Primer Seating Options

6MT said:
. I was priming the .338LM case. I had called RCBS customer service the week previous to see if ths hand unit would do the magnum case.
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OK I'll bite.

What is so special about the 338 Lapua that would require more pressure from the primer seating tool than any other cartridge that uses large rifle sized primers?
 
I hate hand priming units with a deep and burning passion.

I only use my RCBS bench priming unit, which in my opinion gives you significanly better feel seating the primer, while being far easier to do for extended sittings as well.

For bulk, press mount is the only sensible option. The only other method I have ever used to seat a primer was a 10 ton hydraulic press, but that is not for common stuff lol.
 
I prefer a hand primer, do not like handling primers one at a time. Still have old Lee round trays and a couple of versions of RCBS, tried a Hornady, have a new Lee that won't feed, have a new FA I haven't tried yet, and a Forster bench unit. The one I use the most is a 21st Century that uses round Lee trays, it is a great unit. RCBS that uses shell holders is OK, have to use Hornady shellholders on it, RCBS won't go down over the seat that sticks up as the primer chute. Forster bench unit is OK, loading tubes is pesky. Didn't like the universal RCBS, just rubbed me the wrong way. haven't tried an RCBS bench mount, Forster works good though, just labour intensive.
 
Ganderite said:
I used Lee AutoPrime for years (the old round one). As they wore out and parts were not available, I got a Frankfort Arsenal habd primer. Excellent kit. Seating depth is adjustable.
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Fastestmanalive said:
Nothing fancy, but my Frankfurt Arsenal is very well made with adjustable seating depth. Smooth and precise. Was a great upgrade from my RCBS handheld.

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I've heard good reports of this priming tool. I've been using the old style Lee hand priming tool but snapped the handle off a couple weeks ago. Bought the new Lee hand priming tool and do not like it... fortunately I happened to notice similarities between the old and new and with a bit of filing fit the handle on to the old one and happily business is as usual. I might try that Frankford tool as it looks to be quite comfortable for those tighter seatings.
 
6MT said:
I use the press mounted primer on my Co-Ax press. A few years ago, I had a competition on a Sunday afternoon. I shot some practice rounds on Saturday. So Saturday night, I was loading my competition rounds when my RCBS hand primer failed. I was priming the .338LM case. I had called RCBS customer service the week previous to see if ths hand unit would do the magnum case. I was told that, yes it would. With no problem.

On the 5th or so case...snap. The pivot rounded smooth because of the extra force needed for the bigger case. Most likely because it was cast from very soft pot metal. I was in a pickle. I needed to load these cases for Sunday's match. I had never tried the press primer on my Co-Ax. So I decided to try it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the system. That large handle generates so much force, but It is also very tactile. Meaning that you can feel the condition of the primer pocket...loose, or firm, or tight. And seating was extremely positive. Meaning that you can really feel when the primer is fully seated. Something that escapes you when using a hand unit.

I was so happy that I haven't looked back since. My Co-Ax's press mounted primer is all I use. From .44mag, to .223rem, right up to the .338LM case. Now you can make up your own mind, but for me, the versatility of this system and the ease of use... I will never use a hand held unit again. But the big reason is for the "feel" when you seat a primer. Owners of the Co-Ax press will understand. For me loading precision rounds, it's a no brainer.

Ymmv.

EDIT: My apologies to those people who don't own a Co-Ax.
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I agree that the Co-Ax primer is a very good option. And as a bonus comes with one of the best presses going. :)
 
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