Multifunctional station Frankford Arsenal

Trimming the Neck

After calibrating the brass case, the neck is usually shortened, along with its overall length. Primarily, this is done so that the brass case, which stretches slightly after firing and calibration, fits into the chamber. Most of the time, this would happen even without trimming, or rather, it would probably be allowed by the weapon's headspace, albeit at the cost of the neck edge touching the chamber's inner edge, rather than the transition cone, as it should. Secondarily, it is also important to ensure that the extraction forces on the bullets act as evenly as possible. This is because differences in initial bullet velocities, observed on the target – simply put – as differences in shot height, originate from this. It is more or less a rule that, especially for rifle brass cases, neck length and possibly shape adjustment is necessary before each reloading.

Machines and tools for trimming brass cases are represented on the market by brands that are very well known to our reloaders – primarily Lee, Lyman, and Frankford Arsenal. The simplest are various manual tools, such as the universal Lee Precision 3 Jaw Chuck Trimming Kit, which still requires purchasing a length gauge for the specific caliber. A bit more advanced is the manual trimmer with a smooth adjustment Lyman Universal Case Trimmer, which includes a set of 9 pilots for various internal neck diameters. There is also a relatively new carbide version, and a few years ago, a conversion for attaching a cordless drill (screwdriver) was introduced, which significantly speeds up the work. The advantage of the Universal Case Trimmer is its absolute universality for various calibers, with the limitation being the length of the trimmer's working surface (and to some extent, the price). The downside is that it can only perform one operation at a time, that is, trimming the brass case. The smooth adjustment of the tool's cutting depth offers variability, but also requires regular setting checks. The brass case is clamped by the groove, so the tool's working stroke is measured against the total length of the brass case.

Electric trimmers, whether stand-alone or mountable on a press, fall into a significantly higher price range. These trimmers provide greater working comfort but generally still require the use of additional tools.

Similar manual trimmers like the Lyman Universal Case Trimmer are available on the market. Some (like this one) can be converted to run with a cordless drill.

All in One Solution

A significant acceleration of a relatively tedious task (at least for me) is provided by a multifunctional work station, where the basic adjustments to the brass case can be performed without releasing it from your hand until it's done. There are not many such machines yet. One of the few is the station from Frankford Arsenal, which bears the grand name Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center.

The machine's foundation is a relatively heavy body, which can stand on the workbench without being clamped. On the front edge, we find all the necessary tools: a case trimmer, an internal chamfer tool (VLD), an external chamfer tool, and a primer pocket cleaner, which smooths out any irregularities at the bottom (for both small and large primers). On the top surface, there is also a closable compartment for storing interchangeable parts (adapters, collets, and spare tools). The case trimmer consists of a neck adapter and a body collet. Together they can handle brass cases from .17 Remington to .460 Weatherby. The machines for our market operate at 240 (220) V.

According to the attached table, you can easily choose the adapter and collet for the desired caliber, and everything is quickly set up according to the instructions. The desired case length adjustment is smooth and marked with a scale. Once the case trimmer is set, the inserted case is supported by a cone in the neck adapter and precisely trimmed to the desired length by an electric cutter. You only need to hold it in working position with two fingers. When we feel that the cutter is no longer cutting, we deburr the neck and adjust the primer pocket with the side tools. Everything takes just a moment, at most 15 to 20 seconds. The trimming is accurate and straight, just as the transition cone is calibrated. The important thing is that after proper setup, the work is easy and can be done by literally anyone without error.

The machine runs quietly and does not vibrate. It allows work in an apartment even in the evening without risking relationships with family or neighbors. Even after several hours, its surface remains cool. This also indicates that it is robustly designed for long and trouble-free operation. All tools are made from high-quality hardened steel and are also available as spare parts.

The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center is offered on our market for just under 8000 CZK. Anyone serious about reloading rifle ammo and shooting regularly should not miss it at home. It is cheaper today than some single-purpose electric trimmers. And it costs only about twice as much as the manual Lyman Universal Case Trimmer, with which one really has to work hard and needs additional tools.

Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep Center