Review of Lee Zip Trimmer-

Review of Lee Zip Case Trimmer


Although I enjoy handloading my own ammo, I have never liked trimming cases. I have tried many different ways to do it. I didn’t like any of them. I was running out of options and decided to try out the Lee Zip Trim case trimmer.

I ordered the Zip Trim from Midway USA. I also got the three jaw universal chuck, the Lee case length gage, and the Lee Cutter and Lock Stud. The whole set up was less than $50.

As usual, Midway came through with great shipping service. I took the Lee Zip out and looked it over. It is NOT designed for heavy abuse. It is, however, a great time saver. I mounted it to a board and clamped it to my reloading bench.



In this configuration, all you have to do is insert the case length gauge/cutter with one hand and pull the handle of the cord that provides the rotation of the case for trimming.



Two pulls have been needed to completly trim the .223 cases I tested it with. After that, one pull each to chamfer both the inside and outside of the case. It is a great timesaver in that you dont have to handle the cases.

This product will work very good for me. I have been happy with it so far. I don’t know how it would hold up to a competition shooter who used 10,000 rounds a year. But for $18, they could afford to buy another one. And for my useage, it will do just fine.

Thanks! I ordered one too, I've been trimming on the lathe but its slow. I haven't had the time to build the tooling to get some production rolling.

I've been using my cheapo battery Ryobi 12v drill strapped to the edge of the benchtop. A Lee lockstud in the chuck & I used it until the battery wouldn't hold charge any longer. (about 2 years - it was used when I got it).

I reload an average of 200 rounds weekly for rifle shooting. The battery drill has been a real time saver. I also polish with steel wool, chamfer the inside & out and occasionally use it to do a preliminary concentricity check with it.
I've wondered about that Lee gadget. For my purposes, it didn't seem like it'd be helpful.
Thanks for the insight & review.
Have a happy New Year, too
Frank in Fla

I just use my drill also

Could you imagine how much fun it'd be doing it all by hand?

I hate trimming brass with a drill, much less by hand

I'm going to try to set this one up in the drill press and see how it goes. My other option is to use my corded drill that has a handle lug and then I could put that inthe bench vice.

I have used drills and lathes I owned an RCBS trimmer

I like the zip trimmer best of all