Hornady case prep center issues

[snowgetter1]

Have had the case prep center for three years. I am working on about 2500 223/5.56 cases and the trimmer starts sticking. Never have had an issues with it until now. I know the gears are plastic, but wondering if others have had issues and how hornady handled them? It will not trim the brass with any amount of pressure on it.

Also, what is the best, most durable, powered trimmer?

[barrel-nut]

That's interesting. I'd be curious to know how Hornady handles this for you. Their case prep center is an interesting design, and I'd considered "upgrading" to it, but they seem a little too proud of it price-wise for my budget. I currently have the RCBS powered Trim-Pro case trimmer. It has served me well for the last few years, so I would say its durable. Probably not the best as far as user-friendliness though. Switching calibers and resetting the length of cut is kind of a pain. Mainly due to the lack of any significant reference marks and the use of collars with small Allen head set screws which I always manage to over tighten. But once it's set up it works well. Beats the heck outta cranking my old trimmer by hand especially when you've got a couple hundred to do at a time.

[CharlieNC]

If you need to replace, try the Lee attached to elec screwdriver. Works fast and perfect lengths.

[snowgetter1]

I actually just went back to the lee drill set-up. It is working pretty good. It has just been three years since I used them. Will see what hornady says about when I call them. Pretty expensive machine to wear down after trimming maybe around 5-6,000 pieces of brass.

[bythebook]

snowgetter1 I have had mine about 3 years and I would guess I have prepped 3 or 4k cases on it any thing from 223 to 300 Ultra Mag. So far no trouble. I made some reference marks for setting the trimmer up.

[thomae]

I use a Wilson trimmer attached to my small lathe to power it. Works like a champ, although the shaft is not perfectly true, so it wobbles a bit as it turns. The wobble has no effect on the accuracy of the trim, however.

[yobuck]

i have 2 forster trimers. one is for very large cases. i have a power adapter for them but havent used it.
seems to me it only eliminates the turning the handle part. all the other pita steps still remain.

[emtrescue6]

Never used a power trimmer...have an old Forster and two RCBS Trim-Pros and have always trimmed by hand...am currently in the middle of a 5k batch of .223 (hence the 2nd RCBS Trim-pro...which is always left set up for 223...LOL) and sometimes think I'd like a power trimmer, but I like the peace and quiet of hand trimming still.

[snowgetter1]

Sending it in to hornady. Out of warranty and have to pay parts cost. Approximately $20-30. Guess it is lee trimmer time on the drill again for a while.

[FW Conch]

Yep! That's what I use! Lee trimmer on a small cordless drill ;-)

[snowgetter1]

Update for you hornady case prep center owners. Just got mine back from hornady. Stated they replaced the spindle with a new design that will not wear and slip. No charge other than the cost to ship it to them.

[JW]

Can't beat that
Glad you are back in "production" lol
Good to see Hornady is still providing excellent service
Jack

[jonbearman]

If you want a trimmer that works fast then it is giraud.I have 2 graceys and I love them,very accurate using the giraud carbide cutter. Someday I will sell both and upgrade again.

[eddiesindian]

I use a Wilson trimmer attached to my small lathe to power it. Works like a champ, although the shaft is not perfectly true, so it wobbles a bit as it turns. The wobble has no effect on the accuracy of the trim, however.

does that trimmer deburr as it cuts?

[thomae]

does that trimmer deburr as it cuts?

No, I chamfer the inside and outside edges as separate steps.

[eddiesindian]

No, I chamfer the inside and outside edges as separate steps.

I was gonna go that route but oppted for Lee,s cutting tool that screws into a press