Lee Auto Prime Hand Primer XR Issues

[Silver00LT]

This is the second batch in a row its done this. IDK if its the primers or the tool. I clean the tool and take the holder out after every use. When I am doing SP primers I'll get ONE that will go in sideways and force me to knock out the primer before I could get my holder back.

Primers are TulAmmo SP. I've done several hundred with this tool and the past two batches had one go in sideways. Only difference is...different primer.

Primer: Lee Auto Primer Hand Primer XR

[chiefr]

The second generation autoprime is junk. The tabs break off, the step up of the primer feature either fails to pick up the primer or orients the primer in the wrong direction. You have to hold it at an almost 90 degree angle to get the primers to feed.
Also since the tabs break off easy and do not hold the lid tightly, the lid will move up & down causing primers to flip inside. Use a couple of rubber bands to keep the lid tight and secure.
Lee used to make the best hand primer in the world. If you are fortunate enough to have or find an old style with the "round cover" you better hang on to it.

[jag2]

I don't see anything in the OP that indicates this is the XR version, but I agree with chiefr in not liking it. The problem described certainly occurs with the original round version. It just means you need to pay a little bit more attention when you put the lid back on the tray and don't jostle it too much. Putting on the lid on doesn't mean they can't flip sideways. They can and will. Work on your technique and maybe try to change the way you are holding the tool so you can keep an eye on the hole in the shell holder. The primer is getting turned before it centers up, not once you start to squeeze the handle. Also, if anyone wants one of the original round tray models, there are always several for sale on ebay.

[g.willikers]

Ouch.
And I was getting ready to replace my old, very reliable round ones with the new square version, figuring they would be easier to load up.
Guess not.

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I have a newer version. The first issue I noticed is the clear plastic cover not fitting tight enough. I bought a roll of the cheap masking tape for a dollar and use it to hold it down.

As far as the angle and feeding, the issues subsided with the tape and the angle of my hold.

Works fine for me now...

[Silver00LT]

Sorry guys forgot to add XR to it.

I guess my angle of hold is causing the primer to shift while the ram is in motion.

My tabs are still good...I wanted the old style one but I wanted new and Lee replaced it with this one.

First issue with a Lee product!

I don't see anything in the OP that indicates this is the XR version, but I agree with chiefr in not liking it. The problem described certainly occurs with the original round version. It just means you need to pay a little bit more attention when you put the lid back on the tray and don't jostle it too much. Putting on the lid on doesn't mean they can't flip sideways. They can and will. Work on your technique and maybe try to change the way you are holding the tool so you can keep an eye on the hole in the shell holder. The primer is getting turned before it centers up, not once you start to squeeze the handle. Also, if anyone wants one of the original round tray models, there are always several for sale on ebay.

It's the XR edition. I was heading to bed when I made this thread.

Ouch.
And I was getting ready to replace my old, very reliable round ones with the new square version, figuring they would be easier to load up.
Guess not.

Don't.

[stubbicatt]

Let me say I really, really, like the Lee Autoprime. I bought my first one in the late 80s, and used it with great success for many years. Nonetheless, it tipped primers, and the lid would come loose, and sometimes it would squish them in sideways etc. But I loved the feel of that tool.

I sort of dropped out of reloading, and what reloading I did was on a Lee CCT press, with the press mounted primer setup. Years went by, and I started to begin handloading again, and tipped a few primers with the Autoprime, and the lid popped off, and I remembered what an irritating tool that was!

So I bought an RCBS APS hand priming tool, which once it was sorted out, has been 100%.

If I had the additional change, I would choose the RCBS tool over the Lee tool in this instance.

YMMV.

[lee n. field]

Lee Auto Prime Hand Primer XR Issues

And I was getting ready to replace my old, very reliable round ones with the new square version, figuring they would be easier to load up.
Guess not.

When I went shopping for a hand priming tool last year, I looked at forums, Midway reviews, etc. Not many happy campers with the XR. The original hand prime tool is no longer available. Owners seemed a lot happier with the Ergo Prime. That's what I got, and it has been fine.