Hand primer problem

[Gravedigger56]

I have a RCBS hand primer that hasn't been used much at all. Is there a trick to keeping the lid/top tight on the base? The primers in the tray keep flipping over while I'm priming brass because the top seems to lift off the base slightly. this causes them to either end upside down or even sideways when I try to raise them into the pocket. The only way I could prevent it was to wrap rubber bands around the entire lid and tray.

Which is the best hand primer on the market?

 

[judgedelta]

I have loaded lots of thousands of brass of all kinds with mine with never a problem. There's something wrong with your tray (warped maybe)? You might consider calling RCBS customer service. I've never had a problem they couldn't fix.

 

[45lcshooter]

I'm still using Lee Auto Prime #90230, for over 15 years, has primed over 20,000 caseings. Haven't ran into a problem with it yet. It might be time for you to give up green and go to red.

I'm not sure what customer service will say on your issue.

 

[Steve H]

the post that goes through the hole in the center of the tray has to "pop" into place

 

[Gravedigger56]

the post that goes through the hole in the center of the tray has to "pop" into place

I checked mine. There's no popping into place with it. The shaft is just a smooth plastic slotted post that goes in and out of the hole in the base with no resistance. If I hold it upside down and lightly tap on it, the lid falls right off.

 

[Steve H]

Wrong or broken lid?????

 

[Gravedigger56]

Do they make more than one lid for the tool? It's the one that came with it. It doesn't appear to be broken anywhere.

 

[Walkalong]

 

[Poper]

Call RCBS in the morning. Chances are they will send you a new tray and lid.
I have had very few issues with RCBS tools, but they have fixed ever one of them at no cost and without question. Even the plastic impact bullet puller that gave up the ghost after 17+ years.

Not all customer service is equal, for sure. However, in my experience, RCBS has always gone the extra mile.

 

[Gravedigger56]

I did a little researching and found that it appears the RCBS universal hand priming tool (w the square tray) is the one that the lid "snaps" into position. The cheaper RCBS "round" lid tool appears to be a friction fit and the slotted post looks like it may need to be spread from time to time to keep a tight fit.

I didn't have a choice since mine was included with a kit but if I have to replace and I stay with RCBS I will definitely choose the better designed universal tool with the snap on lid.

PS. I contacted RCBS but will have to wait for their answer. After observation I think the problem is more just a poor design more than a malfunctioning tool. Probably the reason the improved version went to a snap on lid.

 

[Steve H]

I have the RCBS universal tool. It's great but it took a few rounds getting use to letting the shell "self center" itself.

 

[Gravedigger56]

Called RCBS and without question they sent me a new primer tray.

 

[Steve H]

RCBS customer service is second to none

 

[FROGO207]

I have an old round type Lee hand primer. Actually I have two of them, one set up for large primers and one set up for small. I keep researching what I will get when these ones finally wear out. These threads keep me well informed and lurking mostly.

 

[Bigdog57]

Same for me, Frogo207! Love the Lee design. Tried RCBS and it now rests in my junk drawer, in pieces. One of my Lees broke it's cast metal handle, and I got a complete new unit from a member of another forum. That old unit had been going strong for twenty years til it broke. My second tool is newer.
Haven't tried the newest Lee design. Why mess with what works so well?

 

[joem1945]

I did wear out a round Lee primer tool. They don't make the round one anymore. They now have 2 slightly designs. I got the cheaper one with a sq primer tray. I liked to round ones better. If I get another I may buy the ergonomic type they sell.

 

[Clint M]

I have the RCBS universal priming tool which is nice no shell holders to keep up with (separate from press shell holders) I also have the Lee hand held primer, worth every penny if you like these types of primers. I purchased a Forster co-ax press, and for some reason used the priming feature one day...best dumb luck I ever had I would rather prime on the co-ax press than any hand primer that includes the $100 super nice hand primers, I like every thing about the co-ax press... I hope I didn't derail your thread, but wanted to add my 2 cent on a good priming tool which may be a bit spendy, but you can use it for sizing, even seating bullets LOL.