Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer - In-Depth

[@garykemmerling919]

Thank God for a video where the author knows his stuff 🙏 thanks

[@phillhuddleston9445]

Your video is the first one out of four video's I've watched that shows the correct way of adjusting the cutter correctly. You would think people would not make videos if they do not know what they are doing.

[@plrodrig123]

so refreshing to watch a video by an experienced reloader who knows what the tell he is talking about. thank you, sir!

[@rickyherman6271]

Just got into reloading and just bought the Hornaday cam lock case trimer. Thank you for the detailed video. Best information I've found on it.

[@kcMan7938]

Very informative video that clears up a lot of misleading negativity of Hornady product. He is obviously an experienced reloader and it is great to see him explain the proper way to use product as intended!!!

[@markr6754]

If there’s anything that Hornady makes, and you want to know how to use it properly, this is the single channel you need to visit. The more I reload, the more tools and tips I need to refine my craft. Thanks for making a Hornady user’s tasks a lot easier. I do hope that you’re getting some support for your channel from Hornady. They’re selling me a lot of products because of your tutelage!

[@rhotondm]

Refreshing to watch a video on this trimmer where the operator actually knows how to use it.

[@MrRamsey1980]

You're the Godfather of reloading! I learn something new from each of your videos and I've been loading 10+ years.

[@steelarms4235]

Great instructional video for this Hornady case Trimmer. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and the necessary details about this trimmer that you really can't find anywhere else.

[@quagmyer7230]

Thanks a lot for the video, I’m a beginner at reloading and want to do it the right way. You covered lots of things other people do not. I have never bought reloaded ammo and this is one of the reasons why, I rather do my own to avoid mistakes.

[@scottcrider6756]

Thank you so much! Rookie reloaded here, and this resolved a lot of frustration. Now off to the bench.

[@jamesduncan1201]

Great video! You have several tips and tricks that I have not seen on any other videos. Very glad I found your video, I almost gave up after watching a couple of other ones. Thank you very much!

[@mattbarrloe8268]

I learned quite a bit about the tool that I have been using for 5 years incorrectly; Case Trimming has been a nightmare for me, I'm self-taught and frequently manufacturer instructions are confusing. The video, a tad verbose in places is very good at technique, and explaining the How and Why to setup and adjust the tool. After watching the vid a couple of times - I took 5 30-06 cases and by the third case had a system technique that worked very well. Cases cut to proper length & squarely ..could not ask for more - great investment of my time. Thanks HornadyLoader..

[@allanbador7316]

Great video. No instant gratification here. Lots of info takes time. Thanks for putting this video out.

[@wrinklyrocker58]

Thanks for that explanation of this tool. Other videos I watched said this had NO fine adjustment, I knew this couldn't be true. Will buy one tomorrow! Greetings from England.

[@NipkowDisk]

Very detailed and informative. Thanks a million for posting this video!! I've had one of these trimmers for several years now and almost never used it except for trimming my .405 Winchester cases to length. Now that I have an M1A and related accessories, I'll be using it a LOT more.

[@jimchambersed.d.4663]

Nicely done and very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to put out sound information for the rest of us.

[@terrycostakis6284]

Excellent video. So much better than the other instructionals produced by less experienced reloaders, and especially better than reading the negative reviews by people who obviously don’t read instructions. It’s not really hard to see why so many people experience kabooms with their reloaded ammo when you watch their techniques and lack of attention to detail. I’m probably going to purchase this trimmer based on your video but I’m also going to add the RCBS 3-way cutter to allow trimming, chamfering and deburring in one operation. I’d love to see you do a video with that accessory but it is a little pricey if you already have a method of doing those operations that you’re happy with. Thank you.

[@spectre6203]

Very informative video and very well done. I was going to buy a competitor's trimmer, but after seeing this video I bought the Hornady. A solid piece of equipment that's made in the USA. I also subscribed. Thanks !

[@artyart1238]

GOOD VIDEO! All the other videos I seen on this just talked about the trimmer only accepting hornady shell holders. You showed us how it works and how to use it properly. THANKS! subscribed

[@hornadyloader7574]

+arty art123 Thanks arty! That's exactly why I decided to start doing videos, I wanted to make sure the real info gets out there. This was one of my earliest videos, I'm hoping I've gotten a bit better at it since then. Glad to have you aboard!

[@pe4015]

Your videos are super informative. Been watching them for days now. I was wondering why when using that case length set up gauge, and your first "rough" measurement came out to 1.760", you mentioned that you needed it to be down to 1.750"? If I looked at the SAAMI drawing info correctly, for .223 I think it shows the MAX COAL (for .223) to be 1.760". You nailed it spot on your first try at showing us! That was pretty cool. Maybe that flat gauge is meant to get us to max COAL and then we can micro-adjust from there. Thanks again for taking the time to make and share these videos.

[@coldnosed7172]

Thank you for this. The instructions for the one I just bought were not in the box for some reason. It seems to take a little while to get used to adjusting it but seems like it will do the job I need it to do. I will try to remember not to use the drill that I use to drive screws to spin this little sucker. Thanks again.

[@jlconnor88]

Great video full of great information for a new reloader. Great job showing the little tips to make things work. Thanks!!!

[@richardallen1473]

Just getting into reloading and this video was great. A lot of info/tips you won't get with other videos.

[@hornadyloader7574]

richard allen Thanks Richard, That's what I'm shooting for. There are a lot of videos on just about everything out there so I want to make sure mine contain a bit of extra info that people can use. Hornady Loader

[@travisrogers966]

This video is excellent. Watched and had mine set up in no time. Thanks.

[@Dcook85]

I have a battery powered DeWalt screwdriver with adjustable torque settings. This should be really handy because honestly, very little torque is needed to trim the case. However the torque setting could prevent snapping of the head if there is a problem with alignment.

[@jlmmarshall5148]

Thank you for this great video.... made my life so much easier. Trimming cases dead on now...

[@speedpeteV]

I like the way this trimmer works. I also ordered one. But like most of the trimmers, there is a flaw in the kind the case is clamped: When you tighten the "cam", the case is pressed against the lower side of the rim (=fixed base). This way you'll get an measurement error, depending how accurate the manufacturer has made the position of the rims on the cases. You can sort that out, if you modify the clamping, so the case is pressed against the bottom of the cartridge...this gives you ALLWAYS THE EXACT SAME LENGHT. I don't understand, why most of the manufacturers don't build their trimmers the right way...

[@speedpeteV]

The Trimming tool arrived three days ago and i am pretty happy to say i was wrong! The way the trimmer works is perfect! It is always pressed against the (fixed) base as it should!

[@carlosprite]

Wish you had made this a few days ago! Great videos, keep up the good work!

[@hornadyloader7574]

carlosprite Thanks! I try to do an in-depth examination of each piece of equipment and include information that you will not find in other videos and, in some cases, it's not even in the manual that comes with the device. I'm working on more videos and will be putting more up very soon. Thanks again!

[@jackmcgowan5848]

This was very helpful i just purchased one of these, you cleared up all the questions i had about the instructions

[@allanbancroft4692]

Thank you for making this video. I saw your comment on another video for this device and it got my attention, then I found yours. Your video is very detailed. and because of this I decided to buy the cam lock trimmer. there are a few other videos on this trimmer that aren't quite right. thanks again. oh, and you're hilarious thanks for the "Stupidity Alert" lol

[@hornadyloader7574]

Allan Bancroft Thanks Allan! It's a great trimmer. I do wish it had a microadjustable cutter spindle and a shavings catcher. I sent those suggestions to Hornady so hopefully it will be improved in the future. It could even be sold as an after market part. Oh well, wishful thinking I guess, I'm glad you liked the "Stupidity Alert"! I notice that this video has a dislike...how much you want to bet that came from someone who broke their power adapter with a drill? Thanks Again! Hornady Loader

[@chinaman0389]

Great explanation... i am literally just now getting into reloading with Hornady gear! Make 223 tomorrow for a hog hunt this weekend! I definitely subscribed!

[@hornadyloader7574]

+chinaman0389 Thanks! Glad to have you aboard and welcome to the brotherhood of reloaders!

[@kenbrown9164]

Good video...However wouldn't it be much easier to use a new .223 case that measures 1.750 inches and use that to set up the trimmer for proper length instead of the successive micro-adjustments?

[@Cdlzzl]

First off thanks for such an in depth review. I reloaded pretty heavily a few years then I stopped for about 8. I'm getting back into it and it is tough when you think you remember how to do something but everything is a little hazy when I try and execute. Your video help clarify the use of the case trimmer. But now let me pick your brain. I have an issue where I set the case trim length and everything works fine. Then I start noticing that the adjustment is trimming cases .015 shorter then it should. The lock ring was tight but I had to keep adjusting the trimmer because the measurement was creeping back smaller and smaller.

[@hornadyloader7574]

+CDizzle Hi CDizzle, I've had a few folks ask about the same type of problem. In most cases, it's because of the pressure that folks are putting on the handle. If you push in too hard, the friction between the adjustment nut and the frame tends to unscrew the adjustment nut a little (even with the lock nut tightened) and causes the trimmer to get out of adjustment. It takes a little practice to get the right "feel" for how much pressure to put on the handle. My best advice is to let the tool do the work. Pressing harder on the handle won't make the process go any faster. If that's not the issue, then it could also be that the case is slightly crooked on the trimmer pilot, but typically that results in some cases being longer and some shorter. If you're getting trimmer creep that is consistently making the cases shorter, my money would be on the adjustment nut moving due to the friction between it and the frame. You might try a light coat of dry lube like Teflon of graphite on the part of the adjustment nut that contacts the frame. I use Hornady One Shot case lube or gun cleaner for that sort of thing but there are a lot of similar products out there.

[@Cdlzzl]

+HornadyLoader That was my guess too was too much pressure on the handle. I did about 80 cases and about half way I started having problems.. I got a little tired and instead of using my fingers I used my palm...Then I couldn't get it dialed back to 1.750 I was like 1.746 or 1.753 which I ended up just running with it a hair short. This is mostly range ammo to practice for 3gun so If I can keep 2-3 moa accuracy I'll be ok. Also do you know if they make a 3 way cutter for the camlock trimmer that chamfers and deburs as well?

[@hornadyloader7574]

+CDizzle Hi, actually, they do make chamfer and debur tools for it. They screw in and replace the cutter holder. The part number is 050147 and you can get them from Midway USA or other places that sell Hornady stuff. My only complaint with them is that they're rather spendy, Midway sells the set of two for $38...

[@Cdlzzl]

HornadyLoader Ahh I was hoping for a 3 way cutter like the RCBS version. Maybe I can adapt that cutter head to fit.v

[@johnwalexander3rd]

Great instructions...I learned a lot by viewing this most informative video...thank you!

[@smithwesson7149]

Great video! Thinking about getting this trimmer and wondered if you were still using it and how well does it hold its setting with the 0-ring between the adjustment knobs?

[@terrybrower3437]

I have that exact same case trimmer and don't always get the same case length every time. Sometime 2 or 3 thousandths different. Of course it is well within the accepted 10 thou tolerance between max and min. length found in the loading manual I made sure the lock ring was tight.

[@Oldfella56]

This is happening because the cam lock pushes the shell forward in the shell holder, the trim length is changed by the rim thickness , different brands of shells or rim damage , none of these blokes tell you this stuff, use the same brand brass or use a trimmer that held by the base eg,redding, then different brands don't matter

[@theviron6]

Great video! I have a question though. Why do you not trim to the OCL case length listed in the manuals as 1.760?

[@BlackDotPatrick]

I have a question. I just used my Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer for the first time. I was experiencing inconsistent trim lengths. It seems that the amount of force used with the cam action that locks the case in place also can affect the trim length. Do you agree? It seems that as the cam tightens the case moves in the direction away from the the trimmer blade so it's important to use the same amount of pressure each time when locking the case with the cam.

[@VictorTorres-cv2tt]

Greetings from NY: Hornady Reloader and Happy New Year! I have 2 questions for you. How big do you make the wooden squares for the trimmer and what size bolts do you use to mount the trimmer on?

[@RUDY8501]

Great video.Can you give me some details about the small cordless screw driver.How many brass can you get trimmed before the battery goes dead

[@hornadyloader7574]

RUDY8501 Hi Rudy, I don't recall ever having the battery die before I was done with a trimming session. I usually only did batches of 100 to 150 at a time though. For the past few years, I typically use my Power Case Prep Center for larger jobs and only use the Cam-Lock trimmer for quick jobs when I have the Prep Center adjusted for another project and don't want to change it. That being said, I did have a cordless screwdriver that crapped out on me once. It was a cheap "no brand name" one that would no longer take a charge after only 5 or 6 months of use. The Black & Decker that I used in the video has been going for almost 5 years now for both trimming and for use as a screwdriver for projects around the house. Thanks for watching!

[@mr.smiley4263]

Great video, do you have a video on how you’re making those wooden stand for your equipment?

[@harrypottar-1]

Which is more precise and consistent, the Hornady cam lock trimmer or the trimmer of the Hornady case prep center, thanks

[@oneanon]

I have a quick question, I have the Hornady case trimmer but I noticed every 10 to 15 cases I need to readjust the trimmer Is it the same problem with the Hornady Case Prep Center which I am thinking of buying

[@cliffkessinger1977]

Great video alot of useful information I have one I just got havnt used it yet and wanted to get an ideal of how to use it thank you very much. Btw lol I heard the A-team theam song good show lol

[@Tool-Meister]

Well presented and excellent concise information..

[@MyREDTAIL]

A great Instruction Video,? On this Trimmer,? & How to,? Thanks for taking your time to show us,? How to use it etc.? Really good instructions.? Now when I order & get mine,? I will know what to do with it.?

[@Mark-pp2ty]

Would you recommend the lnl powder measure. Thank you for the video

[@Patriot8854]

I have the Cam-Lock ordered. Thanks for the informative videos. I have subscribed!

[@hornadyloader7574]

Dirk Moore Thanks Dirk! Glad to have you on board!

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

I'm currently in a bidding war on eBay for this very case trimmer wish me luck. I've never reloaded ammo before I just bought a dillon precision XL 750 which hasn't arrived yet.

[@JBBooks4440]

good video -- I'm a Hornady guy, but got the L,E, Wilson micrometer trimmer,,,

[@hornadyloader7574]

JBBooks4440 Yup, that's a good one, I'm gonna try the "World's Finest Trimmer" one of these days

[@kenjelinek9686]

can the shafts be interchanged with older trimmer

[@Mark-pp2ty]

Is it still the same. Need one for rifle. I've only been doing pistol on my Dillon 550b. Was gonna use Dillon for rifle. Any ideas. Thank you for the video

[@benkanobe7500]

Where did the Trimer Pilot Chart come from?

[@fishman2951]

Why would you want to trim to minimum case length? Looks to me as though as long a it's less than the Max. case length, you're good to go?

[@jheimer6809]

I just started using the Hornady Case Trimmer, and I set it up as I watched your video. I have a couple of questions. I am loading 30-06, which has a maximum case length of 2.494 and a trimmed case length of 2.484. I am having a real problem hitting the trimmed case length on the nose, so is there an acceptable tolerance or somewhere in the range between the max and trimmed length that is acceptable? I have already taken a couple of thousandths too much off a couple of cases, but I think I can use these for plinking, if I don't expect tack driver accuracy. At any rate, should I be trimming a couple of thousandths long to, say, 2.486, or somewhere else between 2.484 and 2.494, so that I don't go below the trimmed length? Also, as I will be chamfering and deburring, I assume being a little long will keep me above the trimmed length after that process as well. Your suggestion would be most welcome. I am also decapping and sizing my cases before trimming, which I assume is the correct sequence? Possibly related to this, the trimmer pilot fits very tightly into the neck of the shell and takes a lot of force to get it out after trimming. Should I wait to size and decap until after I have trimmed the cases? That was a great video - I appreciate all of the detail you provided.

[@hornadyloader7574]

J Heimer Hi J Heimer, If you're having trouble hitting the trim length exactly, there's nothing wrong with setting it to a few thousandths longer to avoid over-trimming. You can look at the trim length as the minimum length. So as long as you have the cases trimmed somewhere between the minimum and maximum, you are good to go. If you're looking for precision loads, you want to make sure each case is trimmed to the same length for consistency, but don't stress too much if your cases are slightly longer than the minimum. As to the second question, normally you would decap and size before trimming, since the sizing process is where the cases can stretch. You might want to invest in a neck lubricator which uses a dry mica to lube the inside of the neck wall for just this kind of problem. Lyman, Forster, and Frankford Arsenal all have a neck lubricator. Go to MidwayUSA.com and search for "neck lubricator" for more info. They're only around $10 to $15. That being said, cases tend to stretch over a period of time where they are sized many times, so trimming BEFORE sizing will be fine if you can't get the problem resolved. A single sizing operation won't stretch the case so much that it goes over maximum. Measure your cases before and after sizing to see the difference. Thanks for the great question! Hornady Loader

[@hornadyloader7574]

J Heimer Oh, I forgot, As to the question about chamfering and deburring. The chambering/deburring process shouldn't be changing the length of your cases. If it does, you are overdoing it. All you need to do is hold the case up to the tool and let the tool do the work, don't press the case in too hard. All you're trying to accomplish is to get any burrs or imperfections off the case.

[@556Bandit]

Can you please make a video on how you make the base you have the trimmer mounted on?

[@hornadyloader7574]

+556 Bandit I'll see what I can put together. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@MyREDTAIL]

+Tom Campbell And the Pilots,? How they are made to fit into the Wooden slots also.? Cool.?

[@fishman2951]

I just used two pieces of scrap 3/4" birch, about 8" x 10"( I'm guessing as shop is now closed) drilled 1/2" holes in both bases and mounted one for the trimmer to reloading bench and second of the same size for the powder reloading tube and powder throw. That way both bases can be bolted temporarily in the same place. Also drilled holes for different pilots, used 1/8" bit and drilled about 3/8" - be sure to not drill too deep. I just set drill press at depth I wanted to drill. About 20 min.

[@richardallen1473]

ok .... just started trimming some cases. I'm a nube so this may be obvious. I kept trimming too short, way to short. Everything seems tight and I couldn't figure why after I set the trimmer to my right length case it we trim too short. I then noticed the the lock nut/adjust nut were slowly moving together back making the cutter cut more and more. It looks like I was pressing too hard on the handle which seemed to move the adjust nut and lock ring back .... can u press too hard?

[@hornadyloader7574]

+richard allen Hi Richard, if the adjustment nut/lock nut is moving then I'd say you're pressing way too hard. My brother taught me a long time ago to "Let the tool do the work". Pressing harder on it won't make it go any faster. Find a comfortable pressure and get in the habit of doing it the same way each time. The cutter will trim the case pretty much the same with a lighter pressure as it will with a harder pressure. You'll get the hang of it, it just takes some practice and developing the "muscle memory" for trimming cases. I do wish Hornady would make a few changes to the trimmer to avoid that kind of thing, but it does work well once you find your groove.

[@jjjoooojjj]

Great video..!! Thank you ..

[@REDMANKLAN]

Great vid, I wish i would have watched this video a hour ago I trimmed a few shells to short. I'm new to reloading after you resized you casses then trim and deburh them to you clean them? Can you tell me what steps you take on your cases? Thank you and great vid and now I'm a new subscriber

[@hornadyloader7574]

+REDMANKLAN Hi, Thanks for watching! The steps I take and the order I do them changes depending on the type of load I'm doing. For a basic load that I'm going to use for plinking, I clean them, then trim, chamfer, debur and size. That's about it. For my match grade stuff, I go through a lot more steps. I always deprime them first, then wet tumble, dry them out, dry tumble them, sort them, then trim, chamfer, debur, size, turn the necks, debur the flash hole, and uniform the primer pocket. In that order. I always clean them first, before any other operation, regardless of whether it's for plinking or a match load. I used to just dry tumble without depriming for plinking loads, but I've changed to always depriming, then wet tumbling, drying, and dry tumbling for all loads. Cleaning them first makes it easier to identify cracks, splits, and other defects before moving on to other operations. You can check out my video titled, "Developing a Match Grade Load - Advanced Case Prep" for details of all the steps. Glad to have you aboard!

[@barryoakes5976]

HornadyLoader shouldn’t you size then trim,, because doesn’t sizing lengthen the case?

[@donaldnorth3714]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@hornadyloader7574]

+Donald North Thanks Donald, and you're welcome!

[@cademarti1365]

What would cause me to have inconsistent case cutting lengths? My trim length appears to grow

[@owdiss1978]

Cade Marti I have same problem I been looking for answers on it as well see what will fix that

[@Prepare2Survive]

They should standardize them even more and make just one that's universal so you can just buy conversion kits to make it into a concentricity tool or neck thickness gage.

[@hornadyloader7574]

+Prepare2Survive Wouldn't that be great? Maybe someday someone will put something like that together. It would sure save some workbench space. One can hope...

[@IEraiderfan]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@hornadyloader7574]

Lou Flores Thanks Lou! Glad you liked it!

[@lhommedieu5489]

hats off to you sir.

[@nx330mustang]

I'm at 25:00 min and just a thought. Why not keep 1 case in each caliber sized to proper length for setting up the trimmer so you don't have to waste so much time setting up the case length?

[@hornadyloader7574]

hehe, keep watching

[@nx330mustang]

Ahh, I see now later in the video you did keep a case for setup...

[@nx330mustang]

+HornadyLoader is there a primer pocket uniformer and chamfer attachments for this as accessories?

[@hornadyloader7574]

+nx330mustang You can get chamfer/debur attachments for it. A primer pocket uniformer isn't practical since that's the wrong end of the case.

[@nx330mustang]

+HornadyLoader This the borrect kit? www.hornady.com/store/Cam-Lock-Trimmer-Deburr-Tool-1-Each/

[@wgyoung2490]

Thanks for the video

[@MyREDTAIL]

Some of the Reviews on Amazon,? Have been saying that the Handle on this Trimmer has broken off,? After doing a few hundred Cases.? That is the only concern,? That I have on this Trimmer,? Before I purchase it.?Other than that,? For me it is more affordable,? Than the RCBS, LYMAN,? Etc.? I do not mind buying the Hornady Shell holders for it either.? As they are not expensive.?

[@hornadyloader7574]

+MyREDTAIL They're probably talking about the power adapter. A lot of folks use a drill to power the trimmer and the power adapter breaks off. That's because they're using a drill instead of a battery powered screwdriver as specified in the instructions. They're simply using the tool improperly and then complain when it doesn't work.

[@3DadsBoys]

THANKS

[@edgarkeck3010]

Great review and explanation of this tool. Still laughing about the power trimmer adapter. ( Don't be a chucklehead )

[@RedPill556]

great info.. subed

[@survivingchicago5797]

So that explains why it broke on me..... I was using a 24 V 1” hammer drill. wow.... learn something new every day🤔

[@DLN-ix6vf]

stop it you're far too sensible for people on here in regard to battery operated screwdriver and a drill.even if it is in the INSTRUCTIONS. As that famous man once said; "THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" lol very sensible and very funny

[@dylanmatter1088]

Subscribed

[@hornadyloader7574]

Glad to have you aboard!

[@davidstubbs758]

If Hornady had really thought this product out, they would of cut a flat surface across the threads on the crank end shaft and laser etched graduations on that flat surface & on the front surface of the adjustment ring. Just like the spindle & barrel on a real micrometer. And it would have added .50 cents to the cost manufacturing, And not Standardizing on the id on the shell holder was another dum move. Trying hold that overall case length gage in between two movable points with any accuracy is just silly.

[@northhoustonoutdoors3517]

If someone can’t use this product they shouldn’t be reloading.

[@marksicheri7205]

What a waste of time. why not do the adjustment on the left side by unlocking that side, keeping pressure on collett side and putting feeler guage between top of case neck and cutters once the rough setting on the right is made