[haskins02]

I’m struggling a bit with the Auto Prime XR hand priming tool which came with my Lee Challenger kit. While I never considered my grip strength to be weak, I find I have to use all my strength, using both thumbs, to prime a .308 case (large primers). I can feel the primer go into the primer pocket relatively easily, but unless I continue to press REALLY hard, the primer will stick out a tiny bit and I cannot remove the case from the Auto Prime (it gets stuck and I have to take the whole thing apart and start all over). Reversing the angle and using my fingers instead of my thumbs doesn’t help either. After priming just 25 cases, my thumbs are so sore I have to stop.

Is there something wrong with my technique? Are there other hand priming tools which have significantly more leverage? Perhaps I should just get the Lee Safety prime and use my press to prime and forget about hand priming. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg