hand priming tool ?

rebs · June 11, 2012, 06:55 AM

which brand of hand priming tool do you guys prefer ?

moxie · June 11, 2012, 07:11 AM

I've tried several and the Lee Autoprime is by far the best, IMO.

DeadCenter · June 11, 2012, 07:39 AM

I am using the RCBS hand priming tool and really like it. I can sit in my chair, watch TV and prime a couple hundred cases in no time.

flyguy958 · June 11, 2012, 07:52 AM

I prefer the Lee, although the lever arm broke after just several hundred rounds. And yes I did lubricate it. It was the older model so no new parts are available. I made a new arm out of steel and have primed several thousand rounds.

I bought the RCBS when the Lee broke and used it some. It's build stout and works fine, I just prefer the repaired Lee.

Magnum Wheel Man · June 11, 2012, 08:10 AM

I have an early Lee & got used to that... got it from my FIL, & it's pretty worn out... have heard the new ones aren't as good, but it's what I'm used to using

smith627 · June 11, 2012, 08:13 AM

RCBS. Built solid and never had a problem.

William T. Watts · June 11, 2012, 08:53 AM

RCBS 90200, still a quality tool, I'm quite sure it will outlast me.. William

jmortimer · June 11, 2012, 09:00 AM

Lee Precision Auto Prime works for me I have two, one LP and one SP set-up. Keep it lubed. Many like the RCBS. Check out the owner reviews/ratings on Midway USA and you will see for your self what is worth buying and what is best deal for you.

mrawesome22 · June 11, 2012, 11:22 AM

RCBS Universal.

Sent from a highly hacked Android device using Tapatalk 2.

rebs · June 11, 2012, 11:37 AM

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it

NESHOOTER · June 11, 2012, 10:33 PM

I've had all 3 of lees and this beats them all http://www.midwayusa.com/product/962...d-priming-tool

jcwit · June 12, 2012, 12:53 AM

Very early Lee's with the screw in shell holders, I use the as caliber specific. Other than that the K & M tool is what I like, silimber to the Sinclair tool.

serf 'rett · June 12, 2012, 01:01 AM

RCBS - just be careful the priming rod doesn't slip out and escape.

grubbylabs · June 12, 2012, 01:02 AM

I have a newer Lee tool after my older one broke, all I can say is it works. The plastic shield that covers the primers finally broke for good. Typical for Lee stuff it seems, good ideas and concepts but poor quality on the execution.

jimkim · June 12, 2012, 01:50 AM

From what I've been told this lever http://www.midwayusa.com/product/272...lacement-lever will fit the older Lee Autoprime. IDK if it's actually unbreakable, but with that rib it looks pretty stout. Sorry for the hijack.

hornady · June 12, 2012, 06:45 AM

Midway is great for the reviews. I am going to replace my aging Lee priming tools, In my case it seems the RCBS bench mount is the way too go. The reviews of the new Lee tool are not the greatest. And their seem too be two problems with the RCBS hand held, the old style dose not work well with shell holders other than RCBS, and the new universal shell holder priming tool from what I have read is not that good with the 45LC case.

jaguarxk120 · June 12, 2012, 07:27 AM

Went to the RCBS APS press mounted tool, never looked back. Uses standard shell holders and the priming strips. Once started the priming operation is very easy and I can feel the cup seating. With a hand held tool there is no mechanical advantage and the cup is slammed home.

Romeo 33 Delta · June 13, 2012, 06:06 PM

I have a couple of older (round tray) Lee Autoprimes in reserve now having switched over to their new XR (square tray). I've replaced one cover because "I" snapped one of the corner tabs off ("What?? Why do I need to read the directions? We don't need no stinking directions!" ) and have another that's barely hanging in there. Still, I like them because the covers do stay on them when you set them down ... once the old styles got a little worn, the covers would fall off. I just need to figure out how to make the corner tabs more durable.

Scorch · June 14, 2012, 11:11 AM

Lee Autoprime, of course. What else is there?

David Bachelder · June 14, 2012, 11:59 AM

RCBS there is no equal and no substitute.

Wyoredman · June 14, 2012, 01:03 PM

I use the Hornady hand primer. I use it because it came with the reloading equipment I purchased 10 years ago from a co-worker.

Not having used anything else, I don't have anything to compare it to, so I will give you my experience with this tool only.

The tool is super easy to use. Just place the primers in the tray, insert a case and squeeze.

It has very a very good "feel". I am able to feel the primer seat into the primer pocket. It is also very easy to tell if a pocket is loose. I get very consistant seating because of this.

I have found that the tray cover has gotten loose over the years and had to start tapeing it on with a piece of duct tape. It also is easy to get flipped primers when using small pistol and small rifle primers. They seem to turn over in the try if not carefull.

Changing from large to small primers is easy. Just a matter of changing a bushing in the shell holder and the priming rod. The changeover takes less than a minute.

All in all, I think the Hornady hand priming tool is a good tool. The only minuses are the fact that small primers can turn over in the primer tray and that the tray lid has become loose with age.

I would reccomend this tool to others.

FiveInADime · June 14, 2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorch

Lee Autoprime, of course. What else is there?

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Bachelder

RCBS there is no equal and no substitute.

Lol... it will go on forever and ever.

Sent From My Galaxy S 4g Using Tapatalk

David Bachelder · June 14, 2012, 03:42 PM

I think it's funny. Actually I have a few LEE tools and for the most part they are equal to most anything else available.

I will have to say, they are manufactured with cost in mind.

By the way, I drive a Chevy.

dbldown · June 14, 2012, 04:41 PM

Love my RCBS.

**Unclenick** · June 14, 2012, 04:50 PM

Rebs,

It depends on your purpose. The above mentioned tools are better for volume. If you are into benchrest or F class or any other long range rifle match shooting, IMHO, the best tool available and the only one I know of that meets all of the late Creighton Audette's recommended capabilities is the K&M Primer/Gauge tool, but it is a one-at-a-time tool with no kind of tray feed. That's why it's best suited for precision rifle load volume. It both squares the primer to the primer pocket and it lets you feel the primer anvils feet finding the bottom of the primer pocket, and it lets you measure exactly how far you set the bridge while seating beyond that point (0.002" further for small rifle and 0.003" further for large rifle are Federal's recommendations).

June 11, 2012, 06:55 AM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	hand priming tool ? which brand of hand priming tool do you guys prefer ?

June 11, 2012, 07:11 AM	#2
moxie Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: TX Posts: 513	I've tried several and the Lee Autoprime is by far the best, IMO. __________________ If you want to shoot...shoot...don't talk! Tuco USAF Munitions 1969-1992 RVN 1972-1973

June 11, 2012, 08:10 AM	#5
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	I have an early Lee & got used to that... got it from my FIL, & it's pretty worn out... have heard the new ones aren't as good, but it's what I'm used to using __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

June 11, 2012, 08:13 AM	#6
smith627 Member Join Date: April 27, 2008 Location: Central Mississippi Posts: 16	RCBS. Built solid and never had a problem. __________________ NRA Life Member *Shoot Safely, Shoot Often, & Share Your Sport - Shooting USA*

June 12, 2012, 01:01 AM	#13
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	RCBS - just be careful the priming rod doesn't slip out and escape. __________________ A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

June 11, 2012, 07:39 AM	#3
DeadCenter Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2006 Posts: 105	I am using the RCBS hand priming tool and really like it. I can sit in my chair, watch TV and prime a couple hundred cases in no time.

June 11, 2012, 07:52 AM	#4
flyguy958 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2009 Location: SC Posts: 200	I prefer the Lee, although the lever arm broke after just several hundred rounds. And yes I did lubricate it. It was the older model so no new parts are available. I made a new arm out of steel and have primed several thousand rounds. I bought the RCBS when the Lee broke and used it some. It's build stout and works fine, I just prefer the repaired Lee.

June 11, 2012, 08:53 AM	#7
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	RCBS 90200, still a quality tool, I'm quite sure it will outlast me.. William

June 11, 2012, 09:00 AM	#8
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	Lee Precision Auto Prime works for me I have two, one LP and one SP set-up. Keep it lubed. Many like the RCBS. Check out the owner reviews/ratings on Midway USA and you will see for your self what is worth buying and what is best deal for you.

June 11, 2012, 11:22 AM	#9
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	RCBS Universal. Sent from a highly hacked Android device using Tapatalk 2.

June 11, 2012, 11:37 AM	#10
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it

June 11, 2012, 10:33 PM	#11
NESHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Posts: 517	I've had all 3 of lees and this beats them all http://www.midwayusa.com/product/962...d-priming-tool

June 12, 2012, 12:53 AM	#12
jcwit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2007 Location: Upper Indiana Posts: 609	Very early Lee's with the screw in shell holders, I use the as caliber specific. Other than that the K & M tool is what I like, silimber to the Sinclair tool.

June 12, 2012, 01:02 AM	#14
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	I have a newer Lee tool after my older one broke, all I can say is it works. The plastic shield that covers the primers finally broke for good. Typical for Lee stuff it seems, good ideas and concepts but poor quality on the execution. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

June 12, 2012, 01:50 AM	#15
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: middle GA Posts: 326	From what I've been told this lever http://www.midwayusa.com/product/272...lacement-lever will fit the older Lee Autoprime. IDK if it's actually unbreakable, but with that rib it looks pretty stout. Sorry for the hijack. __________________ Jan. 4, 2007 gasoline $2.10 gal....HMMM?

June 12, 2012, 06:45 AM	#16
hornady Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2009 Location: SWPA Posts: 428	Midway is great for the reviews. I am going to replace my aging Lee priming tools, In my case it seems the RCBS bench mount is the way too go. The reviews of the new Lee tool are not the greatest. And their seem too be two problems with the RCBS hand held, the old style dose not work well with shell holders other than RCBS, and the new universal shell holder priming tool from what I have read is not that good with the 45LC case.

June 12, 2012, 07:27 AM	#17
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	Went to the RCBS APS press mounted tool, never looked back. Uses standard shell holders and the priming strips. Once started the priming operation is very easy and I can feel the cup seating. With a hand held tool there is no mechanical advantage and the cup is slammed home.

June 13, 2012, 06:06 PM	#18
Romeo 33 Delta Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2009 Posts: 315	I have a couple of older (round tray) Lee Autoprimes in reserve now having switched over to their new XR (square tray). I've replaced one cover because "I" snapped one of the corner tabs off ("What?? Why do I need to read the directions? We don't need no stinking directions!" ) and have another that's barely hanging in there. Still, I like them because the covers do stay on them when you set them down ... once the old styles got a little worn, the covers would fall off. I just need to figure out how to make the corner tabs more durable.

June 14, 2012, 11:11 AM	#19
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Lee Autoprime, of course. What else is there? __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 14, 2012, 11:59 AM	#20
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	RCBS there is no equal and no substitute. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, Texas I load, 9mm Luger, 38 and 40 S&W, 38 Special, 357Magnum, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 223, 300 AAC, 243 and 30-06

June 14, 2012, 01:03 PM	#21
Wyoredman Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,350	I use the Hornady hand primer. I use it because it came with the reloading equipment I purchased 10 years ago from a co-worker. Not having used anything else, I don't have anything to compare it to, so I will give you my experience with this tool only. The tool is super easy to use. Just place the primers in the tray, insert a case and squeeze. It has very a very good "feel". I am able to feel the primer seat into the primer pocket. It is also very easy to tell if a pocket is loose. I get very consistant seating because of this. I have found that the tray cover has gotten loose over the years and had to start tapeing it on with a piece of duct tape. It also is easy to get flipped primers when using small pistol and small rifle primers. They seem to turn over in the try if not carefull. Changing from large to small primers is easy. Just a matter of changing a bushing in the shell holder and the priming rod. The changeover takes less than a minute. All in all, I think the Hornady hand priming tool is a good tool. The only minuses are the fact that small primers can turn over in the primer tray and that the tray lid has become loose with age. I would reccomend this tool to others. __________________ Go Pokes! Go Rams!

June 14, 2012, 03:42 PM	#23
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	I think it's funny. Actually I have a few LEE tools and for the most part they are equal to most anything else available. I will have to say, they are manufactured with cost in mind. By the way, I drive a Chevy. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, Texas I load, 9mm Luger, 38 and 40 S&W, 38 Special, 357Magnum, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 223, 300 AAC, 243 and 30-06

June 14, 2012, 04:41 PM	#24
dbldown Junior Member Join Date: May 31, 2011 Posts: 5	Love my RCBS.

June 14, 2012, 04:50 PM	#25
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	Rebs, It depends on your purpose. The above mentioned tools are better for volume. If you are into benchrest or F class or any other long range rifle match shooting, IMHO, the best tool available and the only one I know of that meets all of the late Creighton Audette's recommended capabilities is the K&M Primer/Gauge tool, but it is a one-at-a-time tool with no kind of tray feed. That's why it's best suited for precision rifle load volume. It both squares the primer to the primer pocket and it lets you feel the primer anvils feet finding the bottom of the primer pocket, and it lets you measure exactly how far you set the bridge while seating beyond that point (0.002" further for small rifle and 0.003" further for large rifle are Federal's recommendations). __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle