Problem with Lee Auto Hand Primer

A common issue with Lee's latest hand priming tool, and not uncommon with hand priming tools in general. Orientation of the tool in the hand can contribute to the problem. I use the same tool regularly, and have the same issue. Therefore I keep a close eye on each primer before loading the case.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

I have the old round one. It works perfect with LRP but does not work well at all with the small. I had to file and scrape to get small primers to feed though the feed chute.
mad someone else said it really depends on how you hold it.
Been thinking I’ll buy an RCBS for small and keep the Lee for large.

I have the same problem with the RCBS. But with only certain brass.

I only use the first and second generation Lee hand primers to prime the brass I load for, so far to the tune of about 40,000 rounds since 1996. Been an issue with the Lee set up since the first one they made.

It’s worse with the latest “safety” features, the primer can get cockeyed easier in my experience.

Go slow, check the orientation snd if it seems too stiff when seating the primer is probably crooked.

Stay safe.

I must squeeze too hard. I've never had one last more than 7-8 thousand rounds.

Ive had 3 old style and never once had a problem with them......was looking at a new style but havent bought it just yet....might not, and just get another old one used.

alanwk said:

I have been having a problem with primers trying to seat sideways in the Lee auto hand primer.. I have been in contact with Lee and even sent it in to them where they lubed it and replaced some parts. Still same problem.

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The latest Lee hand primer is a kludge. Lee is just waving a rabbits foot over the thing and hoping magic will make their poor design function.

I think Lee hired the same designers who made the Boeing 737AMAX an automated death trap.

I have 2 of the old style ones they work great but the new ones not so much, these work great better built than old lee model

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Ar...ord+arsenal+primer+tool&qid=1631789992&sr=8-2

I have been using the old style round tray for many years and thousands of rounds. I have never had an issue it using large or small primers. The system works perfect for me and I have tried others. Broke the lever once and replaced it with so called new style they say wont fit. Oh but it will with just a little bit of dremel work...

and keep the bearing surfaces lubed. i use petroleum jelly.

luck,

murf

Sideways primers, does it happen with all the brass or just some?

If it is just sometimes, are they all the same headstamp or mixed?

If it’s the same headstamp are they a brand that’s generally tight, like S&B or crimped pockets?

LoonWulf said:

Ive had 3 old style and never once had a problem with them......was looking at a new style but havent bought it just yet....might not, and just get another old one used.

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DON"T. They are the worst thing Lee ever made and went back to my old one.

Slamfire said:

The latest Lee hand primer is a kludge. Lee is just waving a rabbits foot over the thing and hoping magic will make their poor design function.

I think Lee hired the same designers who made the Boeing 737AMAX an automated death trap.

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Agree Threw mine away last night.

alanwk said:

I have been having a problem with primers trying to seat sideways in the Lee auto hand primer.. I have been in contact with Lee and even sent it in to them where they lubed it and replaced some parts. Still same problem.

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That's why I got rid of mine. I found it was faster to prime on the press with the Ram Prime than have to fiddle around and make sure primers fed properly on the Auto Prime. It was the square tray model, though and lots of people seem to like the round so maybe that is an option you might want to pursue.

I have three of the old style Lee round tray type. One set up for Large primers and one set up for small primers. Third for spare parts. Been using them since they first came out and have primed more brass than I can count. The small primer tray needed some file work and polishing in the beginning but now works as designed. I still check to make sure the primer is not in crooked or wrong every time though. Haven't had a primer goof in years. I find there is a way to hold the tool that primers feed best and to shake the tray every so often to settle them in place.

I have had the same problem with my Lee Bench Auto Prime but if I watch the way the primer drops into the loading position, I can catch it early and reposition it so it doesn't go into the primer hole sideways. Maybe one in a hundred gets by but that is part of reloading. I toss brass the same way, maybe 1 in 100 for such things as too short to trim, cracked edges, blown out bases (especially on range brass) or suspected cracks by the base..

I have had the same problem with my lee hand priming tool. I just got in the habit of holding the tool so that I can see the primer right before I slip the brass into the shell holder. Then I can see if I have a problem before I try to cram the primer into the case.

I find I occasionally have to give the handle a little bit of a squeeze to get the primer to lay flat on the ram. A couple sideways ones in the past have made me look at each one before I commit.

Plus 1 on look before you commit.

chamokaneman said:

I find I occasionally have to give the handle a little bit of a squeeze to get the primer to lay flat on the ram. A couple sideways ones in the past have made me look at each one before I commit.

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Dumb question but I have to ask: are you SURE you're using the right size rammer for your primers? The only way I can see what you describe happening is to use a large ram with a small primer. And even then...

9mmepiphany said:

Can you expand on "squeeze" and how it affects the orientation of the primer?

I usually 1) seat the primer, 2) release the lever (which allows the next primer to drop in front of the ram), and then 3) remove the primed case. The fresh primer is usually correctly oriented in front of the ram as I insert the next un-primed case.

Are the folks having turned primers following a different process?

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Yeah, I'm definitely using the correct ram. I have two Lee auto prime tools. One has a tray, one I have to hand feed. Either way, I look at the primer before I put the brass in the shell holder. In the rare instance that a primer isn't laying on top of the ram in exactly the right configuration, I raise the ram a little, lower the ram, and everything is fine. They work fine for me. The important thing is to look before you squeeze.