Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool??

[P-32]

I have two of he Lees and like others, have one set up for Large primers, the other one for small primers. If you keep the things lubed at the moving parts points they do last a very long time.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

FYI, RCBS sells an upgrade for the original that includes the bigger square tray. It still uses conventional shell holders. Pretty inexpensive IIRC.

Andy

 

[GW Staar]

"and after a bunch of rounds, my thumb started giving me problems.

"Well that answered my question. I kept thinking about buying one. But I wondered if it would bother the arthritis in my thumb. Apparently it would so I'll stay with the press."


Consider the Autoprime II. It's body is a die. Screw it into your press and it uses Lee primer trays for feeding, uses conventional shell holders and works with the press lever. NO thumb fatigue!

The RCBS APS tool doesn't require the use of thumb power. I prepared a review of that tool for Ar15.com. Check it out.

 

[mrayw]

Hi Neighbor!

I have used Lee and it was fine.
The RCBS universal shell holder is really handy!!
Not a Lee basher either,have a lot of Lee equipment and prefer Lee dies.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Whee for Lee!

Stodd--I started with a Lee hand primer tool many years ago. They have worked fine for me and I never saw a reason to try something else.

I have broken about 3 of them--When I call Lee about that, the response is, "They aren't supposed to do that--Send it back to us." I do and they replace it. As long as that continues, why should I switch? Lee's customer support is, IMX, as good as any in the industry.

I've hear good things about the RCBS unit, including that it is made out of better materials. The fact that the Lee unit is made out of pot metal is its Achilles' heel.

If Lee would make their same hand primer unit out of real steel I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

BTW--You need the special shell-holders for the Lee, yes, but those at least are machined out of steel, so when I'm buying dies for a new cartridge I just get a new Lee primer shell-holder too (unless one I have already fits the new cartridge--there is quite a bit of crossover) and am done with it.

 

[stodd]

thanks smokey... I ordered a lee hand primer hope it works good.

 

[Publius1688]

You won't be disappointed. Lee makes a decent product, and frankly, a hand primer can be over-engineered. It's really a simple device, and relatively inexpensive. If it breaks, Lee will replace it, or you can buy a RCBS. Don't forget your shell holders!

 

[LiveLife]

stodd, I am a longtime Lee hand primer user and have yet to break the handle!

Be sure to clean (I use paper towel) and oil all the metal to metal contact points before each priming session (I use a small drop of motor oil at each contact point) and it will serve you well for years.

I think the number one reason for broken handles is military crimped primer pockets. I usually start out with one thumb pressure and if I feel any resistance, I check for military crimp. Once I feel that the primer has started to be seated, then I follow up with two thumb pressure to finish seating the primer.

Don't forget your shell holders!

Yes, Lee Auto Prime does take different shell holders and you need to order them separately.

 

[Palehorseman]

Just my 2 cents worth, but I have used the Lee for years, works fine and has never given a problem. I have the primer with my Dillons, but still much prefer the Lee.

 

[pmeisel]

For the money, I like the Lee. If my wife wins the publishers clearinghouse i will upgrade.

 

[Hey_Allen]

I've been using a Lee for a while as well.

Not sure about the statement that it requires using your thumb, as I found it was easy to hold it so that your fingers were on the lever. Honestly, never even thought to try it the other way. Army training on grenades stuck with me. I use the stronger option whenever possible. I don't mind having to pay attention and not He-Man the handle.

Lube makes a big difference, as the others have already said. I smear on a bit of Imperial Sizing Wax when I start using mine and have had no issues so far.
(I might have ducked Murphy due to having purchased a spare handle from Midway, as well. You know, the rule about the part that you have extras of, never breaking?)

 

[GW Staar]

I've been using a Lee for a while as well.

Not sure about the statement that it requires using your thumb, as I found it was easy to hold it so that your fingers were on the lever. Honestly, never even thought to try it the other way. Army training on grenades stuck with me. I use the stronger option whenever possible. I don't mind having to pay attention and not He-Man the handle.

Lube makes a big difference, as the others have already said. I smear on a bit of Imperial Sizing Wax when I start using mine and have had no issues so far.
(I might have ducked Murphy due to having purchased a spare handle from Midway, as well. You know, the rule about the part that you have extras of, never breaking?)

Doesn't require the thumb, it was just designed for the thumb. The thin edge on the handle isn't too comfortable on fingers wrapped around or the web of the hand wrapped around, 500 rounds into the session. Before I upgraded to my APS RCBS tool, I was toying with the idea to get some epoxy putty, roughing up the thumb-pad with sandpaper, and reshaping the pad rounded to be more comfortable and prevent the edges from digging in. I'll leave that to someone else to try now. The rounded handle comes with the RCBS.

 

[stodd]

BDS....

Thanks for the info.. OMG yes i forgot the shell holder for the LEE.. Got my lee tool today and was like what.. i forgot the shell holder..

 

[GP100man]

Tried em all kept the Hornady & the lee auto prime 2 for big batches .

$.02 worth.