Hand Priming Tool

Nope, it depends on the condition of your hands.

Almost all of them work quite well when they're used as designed.
Sure... the old lee auto prime model with it's flat rectangular thumb paddle and the barrel round body is as ergonomically and comfortable as an RCBS universal... I don't think so.
 
I fully agree with you, but the RCBS units aren't all that great either.

For comfort, especially for us with arthritis or other issues with our hands, the bench models and even the old tube and lever system that attaches to the loading press are blessings.

I don't know your capabilities or how old you are but you're judging "everyone" by your personal level of tolerance.

I've met and observed hand loaders that can't operate a hand held because the primer tray confuses them and they insist on taking one primer at a time out of the tray and placing it on the top of the mandrel.

People are all "different" and not all of them "are created equal"
 
I fully agree with you, but the RCBS units aren't all that great either.

For comfort, especially for us with arthritis or other issues with our hands, the bench models and even the old tube and lever system that attaches to the loading press are blessings.

I don't know your capabilities or how old you are but you're judging "everyone" by your personal level of tolerance.

I've met and observed hand loaders that can't operate a hand held because the primer tray confuses them and they insist on taking one primer at a time out of the tray and placing it on the top of the mandrel.

People are all "different" and not all of them "are created equal"
If this comment is directed at me; I'm not judging anyone, don't know how you are getting to that conclusion.

The OP question is about hand primers, not what is the best way of priming a case (i.e. bench or on-press priming).
 
My reply was totally about hand primers and all of the different variants I've used and which work best, depending on the abilities and capabilities of the individual.

Your comments weren't negative, just too narrow.
 
I seem to be the lone voice for the 21st Century rig...
Beautifully made..adjustable in 0.001" increments
But, it requires their proprietary shell holders...

Very much a "Buy Once-Cry Once" scenario....
I have the 21st Century hand primer that used the old round Lyman primer trays. Has adjustable seating depth and is a solid unit. Good thread as I often wondered what is out there if I had to replace my 21st Century unit?
 
I run two RCBS, one universal for srp and an older style for lip. The universal outshines the shell holder style by far, no issues. FA looks solid, Lyman absolute junk. Bench style primers like Lee and RCBS are admired by those that use them.
 
What timing on this thread. I have an old (round tray) Lee Hand Prime that works great. I was just thinking the other day that I don't know what I'll buy when it eventually gives up the ghost. Reading this thread it seems to be generally split between the RCBS Universal and Frankford Arsenal
 
Wow, just got the F.A today. Very impressive build, especially compared to the aluminum Hornady. It's got real metal in it, hefty, solid feel to it. Even the case is great to keep it organized.
Set up was easy, intuitive.

Immediately got busy and primed 71 .270Win cases.

I didn't fiddle with depth adjustment as right out of the box the primers were seated just fine.

Anybody on the fence about this tool, if it's definitely a hand priming tool you want, this thing is great.
And it's basically only a few bucks difference in price.

Well worth the extra $5.


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I use the primer arm on my RCBS Partner press and have had absolutely 0 issues since I got it 20 odd years ago. I really like the feel of the primer seating into the primer pocket and also the fact that I don't have a bunch of primers right close to my hand if God forbid something nasty happens. WAY less farting around and I can change from large rifle primer to small rifle primer in seconds as I got the proper small rifle primer cup and prod when I bought the press.
 
I've used the Frankford Arsenal for 3+ years.

The only problem I've run across is reloading for 7.62x54r - I had to buy separate priming shell holders because the included kit didnt have any, and FA didnt make them for 7.62x54r.
 
I use the primer arm on my RCBS Partner press and have had absolutely 0 issues since I got it 20 odd years ago. I really like the feel of the primer seating into the primer pocket and also the fact that I don't have a bunch of primers right close to my hand if God forbid something nasty happens. WAY less farting around and I can change from large rifle primer to small rifle primer in seconds as I got the proper small rifle primer cup and prod when I bought the press.
I have a priming arm on my Rcbs special 5 press that’s also see 20 years of use. Had an Rcbs hand prime tool in the early days but sold it because priming off the press just streamlined things.
 
RCBS hand primer. When I feel a primer go in too easy, I mark the case head and toss the case after firing. I have never primed on a press but would be surprised if you would have the same feel as on a hand primer.
You feel it when priming on a press, same as the feeling you get when decapping S&B cases vs something without a tight pocket.
 
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