Hand held priming tools

[oldrodder]

I presently use 2 Universal RCBS's, 1 for small primers & 1 for large. I have both versions of the LEE set up the same way. Also have the LEE bench mounted & The RCBS bench. I did not like the Hornady one bit!
YMMV!

 

[Gatehouse]

I use the RCBS universal. It's nice not having to use shellholders. I also have a LEE but don't use it much anymore.

 

[remington jim]

I have both old and new versions of the Lee, an RCBS, and a FA. Prefer the original Lee of all of them. As mentioned, it comes down to personal preference. - dan

Is Your old lee like mine from 30 + years ago - Solid Chrome body single primer at a time ? RJ

 

[Ganderite]

I use the Frankford Arsenal. Have primed about 30,000 cases with it, mostly pistol, but some rifle.

It is well made and works well. My only complaint was that the spring it it was too stiff. Then the spring broke. (They mailed me a parts kit for free, that included a new spring.) But Diopter sent me another spring that was not as stiff, and I prefer that.

I really like this unit.

 

[dan belisle]

Is Your old lee like mine from 30 + years ago - Solid Chrome body single primer at a time ? RJ

I believe so, yes. Wore out the cam rod, twice. Scavenged another from a box of Lee parts I bought on ebay. The new cams don't fit the old tools, sadly. Though you can cut them down to fit. - dan

 

[remington jim]

I presently use 2 Universal RCBS's, 1 for small primers & 1 for large. I have both versions of the LEE set up the same way. Also have the LEE bench mounted & The RCBS bench. I did not like the Hornady one bit!
YMMV!

So ? Do you like or prefer the Rcbs or the Lee .? RJ

 

[chuck nelson]

Both leave a bunch to be desired. Ergonomically and functionally.

 

[Jolly Tar]

I haven't tried them all, so can't say what's best, but I use the Sinclair and am fully satisfied with it.

 

[kawicrash]

I used to have the RCBS, bit I didn't like it, too fiddly.
I now have the Frankford, it's a tank. It comes with a set of shell holders, same type as Lee.
I do still prefer my Lee Auto Bench Prime though.

 

[DFarmer]

I had a Lee .I broke the cast piece twice. Parts are no longer available, so I bought an RCBS.
I liked the Lee better.

 

[remington jim]

PMA tool.

They LOOK Well Constructed ! RJ

 

[45C]

View attachment 534582My RBCS fell apart after about a year, I’ve been using the Lyman for about 6 years now.
Overall it’s pretty good.
Only issue is the guide shoot? Is a bit worn out. It’s still usable though.

 

[Bile]

...

 

[remington jim]

https://21stcenturyinnovation.com/b...-precision-click-head-bench-rest-priming-tool

best priming tool ever made

Looks and Sounds like a GREAT tool for sure ! BIT pricey by the time i get it here with a few shell holders ! RJ

 

[kamlooky]

Old round Lee is a good unit.
Simplicity at it’s finest.

 

[remington jim]

Old round Lee is a good unit.
Simplicity at it’s finest.

Ha Ha Good enough for all those OLD wore out lever rifles EH ! RJ

 

[JP]

After reading the comments here, I just bought a Frankford Arsenal Platinum tool, built like a tank and it works well, easy to change from small to large primers and also shell holders. After just a few minutes of practice I was priming cases with no problems.

 

[RangerPark]

Rcbs universal gets my vote, have one for small one for large.

Same here. I also have 4 primer trays so I don't have to empty them when switching primers.

 

[kjohn]

I use a LEE hand primer. Probably not the latest version. It has a square tray. Works just fine for me. Needs to be clean, as with most or all priming tools. I have big sh!thooks, so Squeezing is no problem. Years ago, I primed on my dear old Lyman Spar-T press. Now I hand prime all my rifle cases. I deprime all spent ones with the little tool from a LEE Loader kit. Tedious? Maybe, but I enjoy doing the steps in reloading.

 

[Paul_T]

RCBS Universal for me. If I am only doing a few rounds (say 20-25 for load testing) I don't even bother with the primer tray.

Might get another so I don't have to swap between small/large. Issue for me isn't the minimal time it takes to swap, it's the 'now where did I put those parts again'......