Hand Priming Tool?

lister

lister

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I'm looking at getting a hand-priming tool to keep my hands busy while I try to quit smoking. The Lyman one seems to be the way to go as it uses standard shell holders (in my case Lee). However some reviews say it seats large primers high, and another says it lets small primers go sideways ect.
Any recommendations from experience? Not RCBS because I don't want to buy new shell holders.
Cheers!
 
I've been very happy with my Frankford Arsenal priming tool. It ships with a large selection of shell holders, but looks like Lee shell holders would work, if you needed an uncommon size.
 
Having no experience with other brands, my Lee hand primer seems to work well for me processing 223 and 308 cases. No idea if another brand would make the job easier, but I've had no problem with mine.
 
I have the lyman. I like it. I bought a 2nd one when it was on sale, just to make sure I have a spare if my first one breaks. 50k+ rounds later it hasn't broken.

It has seated primers too high with only one shellholder. I don't remember the brand of the shellholder, I have some of every brand. I think that SH was off a bit, not the hand primer. All I remember is that it was 45acp. Switched holder and now I must have primed 10k+ cases of 45acp.
 
+1 on the RCBS Universal - never had an issue with the tool running the strip primers on the handgun or the rifle casings ..... AND the primer depth is always consistent
 
Speicher Lane said:
+1 on the RCBS Universal ..... AND the primer depth is always consistent
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This was the reason I got a second universal one. I also have the RCBS priming tool that takes shell holders. I found it would always seat the primers all the way in, too deep for my liking. The universal seats the primers just below the base surface, which I'm told is the best way to seat primers.
 
I use the rcbs one with the universal shell holders.

Like the grip and feel when priming.

How can you seat primers too deep? Afaik they have to bottom out in the primer pocket so they won't move upon firing pin impact?!
 
bertn said:
How can you seat primers too deep? Afaik they have to bottom out in the primer pocket so they won't move upon firing pin impact?!
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When the cartridge is fired under normal conditions, the pressure pushes the primer back to the bolt face, flush with the cartridge base. Seating the primer deeper than a couple thousands below the base serves no purpose because it'll just get pushed back anyway. Seating the primers too deep actually increases the chance of misfires due to light primer strikes.
 
RangerPark said:
When the cartridge is fired under normal conditions, the pressure pushes the primer back to the bolt face, flush with the cartridge base. Seating the primer deeper than a couple thousands below the base serves no purpose because it'll just get pushed back anyway. Seating the primers too deep actually increases the chance of misfires due to light primer strikes.
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Primers moving back is after the ignition has taken place so not relevant I think.

Perhaps your primer pockets are too deep.
 
RangerPark said:
The universal seats the primers just below the base surface, which I'm told is the best way to seat primers.
Click to expand...

....and the mechanical leverage of the tool require little effort to seat a primer/ any primer.

I have primed over a 100+ casings in a sitting and you can inspect 5-50 at a time and they are all consistent, then change cartridges/primer and immediately the setup is correct.

Great tool!
 
Another vote for the RCBS Universal. Great piece of kit.

Had a Lyman EZ Prime - used it twice, it's sitting in a box waiting for a gun show.
 
The newest lee ergo prime or whatever is a POS. I like the older lee with the square trays.
Frankford gets decent reviews, but it’s expensive for what it is.
21st Century makes a nice tool from what I’ve read, but not readily available in Canada as far as I could tell.
 
I use the 21st Century priming tool. It is extremely well built and was easily ordered via internet. It allows you to set the depth of the primer. If you want to keep your self busy, this fills that need as you have to place the primers on one at a time. What may be a downside is that you have to also purchase their shell holders.......but you can do that when you order it.
 
I bought a Frankford Arsenal priming tool. Solid steel. Works very well. Has an adjustment for seating depth. Just turn a little wheel a few clicks one way or the other.

Uses its own supplied set of shell holders, which are clones of Lee.

It is about the most expensive seater, but I have no regrets. I do 1000 cases at a time, and don't like interruptions for sideways primers, etc. This one works well.
 
bertn said:
Primers moving back is after the ignition has taken place so not relevant I think.
Click to expand...

I agree, however light primer strikes would be. Not an issue in most properly functioning rifles though.

Perhaps your primer pockets are too deep.
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The issue was most prevalent with IVI cases. The regular RCBS seater would push the primers noticeably deeper. Might very well be the pockets were deeper than normal. Not an issue with with the universal tool though, the primers are the perfect depth every time.
 
Have not tried it yet however when I get around to learning how to reload I plan on using the Sinclair Priming Tool from Brownells. Looks well made. Actually looks similar to the 21st Century priming tool.
 
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