I've used a variety of priming tools. When Lee brought out their Auto prime I thought it was a handy tool. You could feel the primer being seated. There were a few minus's with this product. Its cheaply made and does not last all that long. For a while they were good about replacing broken parts but that has long since worn thin. You also had to buy separate shell holders which wasn't that big a deal but if you have common calibres. Just try buying the shell holder for the 8x68 cal. The other problem is on some of the fat cases just don't fit in the Lee tool. I have a 375 Alaskan or 375-348 Imp and it just doesn't fit.
Next I tried the RCBS hand priming tool. Much better made but a couple problems also. While it uses std shellholders changing them is not that handy. The interrupter bar is a nuisance to remove and replace when changing shell holders. The other problem is the little 1/4 inch shaft that seats the primers is not captive in the tool and will fall out if the tool is inverted. I have mine set up for belted H&H cases and leave at that.
I recently picked up the new Lyman tool. Quality is at least as good as the RCBS tool. It uses std shell holders and they are very easy to change. The shell holder sits up high on the tool so fat cases do NOT interfere with the tool body. Linkage is very smooth (at least on the tool I have).
If anyone is in the market for a hand priming tool I would suggest you give the new Lyman tool a close look.
Next I tried the RCBS hand priming tool. Much better made but a couple problems also. While it uses std shellholders changing them is not that handy. The interrupter bar is a nuisance to remove and replace when changing shell holders. The other problem is the little 1/4 inch shaft that seats the primers is not captive in the tool and will fall out if the tool is inverted. I have mine set up for belted H&H cases and leave at that.
I recently picked up the new Lyman tool. Quality is at least as good as the RCBS tool. It uses std shell holders and they are very easy to change. The shell holder sits up high on the tool so fat cases do NOT interfere with the tool body. Linkage is very smooth (at least on the tool I have).
If anyone is in the market for a hand priming tool I would suggest you give the new Lyman tool a close look.
