Best hand primer?

I have loaded many thousands of primers in Lee auto primes. Broke one, and wore one out before I learned to grease them, and still have two. I have had many primers flip upside down, go sideways or fail to enter the "chamber" of the Lee tool, but even so, it is much better to use a Lee tool than use the press. I don't use them any more, switched to the RCBS. It is MUCH better built, and never a mis-aligned primer like I have had in the Lee tools. My only complaint about the RCBS is the piston - nothing to keep it from falling out.
 
I broke a Lee too. Bought an RCBS and give the pockets a quick cleaning to increase seating feel. Pain in the arse job but worth it for some ammo (all rifle) that I reload. Otherwise, the primer gets seated on the auto press for almost all my pistol calibers.
 
Rob Yale said:
You use the RCBS one that uses that plastic strip that needs to be loaded up? Do you use the loader as well?

rob
Click to expand...

Rob, this is what I use.


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RCBS Products - Priming Tools

90200 - HAND PRIMING TOOL

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=+1]Hand Priming Tool[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Our hand priming tool not only seats primers quickly, it's also the safest. A patented safety mechanism separates the seating operation from the primer supply, virtually eliminating the possiblity of tray detonation. Fits in your hand for portable primer seating. Primer tray installation requires no contact with the primers. Uses the same shell holders (post 1980) as RCBS presses. Made of durable cast metal. Features large and small primer plugs. Shell holders not included. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]90200 Hand Priming Tool [/FONT]




90200.jpg
 
I have 4 Lee units and 2 RCBS units. Each has their virtue and their downfalls. The Lee are very good, but will not accept the WSM, SAUM RUM and other large base cases readily because the ears on the body that the shellholder goes into are slightly too narrow. A die grinder would work to relieve this. I broke those ears off a couple of early models, but Lee replaced the bodies, and I note that the new ones are sturdier. Lee, of course requires their shellholders, [Which are a snap to change] or you can make one from an RCBS by grinding off the bottom projection of an RCBS, & Drilling the hole out slightly larger.
The RCBS units are slightly more powerful, and use standard shellholders, as mentioned. Changing the shellholders is a bit more complicated, but nothing out of line. [The universal shellholder unit eliminates this] You have to watch the RCBS, because if you inadvertently turn it upside down, the priming rod will fall out. [I do hate that!] Additionally, I always get a black hand from the RCBS body [aluminum does that] They both have a place in my scheme of things, but if push comes to shove, I believe I prefer the Lee unit. [I have never crushed a primer with any of mine---just use the exact recommended shellholder] Regards, Eagleye.
 
I use a Lee Auto-Prime, but have found that sometimes Im just not strong enough to seat the primers all the way with it, and the cases get stuck in the shell holder... but that probably has way more to do with me then the equipment.
 
The only one I've used s the Lee so I can't say if it is the best, but I have no complaints about it and am not making plans to replace it. I lube the rubbing parts of the linkage joint, this makes is smoother and stops wear from friction.
 
I've used a lee so far, no real complaints about it. I prefer the safety prime on the press though, being able to visually ensure that the primer is oriented correctly before it goes into the shell makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
 
Amanda said:
I use a Lee Auto-Prime, but have found that sometimes Im just not strong enough to seat the primers all the way with it, and the cases get stuck in the shell holder... but that probably has way more to do with me then the equipment.
Click to expand...
Do you give the primer pockets a quick cleaning? Makes a big difference.
 
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