CASE TRIMMER W/ MICROMETER Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
The Redding case trimmer faces criticism for its design flaws and inconsistent trimming performance. While some users appreciate its unique operation, many report issues with accuracy, collet mechanics, and cutter quality. A significant number prefer alternative brands, suggesting that this trimmer falls short of expectations for reliable case trimming.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Product Design Flaws
75%
Numerous reviewers highlight significant design issues with the trimmer, noting that it requires awkward multi-tasking to operate effectively. This design inconsistency leads to frustration and poor trimming results, with many suggesting that it's poorly engineered.
Inconsistent Accuracy
60%
Many customers experience variances in trimming length, causing disappointment in its performance. Reviews indicate that the trimmer does not provide consistent results, affecting the reliability critical for precision tasks.
Durability and Cutter Quality
50%
Several users report issues with the cutter quality, noting that it dulls quickly, particularly when used on nickel-plated cases. This leads to a limited operational lifespan and frequent need for replacement, further exacerbating customer dissatisfaction.
Preference for Alternative Brands
65%
A significant number of reviewers express a clear preference for alternative brands like Wilson or Sinclair, recommending these over the Redding trimmer due to better engineering, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction.
Positive Aspects Noted
25%
Despite the criticisms, some users note that the trimmer's operation is unique and promises square cuts, appreciating its lathe-like mechanism when it functions correctly. These aspects suggest potential for use under certain conditions, albeit with limitations.
Limited Usefullness
30 years ago, I started with an RCBS case trimmer. After suffering with it for 10 years, I bought the Redding unit for it's unique design (spinning the case, instead of the cutter). It has some design idiosyncrasies that keep it from excellence. You must pull HARD on the handle to release it after you've trimmed more than a few thousandths in length on a case. The excess shavings get caught in the case pilot and I've never been able to remedy that issue. It makes for a lot of extra effort. The accuracy in the length of cut is determined by the case head diameter. With different case head sizes in the same caliber, you'll see different lengths. The design can never equal the accuracy of the Wilson design. Now, I've finally "graduated" to the excellent Wilson trimmer and find it to be a joy to use. This Redding trimmer is now used for spinning case bodies while I'm using a Sinclair neck trimmer to uniform case necks. It's a quick and efficient process on .308 or shorter cases with that aspect of the Redding trimmer. For other than that use, I cannot recommend it.
