Which Hand priming tool do you like ?

I haven't used a lot of different ones.
I have the Hornady and it works great.
I used a friend's Lee hand primer and hated it. It just had a little thumb lever and felt like a toy. I'm not a Lee hater either, I'm usually defending them. Not on this particular piece or equipment though.

South Prairie Jim said:

I’m confused
A small ladder to you is a 100-150 rounds?

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GBExpat said:

when I am developing some relatively-small loading ladders

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I always prime more cases than I end-up using at loading time because I usually end-up loading more variations than I originally plan. I also tend to make a day of the shooting part of the process (often several hours from CHRONY setup to breakdown) with multiple different flavors of cartridges and guns. It is such a PITA to setup that I like to make it all seem more worth all of the effort. The only UpSide is that this all occurs in my backyard, so ...

Also is your hand priming tool not adjustable for depth?
Washers???

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No, without the washers the rod extends too far and the end-result is, potentially, mashed-in (actually bent-in) primers. Rather than try to handle that issue "by feel" I added the the washers so that it only extends a little bit when the tool is fully squeezed.

Sorry this is before my second cup of Joe but WTH

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<chuckle> No prob.

I use the same K&M as @South Prairie Jim when not priming on the press. Thinking about adding a Frankford Arsenal Platinum tool for higher volume.

Walkalong said:

I rarely send things back, assuming it works and isn't broken, just because I don't like them, not their fault I don't like it, but I sent a Frankford Armory hand primer back.

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What was your objection?

Walkalong said:

I rarely send things back, assuming it works and isn't broken, just because I don't like them, not their fault I don't like it, but I sent a Frankford Armory hand primer back.

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Might as well tell us what you didn't like about it... OP might appreciate your thoughts on it.

After using several different ones over the years I am currently using a Sinclair. And yeah, I saw where you didn't want a K&M or a Sinclair. The Sinclair is expensive but its also smooth, precise and is adjustable. You also have to hand feed it one at a time.

I most like hand priming tools because I can watch TV or otherwise spend time with the family while priming.

Walkalong said:

The Frankford tool wasn't nearly this bad, but it should not do it at all.

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I agree. I wouldn't like seeing that either.... Mine isn't producing a smashed looking ring. Was it doing it with any and all cases you used it on?

I am very satisfied with the Frankford arsenal hand priming tool. Heavy duty tool. Adjustable depth dial. Contains shellholders. Nice case.

Walkalong said:

Not as ergonomic as the RCBS, not as fast, and it left a mark on one side of the primer because the seater rod was not square. This is what my old RCBS hand primer has started doing with small pistol primers after a gazillion rounds, even with new plastic guides. They still go bang, but aren't right. I'll try to get a pic.


This is from my old RCBS hand primer, it used to not do it at all. The Frankford tool wasn't nearly this bad, but it should not do it at all.
View attachment 870073

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Shouldn’t those primers look more like this ? Insert smile here..

Walkalong said:

My old RCBS hand primer that is so fast and so easy on my hand is on its last legs, I will hate to see it go, and of course parts are not available. A good bench primer with auto feed that was fast to put cases in and get out would be worth a nice price if it existed. With my old RCBS hand primer I just stick a case in, prime, let the case fall out into a pan, repeat. Shake the tray once in a while, very fast, very easy on the hand as the leverage is excellent. I doubt young people have an issue with the new one being hard to use, but Arthur and I sure do.

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I am with you and Arthur. My RCBS hand primer is also showing its age and I can't find a replacement which is anywhere near as good or fast.

Walkalong said:

Cool, didn't even notice that until you posted "bleacher", a great idea.

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I’m told my groups will shrink if my Bullets were pointed the opposite way.
Anything to that ?

South Prairie Jim said:

I’m told my groups will shrink if my Bullets were pointed the opposite way.
Anything to that ?

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I thought they were some kind of new semi-wadcutters, seated way out...

Switched to the RCBS hand prime (not the universal priming one) after much frustration with the Lee Ergo Prime. The RCBS is simple and no flipped or jammed primers anymore.

Walkalong said:

Not as ergonomic as the RCBS, not as fast, and it left a mark on one side of the primer because the seater rod was not square. This is what my old RCBS hand primer has started doing with small pistol primers after a gazillion rounds, even with new plastic guides. They still go bang, but aren't right. I'll try to get a pic.


This is from my old RCBS hand primer, it used to not do it at all. The Frankford tool wasn't nearly this bad, but it should not do it at all.
View attachment 870073

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Mine is starting to do the same but with large primers.

HAHAHA, I'm still using my original Lee hand priming tool with the screw in shell holders, bought back in the 70's. I have a 1/2 dozen or so shell holders I picked up at gun shows. for the guns I load for. hdbiker

CWTISME said:

I have the Lee Auto Prime Ergo but it does not always feed reliably and now it has broken for the second time and Lees warranty is such a pain in ass I thought I would get a new one . So far I like the RCBS one that uses regular shell holders Opinions ?

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I use the Lyman hand primer. I've never had any issues with it and it primes all of my primer with the exception of my 223 brass, which I do on my Hornady lnl progressive press

Walkalong said:

Your RCBS tool?

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Yes