New Info Site and Case Trimmer Tool from PMA Tool
Serious reloaders know that PMA Tool makes some of the best specialty reloading tools you can buy. To help folks get the most out of their 21st century products, the company has created a new informational website. PMA’s Pat Reagin explains: “We have created a side-site, linked off of our main website, that is just for information. We will adding new product tips regularly. On this page we will post in-depth information about our tools, videos, customer-submitted information and photos, as well as a calendar of shooting events.” You can access PMA’s “At the Bench” info site at: atthebench.pmatool.com.
One highlight of the new PMA info site is a section dedicated to PMA’s new Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer. Pat tells us: “We’ve had quite of bit of interest in the new case trimmer, but a lot of guys want to see it in action. So we’ve created a couple of videos featuring the new trimmer. The first intro video, linked below, shows how to adjust and use the trimmer in various modes. We also produced a longer, 14-minute Instructional Video with more detail on trimmer adjustment and set-up.”
Watch Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer Video
The PMA Micro-Adjust Case trimmer indexes off the shoulder but it also provides precise control over neck length. You aren’t limited to a built-in, neck-length setting like some other shoulder-indexed trimmers. The PMA Micro-Adjust Trimming tool currently sells for $119.95 including one cartridge insert. The inserts, which can be purchased for $13.95 separately, can often work for a multiple cartridge types within the same family. For example, you can use the same insert for both .243 Win and .260 Rem. There is another insert that works with both 7mm-08 and .308 Win.
PMA Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer Features:
- Indexes off shoulder for easy, consistent trim length.
- Cases captured in no-scratch, Delrin™ inserts.
- Fully rotating head with bearing for smooth operation and clean, square cuts.
- Sharp carbide cutter for quick, smooth cuts with minimal burr.
- Spring loaded head allows complete control of rate of feed.
How to use the PMA Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer
The trimmer indexes case off the case shoulder through the use of interchangeable Delrin™ inserts which capture the shoulder and neck of the case. This insert is contained in a spring-loaded tool head that rides on a linear bearing. The Micro-Adjust Trimmer can be used in three ways.
First, you can secure the case in a PMA caseholder chucked in a power drill, drill press, or lathe. You hold the trimming tool with your hand and feed in the spinning case. (This method is handy because if you leave the case in the holder, after you have trimmed to length, you can switch tools and chamfer the case-mouth using the same power source).
In the second method, the trimmer’s adjustment knob is removed (after locking the setting) and the cutting shaft is chucked in a drill, drill press. or lathe. Using this method, the case itself is held by hand and fed into the cutter. Lastly, the trimmer can be used manually, holding the case in one hand and the trimmer in the other. That’s the slowest method, but it works if you do not have power tools handy.
Similar Posts:
- PMA Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer — Precise and Handy
- Helpful Advice on Case Trimming from PMA Tool
- How to Trim Brass Like a Pro — Smart Tips from PMA Tool
- Gear Review: ‘World’s Finest Trimmer’ from Little Crow Gunworks
- New Giraud Case-Trimming and Chamfering Tool
Tags: Brass, Cutter, Micro-Adjust Case Trimmer, PMA Tool
IMO, this is a better advertisement for the lathe(which is very nice) than the trimming tool.
The tool is reliant on headspace, right?
If so, given headspace is typically the largest variant in sized cases, wouldn’t this tool cause trimmed length variances that we wouldn’t have otherwise?
EDITOR: Mike, you raise a good point. This tool is to be used with “properly fire-formed and full length re-sized case” according to PMA. With a good die and quality press, you should be able to hold .001 headspace uniformity on full-length sized cases. That means your trimmed case lengths, indexing off the shoulders, should likewise be within .001, or very darn close.
I use PMA cutters and shell holders. If this tool is as nice as their other products, I will most certianly be getting one.
Good point. Whose lathe is that?
The lathes I use in the video are a Benchrite Case Lathe and a Sinclair Case Prep Unit.
I absolutely agree, headspace is critical to trimming cases when indexing off the shoulder, but it’s also critical to safety and accuracy. If your sizing dies aren’t holding headspace within .001″ it’s either time for a new batch of cases, time to anneal or time to try a different die because something’s not right.