Looking for recommendations on priming tool for 223

A

Aabradsh

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Hey guys

I load for a few cartridges, one of which is .223. Typically I use an RCBS hand priming tool, but I find with the small rifle primers and smaller case diameter, unless the primer is perfectly centred on the ram, it can be difficult to press into place, and jams or crushed primers are not uncommon.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a priming tool that works more consistently with smaller cartridges and small primers?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you
 
I have to ask, although this may seem like a silly question.. you are using the white plastic insert and the silver ram for small rifle primers, not the black insert and the blued ram, correct?

My thoughts are that if you bought it used, it might not have come with the small primer adapter and ram.

I've used mine for several years for both large and small primers, changing over from one type to the other by switching the parts I mentioned. I've never had a problem like you're describing.
 
I have an RCBS hand primer as well and encounter an issue of distorting the primers on the back side. I use a primer pocket uniformer everytime I clean the cases and it still happens. I've never had an issue with my Hornady hand primer. With the back of the primer not being completely flat, I feel a slight resistance when I close the bolt on the rifle. I know that doesn't solve your problem but at least you know your not alone. I do like the build quality and feel of the rcbs hand primer, but what's the use if it doesn't seat the primers well.
 
Hey Chilly

I bought it new, but it didn’t come with this adapter. I’ll see if I can get it, because that sounds like it makes more sense. I have, in fact, been using the black plastic, and blued ram. Didn’t know there was another option.

Thanks for the info
 
Do you have crimped primer pockets? Also make sure you have the rod in right, like there is a flat side (goes towards primers and a rounded side (goes down).
 
This is the box mine came in, part # is 90200. This is the type that requires the proper shell holder, not the universal model.
That was my next question, which one you were using.. I don't know how good the case alignment is on the universal model?
I can see why the primers wouldn't seat properly with the larger feed tube, it'd be a real pia to get them to sit right.

7r39A5g.jpg


The second pic shows it disassembled, with the large primer feed (black) and the blued ram on the left, the small primer feed (white) and the silver ram shown on the right.

The extra parts were in a bag under a cardboard flap in the box, I think. Yours might have been missed during packaging. RCBS is usually really good about repairs and warranty, there's a good chance they'll send the parts to you free of charge.

FYIKQdC.jpg
 
I run a Dillon 550 When running 223 I use a primer pocket reamer one all my brass as I run a lot of second hand brass. This gets rid of any crimp or distortion and allows smooth reloading .
 
When I'm priming .223 I prime on the press with the Lee turret and primer feed. I've got both a Lee and RCBS hand prime tool, but find that both can cause problems as my brass is from various manufacturers and much of it I swagged primer crimps out off. The ram prime keeps primers perfectly aligned and pushes them in every time.
 
I use the frankford arsenal priming tool.

I had issues with priming Federal cases, but that was due to the fact that Federal cases are crimped and you need to take out the crimp before you put in the new primer.
 
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