[thomis]

If I have mostly Redding, Lyman and RCBS shellholders, which had priming tool should I get? I mean which one accepts the widest variety of other shellholder makes? I don't even know if this is possible...

[GW Staar]

On sale at Midway (in stock today)http://www.midwayusa.com/product/319794/rcbs-universal-hand-priming-tool
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/primary/319/319794.jpg
This one doesn't need separate shell holders. You can get it either tray-fed or APS strip-fed. Either works really well. Strip-fed at Midway
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/278665/rcbs-aps-hand-priming-tool)
There's a review of the APS strip-fed version Here (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/317450_.html) and Here (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/317450_.html). Midway also has these in stock

[rcmodel]

That, or the standard RCBS hand priming tool that does accept standard shell holders.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/329291/rcbs-hand-priming-tool

rc

[ArchAngelCD]

That, or the standard RCBS hand priming tool that does accept standard shell holders.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/329291/rcbs-hand-priming-tool

rc
I have also found the standard RCBS hand primer to be best. I have a Lee hand primer for a backup but I always use the RCBS.

[Cosmoline]

I've had the Lee break on me before. The standard RCBS seems pretty good, though swapping out can be irritating. I have one set up for small primers and one for large.

[jcwit]

K & M Tool

[TexasShooter59]

On sale at Midway (in stock today)http://www.midwayusa.com/product/319794/rcbs-universal-hand-priming-tool
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/primary/319/319794.jpg
This one doesn't need separate shell holders. You can get it either tray-fed or APS strip-fed. Either works really well. Strip-fed at Midway
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/278665/rcbs-aps-hand-priming-tool)
There's a review of the APS strip-fed version Here (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/317450_.html) and Here (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/317450_.html). Midway also has these in stock
This right here is what you want!

[Waywatcher]

Tried a few hand primers including both the RCBS ones mentioned. Never impressed by the results. Bought this, it is the best. Great feel, a cup to hold the primer on the rod, and great results. And I don't feel like I am using a hand strength exercise device.

Not a hand primer, but the best primer tool I have ever used:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/457599/rcbs-automatic-bench-priming-tool

[ArchAngelCD]

Tried a few hand primers including both the RCBS ones mentioned. Never impressed by the results. Bought this, it is the best. Great feel, a cup to hold the primer on the rod, and great results. And I don't feel like I am using a hand strength exercise device.

Not a hand primer, but the best primer tool I have ever used:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/457599/rcbs-automatic-bench-priming-tool
That a completely different class of primer tools and a completely different price range too.

[Waywatcher]

That a completely different class of primer tools and a completely different price range too.

I agree that it is a completely different class of primer tool. The standard list prices between it and the RCBS universal hand priming tool are only about $30 apart, but the performance is worlds apart.

It's worth taking a look at; might be something that hadn't been considered.

[Centurian22]

Thomis: is your drive to use shell holders you have for simplicity / not having extra tid bits laying around or in the interest of saving money? I have the Lee Ergo Prime and couldn't be happier with it. Changes are very quick and easy. If its cost that is important to you, buy the lee ergo prime and shell holders you need (unless you load for like 30 different calibers) and you should still be on par with the cost of other hand priming tools.

Good luck.

[Shmackey]

I like the RCBS universal one. No shell holders at all, and it's built well.

[HexHead]

I like the Hornady one. Accepts standard shell holders as well as the Hornady hand tool ones.

[James2]

I have only used the RCBS one that uses standard shell holders. I am happy with its performance.

[Ken70]

Buy one you can see what's happening but you don't have to point the tool at your face. The original Lee hand primer is one, the RCBS one in the first post would put the primers in the side of your face. They have modified most of the tools to separate the one you're loading from the rest of the tray, but I still don't want it pointing at me.

[ldlfh7]

I have used Lee and RCBS. I prefer RCBS but started and primed thousands of cases with Lee. Just my 2 cents.

[thomis]

thanks everyone. much appreciated!

[45lcshooter]

Lee round hand primer. Been using for at least 12 years. Haven't worn it out yet. Love the shell holders. Tried the RCBS at a demo day one time, and it just felt cheap. Lee has been know to be cheaper on the wallet but right up there in quality with RCBS, but Lee knocked it out of the park with the round hand primer.

[fallout mike]

I have 2 lee hand primers. One for small and one for large so I don't have to change the trays out. I haven't had any issues with them. But, I've only been loading for a couple of years. They could wear out bc they feel like cheap plastic.

[RainDodger]

You're asking for a great hand priming tool? I haven't seen this one mentioned. I don't have experience with this precise tool, but I DO have experience with Sinclair. They're a first class outfit, now associated with Brownell's.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/priming-tools/hand-tools/sinclair-priming-tool-prod37732.aspx

R.

[moonzapa]

My vote is for the Sinclair hand priming tool. The feel is unprecedented and the primers are seated perfect, each time!