Primer Seating Options

[65gks]

Hi ,just wondering what everyone is using for seating primers. I have been using a Lee hand held primer that has done its job , just looking to upgrade to something better. Hand held or bench mount.
Thanks for your input.
George

 

[TrxR]

I got an older K&M hand held primer.

 

[manitou210]

21 century hands down the best

 

[CZ_Silhouetter]

It really depends how many you want seat at a time and what type of precision/feel you are after.

Both the K&M and 21 century provide a great feel for seating and precision if that is what you are after.

Here is the ultimate setup: http://www.primalrights.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=134 Excellent precision and feel all well being able to quickly seat thousands of primers.

 

[dead meat]

It really depends how many you want seat at a time and what type of precision/feel you are after.

Both the K&M and 21 century provide a great feel for seating and precision if that is what you are after.

Here is the ultimate setup: http://www.primalrights.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=134 Excellent precision and feel all well being able to quickly seat thousands of primers.

For $600.00 I want a reach around as well. I use a RCBS bench mounted unit as well as some very old Lee hand tools.

 

[Fastestmanalive]

Nothing fancy, but my Frankfurt Arsenal is very well made with adjustable seating depth. Smooth and precise. Was a great upgrade from my RCBS handheld.

 

[silverfoxdj]

FORSTER press or LEE hand primer

 

[wasa]

Lee hand prime, Lee Ram prime, or Lee Safety prime (attached to my turret press).

All depends on what I'm loading. Safety prime gets regular primers while hand or Ram get magnum primers

 

[gem]

Lee Hand Prime or Lee Ram Prime

 

['Boo]

I use the RCBS hand primer for small batches of rifle cartridges and the RCBS bench-mounted unit for larger amounts. The bench-mounted unit is quite fast and has exceptionally good "feel".

 

[john-brennan]

I use a RCBS hand priming tool I like to feel the primer being seated.

 

[Munkey1973]

Been using the RCBS hand primer for years. The small primer parts are almost warn right out... it owes me nothing.
It has a good feel.
It is fast and totally awesome for mass-bulk (non-super precision) reloading.

For my precision F T/R reloading work however, I love the priming system that is already part of my Forster Co-ax Press... it is slow but its crazy consistent…. the deep of countersink is NEVER greater than a half-thousands.

Since I already own a co-ax press I could never justify to myself in spending money on something like a 21st Century Hand Primer (even though I already own A LOT of their other stuff because they design some of the best stuff out there)

 

[209jones]

I was bugging 21st Century on a post they made about "something big" coming out, still no word on what that is.. Asked a bout a primer tool with a tray, that wasn't it, but, they said they are trying to figure it out.

 

[todbartell]

RCBS hand primer with the universal shell holder

 

[6MT]

....

 

[Ganderite]

I used Lee AutoPrime for years (the old round one). As they wore out and parts were not available, I got a Frankfort Arsenal habd primer. Excellent kit. Seating depth is adjustable.

 

[todbartell]

I've primed 338 Lapua on my RCBS hand primer with no issues.

 

[Wallenstein]

Nothing fancy, but my Frankfurt Arsenal is very well made with adjustable seating depth. Smooth and precise. Was a great upgrade from my RCBS handheld.

I like this one and use it frequently.

Had some issues with 223 until someone pointed out that cheap Federal casings had a crimped primer pocket.

Once I reamed them out, it all worked well again.

 

[nevanevan]

I like this one and use it frequently.

Had some issues with 223 until someone pointed out that cheap Federal casings had a crimped primer pocket.

Once I reamed them out, it all worked well again.

I third this as well. Very happy with this hand primer. Has a good feel when seating

 

[todbartell]

I use the press mounted primer on my Co-Ax press. A few years ago, I had a competition on a Sunday afternoon. I shot some practice rounds on Saturday. So Saturday night, I was loading my competition rounds when my RCBS hand primer failed. I was priming the .338LM case. I had called RCBS customer service the week previous to see if ths hand unit would do the magnum case. I was told that, yes it would. With no problem.

On the 5th or so case...snap. The pivot rounded smooth because of the extra force needed for the bigger case. Most likely because it was cast from very soft pot metal. I was in a pickle. I needed to load these cases for Sunday's match. I had never tried the press primer on my Co-Ax. So I decided to try it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the system. That large handle generates so much force, but It is also very tactile. Meaning that you can feel the condition of the primer pocket...loose, or firm, or tight. And seating was extremely positive. Meaning that you can really feel when the primer is fully seated. Something that escapes you when using a hand unit.

I was so happy that I haven't looked back since. My Co-Ax's press mounted primer is all I use. From .44mag, to .223rem, right up to the .338LM case. Now you can make up your own mind, but for me, the versatility of this system and the ease of use... I will never use a hand held unit again. But the big reason is for the "feel" when you seat a primer. Owners of the Co-Ax press will understand. For me loading precision rounds, it's a no brainer.

Ymmv.

EDIT: My apologies to those people who don't own a Co-Ax.

quoted post just to save it for history