case trimming? Because those steel rod barrel blanks stretch several inches during the process of taking\u00a0such a drubbing. A similar thing happens when you resize rifle brass, although the process isn\u2019t quite as dramatic. When you stuff the cartridge case into a resizing die, it\u2019s subject to pretty intense pressure from the outside in. That pressure reforms (basically crushes) the brass back into its original size and shape. During this process, the brass stretches in the direction of the case mouth. Ipso facto ergo e. Pluribus Unum, after one or more resizings, depending on the brass type, caliber, and load, the cartridge case is a little longer than it\u2019s supposed to be.<\/p>\n

Before you begin the process of adding new propellant and seating and crimping a new projectile into place, you need to trim that case back to its \u201ctrim to\u201d length. If you don\u2019t, you\u2019ll get all sorts of wonky results when trying to crimp. Or maybe your newly completed cartridge won\u2019t fit into the chamber. Or worse yet, you might end up pressure variances that impact accuracy depending on how long the case is compared to spec. For all these reasons, you\u2019ve got to inspect the length of your bottleneck rifle (but sometimes pistol) cases and if necessary, trim them back to the proper length.<\/p>\n

To find the proper \u201ctrim to\u201d length, just check your reloading manual. It\u2019ll have that exact number so you can cut with confidence.<\/p>\n

There are a number of ways to do this, and like most things in reloading, your choice of which one largely depends on your anticipated volume of work, your need for precision, and your patience level. In other words, you can spend more money on equipment and get more automation (and more production per hour) or you can do things by hand at a slower pace, but spend a lot less money on case trimming gear.<\/p>\n

Depending on the type of trimmer you choose, you might also need a separate tool to chamfer and deburr<\/a> the case mouths. The trimming operation leaves a rough, flat cut. Chamfering applies a slight bevel to the inside of the case mouth to bullets seat smoothly and evenly. Deburring takes the rough edges off the outside of the case and usually applies a bevel there too.<\/p>\n

[one_half]<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>

This Lyman hand tool<\/a> chamfers and deburrs with a different tool head on each end.<\/p><\/div>\n

[\/one_half]<\/p>\n

[one_half_last]<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio<\/a> motorizes the chamfer and deburr process among other functions.<\/p><\/div>\n

[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One more thing before we get into trimmer types. A case gauge<\/a> \u00a0is an indispensable tool, especially for bottleneck rifle cartridges. This gauge replicates the inside of a chamber for a specific caliber. Simply by dropping your cartridge case into the gauge you can tell if the case is resized properly and if the head space is correct to spec. It’s the best way to make sure your resizing die is set correctly. It\u2019s also a super quick way to tell if your cases need trimming. Since you\u2019re looking by eye, you won\u2019t have 1\/1,000th of an inch precision, but you can easily spot cases that are excessively long or short. If you really want to see what\u2019s going on with your cases, invest in Sheridan Slotted Case Gauges<\/a>. They\u2019re significantly more expensive, but give you a view of exactly how your cartridge cases conform to a perfectly sized chamber.<\/p>\n

[one_half]<\/p>\n

\"Dropping

Dropping your case into a gauge will tell you that resizing and headspace are correct.<\/p><\/div>\n

[\/one_half]<\/p>\n

[one_half_last]<\/p>\n

\"You

You can also see at a glance if your case is too long.<\/p><\/div>\n

[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at a few approaches with an example of each. I\u2019ll try to roughly order these case trimming options from least expensive and lowest production rate to pricier but faster.<\/p>\n

Hand Trimmers<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s hard to go wrong with a classic hand-operated case trimmer like the Forster Original Case Trimmer<\/a>. These are miniature lathes. One end holds the cartridge case while the other has a blade that turns via a handle to trim the case mouth. Specifics vary by manufacturer, so check to see if your model of choice (like the Forster) requires specific size collets and guides for the case base and mouth respectively.<\/p>\n

\"This

This Forster Case Trimmer is simple, affordable, and precise.<\/p><\/div>\n

While the trim rate is limited by how fast you turn, precision is excellent with a quality model like the Forster. Without a 75 horsepower motor, you have excellent control over even the lightest trim settings. Many models have an optional adapter to add a motor or power drill so you can ditch the hand cranking.<\/p>\n

Most hand trimmers execute a flat cut, so you\u2019ll need to chamfer and deburr separately. The Forster Original runs right about $100 and comes with a variety of collets and pilot guides. Other brands run a bit less depending.<\/p>\n

Little Crow WFT Trimmers<\/h2>\n

Another nifty invention is the Little Crow Gunworks World\u2019s Finest Trimmer<\/a>. That\u2019s WFT, not WTF! This clever device mounts in a standard hand drill or drill press. Instead of mounting the cartridge case in a lathe for trimming, you simply press a case into the unit while it\u2019s spinning. The outer body sets length by stopping the case shoulder at a point you adjust. Each case takes seconds to trim so you can move through a pile pretty quickly. Between pressure and vibration, your fingers will get a workout, which might be a good thing if you\u2019re learning to play the banjo.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Little Crow WFT attaches to a power drill. Just insert the case like this to trim.<\/p><\/div>\n

The original WFT was caliber specific, so you had to order one for each caliber you trim. The new WFT 2 model<\/a> has caliber inserts so you keep the main body and swap inserts to change calibers. You\u2019ll need to chamfer and deburr separately with this approach also.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Feel

Feel free to go full redneck and set up something like this for hands free operation of the drill. Note the zip tie on the trigger. That’s probably not OSHA approved…<\/p><\/div>\n

The original Little Crow WFT (caliber specific) is $72 at Brownells while the new WFT 2 runs $72 plus $27 for each caliber-specific trim chamber insert.<\/p>\n

Trim-It II<\/h2>\n

Like the WFT 2, the Trim-It II<\/a> uses a standard drill, a drill press, or their own standalone motor to drive the trimming unit. Caliber inserts allow the same body to handle most any rifle or pistol caliber. In that respect, it’s kind of similar to the Little Crow WFT.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the big difference. The Trim-It II uses a special carbide blade that cuts and also creates a 15-degree chamfer inside the case mouth and a 45-degree bevel and deburr on the outside \u2013 all in one pass. After initial length and chamfer adjustment, just press a case into the unit and everything is done in one step \u2013 no need for a separate chamfer and deburr tool.<\/p>\n

The Trim-It II runs $132.50 direct plus $19.95 for each caliber conversion die.<\/p>\n

Dedicated Bench Trimmers<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ve been using an RCBS Trim-Pro Power Case Trimmer<\/a> for years. This is a motorized unit that mounts to your bench. I mounted mine to a sturdy piece of wood so I can clamp it to most any surface where I want to work. Oh, a quick note from my experience. Doing this in the kitchen is often frowned upon as the process generates lots of little brass shavings. Apparently those gets in the pheasant under glass and make it crunchy.<\/p>\n

\"case-trimming\"

The RCBS Trim-Pro Power Case Trimmer is great for volume and large cases.<\/p><\/div>\n

The trimming process is pretty fast. The Trim-Pro has shell plates at one end. Press a cam lever down, drop a cartridge case in the shell plate, then release the hounds. Actually, a spring loaded mechanism allows the motor to move towards the stationary shell holder. Course and fine adjustment rings allow you to set the exact amount of travel for the motor, and this establishes your case length. As the unit has a positive stop, there\u2019s no risk of over trimming, just insert the shell, release the motor, and let it run. The motor even shuts on and off as the trimmer engages. You\u2019ll appreciate this type of approach over a hand lathe or drill model if you\u2019re working cases with thicker brass \u2013 the machine does all the work. It’s easy on the fingers and no hand cranking.<\/p>\n

If you go this route, splurge on the optional 3-way cutter head. Like the Trim-It II, this blade cuts, chamfers, bevels and deburrs all in one pass. If you\u2019ve got lots of big brass cases, this approach may be well worth the money. The Trim-Pro costs about $310 at Brownells.<\/p>\n

Press Trimmers<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re ready to get cookin\u2019 with gas, consider a Dillon RT1500 Case Trimmer<\/a>. This unit mounts to virtually any single-stage or progressive reloading press in a standard die position. The best part is that the resizing die is integrated with the trimmer, so the case is cut to the right length in the same press stroke as the resizing operation. It saves a whole step in the case preparation process.<\/p>\n

The other best part is that the \u00bc horsepower motor eats brass like Rosie O\u2019Donnell eats Pop-Tarts, so you can even do things like a one-pass conversion from .223 Remington to 300 AAC Blackout cases. The .223 case is trimmed and shaped as you go \u2013 all in a couple of seconds. The unit has a vacuum tube port so you can hook a small shop vac up to catch all the brass shavings while you stock up on sized and trimmed cases. Combine this with a progressive press and case feeder and you\u2019ll be resizing and trimming brass by the thousands in no time. The only drawback to all this brass destruction glory is that the unit does not also chamfer and deburr.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll cost ya about $330 plus the Rapid Trim dies you need for your calibers.<\/p>\n

And there you have it. Like most other steps in reloading, you have a choice as to how much automation you want to buy. You can start small, and relatively inexpensively with a hand-operated lathe trimmer like the Forster, and it will take you a long way. In fact, much like a single stage reloading press, you\u2019ll find that you\u2019ll use the hand trimmer forever. They\u2019re easy to adjust and perfect for small batches when it\u2019s not worth the time and trouble to reconfigure a fancy power trimmer.<\/p>\n

Next up, powder and primers! Boom!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We’re continuing our coverage of reloading with an in-depth look at the options available for trimming up cases. This is how you ensure your recycled brass will fit in your gun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":55666,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,234,888,256,113,95,253,254,209],"tags":[132,102,618,757],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-55663","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"category-columns","9":"category-columns-ga-guides","10":"category-getting-started","11":"category-gear-reloading","12":"category-ga-guides-reloading","13":"category-shotgun","14":"category-specialty-tools","15":"category-tom-mchale","16":"tag-buzz","17":"tag-feature-articles","18":"tag-reloading","19":"tag-reloading-guide"},"yoast_head":"\nReloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases -\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We're continuing our coverage of reloading with an in-depth look at the options available for trimming up cases. This is how you ensure your recycled brass will fit in your gun.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"811\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Tom McHale\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tom McHale\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Tom McHale\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de\"},\"headline\":\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2073,\"commentCount\":6,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/04\\\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Buzz\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Reloading\",\"Reloading Guide\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Authors\",\"Columns\",\"GA Guides\",\"Getting Started\",\"Reloading\",\"Reloading Guide\",\"Shotgun\",\"Specialty Tools\",\"Tom McHale\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/\",\"name\":\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/04\\\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00\",\"description\":\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases -\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/04\\\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/04\\\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":811,\"caption\":\"OK, so maybe this isn't the most precise way to trim your cartridge cases...\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gunsamerica_official\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de\",\"name\":\"Tom McHale\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Tom McHale\"},\"description\":\"Literary assault dude writing guns & shooting books and articles. Personal accountability rocks!\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/mygunculture.com\",\"http:\\\/\\\/facebook.com\\\/mygunculture\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/http:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/mygunculture\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/tom-mchale\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases","description":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases -","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases","og_description":"We're continuing our coverage of reloading with an in-depth look at the options available for trimming up cases. This is how you ensure your recycled brass will fit in your gun.","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_author":"http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture","article_published_time":"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":811,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Tom McHale","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Tom McHale","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/"},"author":{"name":"Tom McHale","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de"},"headline":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases","datePublished":"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00","dateModified":"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/"},"wordCount":2073,"commentCount":6,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg","keywords":["Buzz","Feature Articles","Reloading","Reloading Guide"],"articleSection":["Authors","Columns","GA Guides","Getting Started","Reloading","Reloading Guide","Shotgun","Specialty Tools","Tom McHale"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/","name":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg","datePublished":"2016-04-10T12:25:52+00:00","dateModified":"2023-08-19T14:16:02+00:00","description":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases -","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":811,"caption":"OK, so maybe this isn't the most precise way to trim your cartridge cases..."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/reloading-trimming-cartridge-cases\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Reloading: Trimming Cartridge Cases"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de","name":"Tom McHale","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Tom McHale"},"description":"Literary assault dude writing guns & shooting books and articles. Personal accountability rocks!","sameAs":["http:\/\/mygunculture.com","http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture","https:\/\/x.com\/http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture"],"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/tom-mchale\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/reloading-case-trimming-hack-saw-1-150x101.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55663"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":181447,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55663\/revisions\/181447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55666"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55663"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=55663"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=55663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}