RCBS MatchMaster vs. Trim Pro 2: Speed AND Precision

When we first showed the RCBS MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer, the response was heavily divided. A lot of you loved the precision, but many asked, “Is it really worth $700 when the manual Trim Pro 2 is a fraction of the price?” Today, I am revisiting the MatchMaster to answer some of your most common questions and to put it head-to-head against the Trim Pro 2 to see if the speed and consistency truly justify the price tag.

Disclaimer

Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.

MatchMaster Q&A

Before we dive into the data, I want to address several common questions we received about the MatchMaster trimmer.

Can the RCBS micrometer be purchased separately and installed on an original Henderson trimmer?

No. Currently, the micrometer is not available for sale separately. For those using the original Henderson design, relying on the hard-stop bolt method remains the standard.

Does the micro-adjustment knob lock down to prevent being bumped?

No, it does not have a hard lock or detent clicks. However, it relies on a very stiff, oversized O-ring. It is incredibly rigid, making it highly unlikely that vibrations or incidental bumps will alter your settings.

Can you trim straight-wall rifle or pistol brass?

No. Even though the travel length is capable, the cutter head itself is too short to safely trim straight-wall brass.

Can you use older manual RCBS pilots or universal pilots?

No. Older RCBS pilots, collets, and cutter heads are not compatible with the MatchMaster system.

Does it have enough travel for larger magnums like 300 Win Mag, 300 Norma, or 338 Lapua?

Yes. The included Collet #1 will work with the 300 Winchester Magnum. However, you will need to purchase separate collets specifically for the 300 Norma and 338 Lapua.

Does it trim, chamfer, and deburr all in one step?

Yes! The cutter head handles the trim, inside chamfer, and outside deburr simultaneously while under motor power. This is the primary time-saving feature of the machine.

How do you properly align the collet and pilot?

If you find it finicky to seat the case perfectly straight, try this trick: place the case loosely into the collet, push it entirely forward onto the pilot to align it, and then tighten the collet down. This ensures it doesn’t bind.

The Head-to-Head Data

To get real numbers, I took 100 cases and processed 50 on the motorized RCBS MatchMaster and 50 on the manual RCBS Trim Pro 2.

I timed the total process for both (including manual chamfering and deburring for the Trim Pro 2) and measured the standard deviation (SD) and extreme spread (ES) of the resulting trim lengths.

Trimming, chamfering, and deburring on the RCBS Trim Pro 2 took 3.3x longer than with the MatchMaster trimmer. The MatchMaster had a much tighter SD and extreme spread as well, making it the clear winner. The consistency was absolutely incredible, landing squarely in match-grade territory.

The Trim Pro 2 relies on manual pressure against the cutter, so operator fatigue directly impacts consistency. As your arm tires, you are more likely to generate outliers.

Pros, Cons, and the Final Verdict

Though the MatchMaster is much more expensive than the Trim Pro 2 ($699.99 MSRP), it is much more consistent and faster.

Its motorized three-way cutting operation makes it well-suited for bulk processing, though it takes a bit longer than the Trim Pro 2 to set up.

The Trim Pro 2 is much more affordable ($169.99 MSRP) with easier caliber changes. It is better-suited for the general reloader than the match competitor. There exists a three-way cutter attachment for the Trim Pro 2, but it does not ship with the trimmer.

Conclusion

If you are bulk processing brass and can justify the cost, the MatchMaster is an absolute powerhouse. It pays for itself in time saved and fatigue spared.