Primer Tool???

PALongbow · January 24, 2002, 07:52 PM

I decided to purchase the RCBS Rockchucker reloading kit and my question is should I use the auto primer feed that comes with the kit or buy the RCBS hand primer tool. Which works the best for priming???

jjmorgan64 · January 24, 2002, 07:55 PM

you'll never regret it

Swamp Yankee · January 24, 2002, 08:33 PM

Another vote for the hand primer.
I use the Lee and the only issue I have with it is it uses its own shell holders vs. the RCBS that uses standard shell holders.
Take Care

Nanaimo Barr · January 25, 2002, 12:56 AM

3rd vote for the hand primer...

got both, go with the RCBS.. the price difference is ballanced out by the having to buy the custom case holders for the Lee..

Khornet · January 25, 2002, 07:24 AM

My Rockchucker is a great press, but the built-in priming tool is lousy. I consistently have difficulty seating primers fully and it's hard to get a good feel for how they're seating. The Lee tool is great, a real bargain even if you do need special shellholders. A full set of these for any conceivable need can be had from Midway for $11.99.

The Lee Ram Prime is also good. I gave mine away to a new shooter when I upgraded to the RCBS press but I wish I hadn't. It is slower than the Auto Prime though.

You can also spend about $100 for a Sinclair unit, for match accuracy.........but I've been able to get sub-MOA from my 03A3 Springfield without it.

MADISON · January 25, 2002, 09:51 AM

Primer Tool recommendation:
RCBS Auto Priming Tool
Bench Mounted [$65]
Part #09460

Bogie · January 25, 2002, 11:37 AM

My choices for priming tools...

Sinclair - VERY precise, very expensive, great feel (uses Lee primer shellholders) single feeder

K&M - built like a tank, will last a lifetime, nice feel (ditto) single feeder

Lee hand held autoprime - Built less tank-like, and you have to occasionally dab a little lube on the innards' wear points, but it is fast to use, with a pretty nice feel (doh...) tray holds maybe 200 primers - altho the manuals sez that you'll put your eye out...

FWIW, I commonly see the above at benchrest matches. We're picky about the way the priming tools "feel" when you seat 'em...

I've heard a few good things about the Hornady primers.

I think I've seen ONE RCBS primer tool at a match... They aren't common.

If I'm loading handgun, or "blasting" ammo, I use my Lees... If I'm loading for accuracy, I use my K&M or my antique that is set up for my 6BR with the .308 head and the small primer pocket (that tool is similar to the Sinclair).

My recommendations: Get a Lee, and take care of it, and when it wears out after a few cases of primers, replace the innards for $3, and don't worry about it.

Timothy · January 25, 2002, 04:41 PM

Another vote for the RCBS hand primer! You get the "feel" of what your doing and can be real consistant. You develop a rhythm and can prime a hundred in a heartbeat.

Jerry Stordahl · January 26, 2002, 12:14 AM

Bogie: Of the two upper echelon ones.....Sinclair or K&M.....which deserves my dollars? I've been eyeing the Sinclair for awhile. Its one of those tools that would be nice, but I can get along with the old pot metal RCBS hand primer tool for awhile yet. Sooner or later I'll have to do it though, so I wonder.....Sinclair or K&M?

Bogie · January 30, 2002, 01:57 PM

They both do a good job. I'm thinking of buying Ken's priming tool gauge, and since that'll only fit on his priming tool, well... I'm sorta stuck there...

If you're going to rely solely on feel, and want a work of art, I'd get the Sinclair. Heck, I'll probably buy one eventually, but I wanna play some with the Markle gauge...

**Mal H** · January 30, 2002, 03:30 PM

I'm not sure what the count is up to by now, but I vote that you purchase the hand priming tool.

The priming thingie that comes with the Rockchucker shouldn't have been included with it. At least don't call it a tool and name it what it really is - primer mangler, or primer frustrator, or priming-tool-to-be-used-in-dire-emergencies-only.

Bogie · January 31, 2002, 11:45 AM

Just to add a final $0.02, the Lee tool will work just fine, and is one of the fastest of the bunch... I rank 'em Sinclair, Markle, Lee, and the Lee is the only one that holds a bunch of primers - the Sinclair and Markle require you to feed 'em one at a time...

DaHaMac · February 15, 2002, 06:54 PM

Get the Hand Primer.

I sit here in a fine fit, ready to pitch a fit. Why am I so frustrated? I tried to use the primer thing on the Rockchucker

:barf:

God, why did I use Parcel Post instead of UPS when I ordered my last batch from Midway, and that batch included my RCBS hand-primer

Was going to load some ammo for a range trip tomorrow, but I'd rather not have the ammo than try to prime without the hand-primer.

Just a heads up for NEone else that might think about skipping the hand-primer in lieu of the tool on the Rockchucker.

coonan357 · February 16, 2002, 01:40 AM

Rcbs handprimer vote here also , I bought a lee ram prime for the press when you get carpel tunnel ($20)works great !

as for the factory lever Remove and pitch ,and pull out the pin in the press.

PALongbow · February 16, 2002, 10:24 AM

I purchased the RCBS hand primer tool and it works great. Seats the primer just right and a breeze to use. Makes fast work of priming. Appreciate your help on this guys.

Ron

zanthope · February 17, 2002, 10:27 AM

After some thousands of rounds primed in both the Lee AutoPrime and RCBS hand primer, I offer the following observations:

The Lee Autoprimer requires that you use a balanced thumb-and-four-finger sort of grip that is not a lot unlike holding and operating a rifle with a standard stock. I think repeated use of this tool strengthens the hand in a useful way....especially the thumb, which provides most of the force.

The RCBS tool requires an awkward semi-lateral grip-and-twist sort of action that for me at least, is uncomfortable. The four fingers provide the power, but in an un-natural sort of motion that I find irritates the little bit of carpal tunnel syndrome that I have, and almost paralyzes my hand for awhile.

Maybe not a big deal...until you sit and prime a few hundred cases.

WESHOOT2 · February 17, 2002, 10:22 PM

I use the RCBS tools for certain special lower-volume runs. I use them for their superior seating consistency; I find seating primers using one of my RCBS hand-priming tools enhances accuracy with specific loads.

All my LEE tools broke.

MADISON · February 19, 2002, 08:39 AM

I've used the RCBS "Auto Priming Tool" [Bench Mounted] Part # 09460, because I coould not get the primer feed on my Lyman Spart-T to work in 1971. It can be hand for around $60.

January 24, 2002, 07:52 PM	#1
PALongbow Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2001 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 103	Primer Tool??? I decided to purchase the RCBS Rockchucker reloading kit and my question is should I use the auto primer feed that comes with the kit or buy the RCBS hand primer tool. Which works the best for priming???

January 24, 2002, 07:55 PM	#2
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Buy the Priming Tool you'll never regret it __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

January 25, 2002, 12:56 AM	#4
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	3rd vote for the hand primer... got both, go with the RCBS.. the price difference is ballanced out by the having to buy the custom case holders for the Lee.. __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

January 25, 2002, 07:24 AM	#5
Khornet Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: NH Posts: 585	Priming tool My Rockchucker is a great press, but the built-in priming tool is lousy. I consistently have difficulty seating primers fully and it's hard to get a good feel for how they're seating. The Lee tool is great, a real bargain even if you do need special shellholders. A full set of these for any conceivable need can be had from Midway for $11.99. The Lee Ram Prime is also good. I gave mine away to a new shooter when I upgraded to the RCBS press but I wish I hadn't. It is slower than the Auto Prime though. You can also spend about $100 for a Sinclair unit, for match accuracy.........but I've been able to get sub-MOA from my 03A3 Springfield without it. __________________ The M1 does MY talking!

January 25, 2002, 09:51 AM	#6
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Primer Tool Primer Tool recommendation: RCBS Auto Priming Tool Bench Mounted [$65] Part #09460

January 24, 2002, 08:33 PM	#3
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	Another vote for the hand primer. I use the Lee and the only issue I have with it is it uses its own shell holders vs. the RCBS that uses standard shell holders. Take Care

January 25, 2002, 11:37 AM	#7
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	My choices for priming tools... Sinclair - VERY precise, very expensive, great feel (uses Lee primer shellholders) single feeder K&M - built like a tank, will last a lifetime, nice feel (ditto) single feeder Lee hand held autoprime - Built less tank-like, and you have to occasionally dab a little lube on the innards' wear points, but it is fast to use, with a pretty nice feel (doh...) tray holds maybe 200 primers - altho the manuals sez that you'll put your eye out... FWIW, I commonly see the above at benchrest matches. We're picky about the way the priming tools "feel" when you seat 'em... I've heard a few good things about the Hornady primers. I think I've seen ONE RCBS primer tool at a match... They aren't common. If I'm loading handgun, or "blasting" ammo, I use my Lees... If I'm loading for accuracy, I use my K&M or my antique that is set up for my 6BR with the .308 head and the small primer pocket (that tool is similar to the Sinclair). My recommendations: Get a Lee, and take care of it, and when it wears out after a few cases of primers, replace the innards for $3, and don't worry about it. __________________ Job hunting, but helping a friend out at www.vikingmachineusa.com - and learning the finer aspects of becoming a precision machinist. And making the world's greatest bottle openers!

January 25, 2002, 04:41 PM	#8
Timothy Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Posts: 97	Another vote for the RCBS hand primer! You get the "feel" of what your doing and can be real consistant. You develop a rhythm and can prime a hundred in a heartbeat. __________________ "There ain't no use runnin' if you're on the wrong road."

January 26, 2002, 12:14 AM	#9
Jerry Stordahl Member Join Date: July 9, 2000 Location: Halstad, MN USA Posts: 96	Bogie: Of the two upper echelon ones.....Sinclair or K&M.....which deserves my dollars? I've been eyeing the Sinclair for awhile. Its one of those tools that would be nice, but I can get along with the old pot metal RCBS hand primer tool for awhile yet. Sooner or later I'll have to do it though, so I wonder.....Sinclair or K&M?

January 30, 2002, 01:57 PM	#10
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	They both do a good job. I'm thinking of buying Ken's priming tool gauge, and since that'll only fit on his priming tool, well... I'm sorta stuck there... If you're going to rely solely on feel, and want a work of art, I'd get the Sinclair. Heck, I'll probably buy one eventually, but I wanna play some with the Markle gauge... __________________ Job hunting, but helping a friend out at www.vikingmachineusa.com - and learning the finer aspects of becoming a precision machinist. And making the world's greatest bottle openers!

January 30, 2002, 03:30 PM	#11
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	I'm not sure what the count is up to by now, but I vote that you purchase the hand priming tool. The priming thingie that comes with the Rockchucker shouldn't have been included with it. At least don't call it a tool and name it what it really is - primer mangler, or primer frustrator, or priming-tool-to-be-used-in-dire-emergencies-only.

January 31, 2002, 11:45 AM	#12
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	Just to add a final $0.02, the Lee tool will work just fine, and is one of the fastest of the bunch... I rank 'em Sinclair, Markle, Lee, and the Lee is the only one that holds a bunch of primers - the Sinclair and Markle require you to feed 'em one at a time... __________________ Job hunting, but helping a friend out at www.vikingmachineusa.com - and learning the finer aspects of becoming a precision machinist. And making the world's greatest bottle openers!

February 15, 2002, 06:54 PM	#13
DaHaMac Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2000 Location: West Central Georgia Posts: 247	Get the Hand Primer. I sit here in a fine fit, ready to pitch a fit. Why am I so frustrated? I tried to use the primer thing on the Rockchucker :barf: God, why did I use Parcel Post instead of UPS when I ordered my last batch from Midway, and that batch included my RCBS hand-primer Was going to load some ammo for a range trip tomorrow, but I'd rather not have the ammo than try to prime without the hand-primer. Just a heads up for NEone else that might think about skipping the hand-primer in lieu of the tool on the Rockchucker.

February 16, 2002, 01:40 AM	#14
coonan357 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2002 Location: in a state of confusion and disbelief ! Posts: 726	Rcbs handprimer vote here also , I bought a lee ram prime for the press when you get carpel tunnel ($20)works great ! as for the factory lever Remove and pitch ,and pull out the pin in the press. __________________ N.R.A. Lifer and proud of it ! You can't argue with a .357 Mag. Well, you can try, but you'll end up bleeding an aweful lot. -GEORGE HILL 4-08-2002 My Coonan is Not For Sale please do not ask!

February 16, 2002, 10:24 AM	#15
PALongbow Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2001 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 103	I purchased the RCBS hand primer tool and it works great. Seats the primer just right and a breeze to use. Makes fast work of priming. Appreciate your help on this guys. Ron

February 17, 2002, 10:27 AM	#16
zanthope Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 258	After some thousands of rounds primed in both the Lee AutoPrime and RCBS hand primer, I offer the following observations: The Lee Autoprimer requires that you use a balanced thumb-and-four-finger sort of grip that is not a lot unlike holding and operating a rifle with a standard stock. I think repeated use of this tool strengthens the hand in a useful way....especially the thumb, which provides most of the force. The RCBS tool requires an awkward semi-lateral grip-and-twist sort of action that for me at least, is uncomfortable. The four fingers provide the power, but in an un-natural sort of motion that I find irritates the little bit of carpal tunnel syndrome that I have, and almost paralyzes my hand for awhile. Maybe not a big deal...until you sit and prime a few hundred cases. __________________ We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then it gets worse. Last edited by zanthope; February 17, 2002 at 11:08 PM.

February 17, 2002, 10:22 PM	#17
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	TESTED I use the RCBS tools for certain special lower-volume runs. I use them for their superior seating consistency; I find seating primers using one of my RCBS hand-priming tools enhances accuracy with specific loads. All my LEE tools broke. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

February 19, 2002, 08:39 AM	#18
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Primer Tool I've used the RCBS "Auto Priming Tool" [Bench Mounted] Part # 09460, because I coould not get the primer feed on my Lyman Spart-T to work in 1971. It can be hand for around $60.