We Tested the New RCBS MatchMaster Precision Trimmer

I felt slightly like The Toolman going from a hand-crank case trimmer to the brand new RCBS MatchMaster Precision Trimmer, however I used to be a lot happier with the result.

Designed in partnership with Henderson Precision, the MatchMaster trimmer makes use of an 115v electrical motor to spin a set of carbide blades that trim, chamfer, and deburr cartridge instances in a single movement. It’s among the many costliest case trimmers, however it’s additionally one of the vital time-saving upgrades you may make to your single-stage reloading bench. It quickens what I believe is essentially the most onerous a part of the case prep course of, and saves your arm from tennis elbow, in addition.

Earlier than you think about investing in a motorized trimmer, it is best to be sure to reload cartridges that really must be trimmed between firings. As a normal rule, bottleneck rifle cartridges must be trimmed commonly whereas lower-pressure pistol cartridges will be fired many instances while not having a trim.

That’s as a result of when gunpowder ignites inside a case, the case expands. Then, when that case is sized again right down to its unique dimensions, the case materials is mushed (technical time period) ahead, rising the size. The extent to which the case expands is dependent upon the strain inside the chamber, which is why rifle cartridges develop way more than pistol cartridges do.

I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds of 9mm, and I don’t recall ever seeing a case develop past the utmost advisable size. However, bottleneck rifle instances can exceed that size after one or two firings. For instance, the 6.5 Creedmoor instances I loaded for this check measured 1.912 inches after being fired as soon as. However after a full-length resize, they grew to 1.922 inches, past the utmost advisable size. If the instances are allowed to develop too lengthy, the chamber strain can spike and trigger a major (and life-threatening) malfunction.

Your reloading handbook will embrace a most general case size and a advisable trim-to size. I often intention for that trim-to size. This often retains the instances within the secure zone even when I overlook to trim between firing. I additionally suppose guaranteeing that every case is the very same size promotes consistency and accuracy. If all of the bullets are contacting the identical quantity of case neck, it stands to motive they’d hit extra constant velocities (that is very true should you crimp the instances to the bullet).

TLDR? When you primarily reload pistol ammo, you’ll be able to in all probability take a move on the MatchMaster Precision Trimmer. However should you roll your individual rifle cartridges, maintain studying.

When you’ve been available in the market for a high-end case trimmer, the MatchMaster will look acquainted. Henderson Precision was the primary to launch this design, and RCBS labored carefully with their engineers to create the MatchMaster.

There are just a few variations. The RCBS mannequin features a micrometer size adjustment that permits you to tweak the trim size with none instruments. It’s an enormous time-saver through the setup course of, and in my expertise the changes are extraordinarily correct. The MatchMaster additionally makes use of a 360-degree defend that traps the brass shavings, and a plastic bin that permits the consumer to drop the instances reasonably than pulling them out of the shell holder.

The essential performance, nevertheless, mirrors Henderson’s product. Instances are fitted into the deal with by turning it counterclockwise, which loosens the interior collet. The bottom of the case can then be inserted into the collet and tightened by turning the deal with clockwise. The collet that comes with the MatchMaster (#1) matches an enormous array of cartridges within the .223 Rem., .308 Win., and magnum households, however different collet sizes can be found.

The cutters are spun by way of the motor, and so they’re secured inside an ingeniously designed three-way slicing head. The slicing head is tapered, so it doesn’t take an incredible quantity of pressure to safe tightly. Nevertheless it additionally contains three set screws that permit the cutters and pilot to be adjusted and eliminated.

The pilot merely guides the case mouth in direction of the cutters to assist guarantee a straight lower. The field comes with a set of pilots that match .22 to .30 caliber cartridges, and they are often swapped out by loosening the set screw within the slicing head.

The cutters may also be adjusted and eliminated by loosening the set screws. One cutter trims and chamfers the skin of the case whereas the opposite trims and deburrs the within. Establishing the MatchMaster trimmer was remarkably straightforward, however that is in all probability the trickiest half. The cutters should be reset every time you turn calibers, and so they should be adjusted in order that each make contact with the case mouth. It’s not tough, however I made positive to verify and recheck I used to be following the directions earlier than I began trimming.

As soon as the cutters are set and the proper pilot is put in, you’ll be able to regulate the trim size utilizing the micrometer. This labored precisely as marketed. I inserted a case into the collet within the deal with, and with the motor off, pushed it ahead till it was simply resting on the cutters. I then adjusted the micrometer thimble till it was resting on the micrometer cease. I fired up the motor (uhharrhh aahh aahh!), pushed the deal with ahead, and watched because the cutters trimmed, chamfered, and deburred the case. Lastly, I measured the case, made the adjustment to the micrometer, and trimmed the case to acceptable size.

Setup takes a couple of minutes, however when you get the trimmer set to the proper size, it’s remarkably constant.

I used to be aiming for 1.910 inches on this set of fifty 6.5 Creedmoor instances. Whether or not they ended up being 1.915 inches or 1.905 didn’t make a lot distinction–I simply wished to ensure they have been all near the identical size.

I lower about ten instances as a observe run, then lower one other 50 to check the consistency of the unit. I measured all 50, and right here have been my outcomes.

RCBS says the MatchMaster Precision Trimmer is repeatable right down to .001, and I’d say that’s spot on–when you get the grasp of it. When you use a number of pressure to press the deal with ahead, the instances will be one or two hundreds of an inch shorter than should you use a lighter contact. You even have to ensure the case is totally seated within the collet. If it’s not, you may find yourself with a case that’s shorter than you need it. It takes some observe, however when you get the texture for it, it’s straightforward to be tremendous constant.

The brass catcher additionally helped me to get into a pleasant rhythm. All I needed to do was flip the deal with counterclockwise, and every trimmed, chamfered, and deburred case dropped cleanly into the bin.

I didn’t time myself, however I estimate that the Precision Trimmer lower my trimming time by 75%, and gave me extra constant lengths, higher chamfer/deburrs, and a complete lot much less put on and tear on the ol’ elbow.

The RCBS MatchMaster Precision Trimmer will set you again about $700. That’s the price of a brand new rifle, so I perceive should you’d reasonably prioritize different gun-related gear. However for a aggressive shooter, ammo stockpiler, or different high-volume reloader, this factor is price a glance.

It saves time and will increase consistency, however greater than something, it makes the reloading course of extra pleasant. I’ve been identified to resize a bunch of brass solely to let it sit on the bench for weeks as I metal myself to go 12 rounds in opposition to the hand-crank trimmer. I now not have that excuse. Which means extra reloading, extra observe rounds, extra vary time, and hopefully, extra confidence and consistency behind the set off.