RCBS Priming Tools

[mikemyers]

Life was very simple 30 years ago - my friend showed me how to re-load, I followed his instructions exactly, and everything went smoothly until I packed my stuff up to move to Florida. What follows below is prompted by what I've read in these forums, and other internet discussions. I'm reading about different ways to load primers; on multi-station re-loaders, the choice seems to be between "strips" and "tubes".

As I read more, I became aware of problems with tubes, in that if one primer was set off unintentionally, a lot of primers would instantly follow. I have no idea how commonplace or rare this occurrence is, just that it's a potential concern. I then read how Dillon has built a heavy tube around the primer tube, to protect the operator were this to happen.

Back to today - I currently have two Priming tools, the "RCBS Standard Priming Tool" which I used 30 years ago, and the "RCBS Automatic Priming Tool" which I never tried to set up - it's been in the box since the 1980's. I also have some parts I'm trying to understand, which may allow me to load the primers right on the Big Max press.

Once I get it set it up, I'm sure the "Standard Priming Tool" tool will work as reliably as it did 30 years ago, no fuss, no muss, maybe not as fast as others, but as I recall, very reliable.

Now that I think I understand it, the RCBS "Automatic Priming Tool" seems like an improvement over the basic tool. I watched the following video about it many times until I think I understand it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deH26I5aZ_4

.............all of which leads to the following question. If there is any concern about the tube type primer systems, which Dillon must take seriously if they provided a guard around the tube, why don't all these concerns also apply to the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool, which also has the lightweight tube sticking out the top of it? Isn't that a reason to avoid using the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool???

As I see it, until when/if I get a new press, I have three options:

• use the RCBS Standard Priming Tool
• use the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool, or
• use the RCBS dies that mount on the press, and insert the primer.

Anybody here feel like sorting the above out into some logical conclusion as to which priming tool to use?

 

[BinRat]

I've been using a RCBS Automatic Priming Tool since I began reloading in the 70s and I love the thing. I find that it has a very good feel as to how the primers are seating, and a good rhythm once you get the hang of it. You can prime quickly and safely. I highly recommend them.

I've never had much of a concern regarding the safety of the tube primer holder on it. As always, wear eye protection. Loading them is straight forward and as long as you're safety conscious, I really don't see what would ignite one.

 

[nettlle]

I think priming on the press is the least desirable methods of all priming techniques that I have tried. I bought the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool about 6 months ago and it has become one of my favorite tools reloading tools.

 

[TexasDon]

I love mine....I've only had it about 8 years.
WHY did I wait sooooo long????

I noticed on his priming tool ( in the video ) that it is missing the spring on the primer arm. Maybe that's why he has problems with it?
Maybe the spring was a later fix?

Mine works great. It's a lot better than my RCBS hand priming tool because I have finger issues that keep me from clinching my fist as hard as needed.
The bench job saved my hands....

You can see the spring end wrapped around about the middle of the primer tube arm. His did not have it or it had a different type????
Just something to check on yours.

 

[rcmodel]

I still use a RCBS hand primer tool I bought in 1970.

I can prime 100 cases with it while I am filling two 50 round primer tubes.

rc

 

[joem1945]

I have that priming tool and mine doesn't bounce back. There is no spring on mine. I also use the Lee Auto Prime. I only had one primer go off in the Lee tool but it was a Russian primer which I will not use any more. I had scorched fingers and no other damage. With the primer tubes get some of those little bamboo sticks to push the last two primers past the little plastic end that holds the primers from falling out.

 

[armoredman]

I used the built in priming arm on my RCBS RS built in 1980 for quite a while after I got it used. I didn't know any different. Upgraded to the RCBS Universl hand priming tool a few years ago, still reveling in the luxury.

 

[notaglockfanboy]

My question is, what are guys doing to the priming tubes to cause a primer to detonate?? I mean the only thing that is forcing primers down the tube is gravity, so how exactly are primers being detonated?? Sounds like a legal feel good measure to me. I doubt there is a strike as hard as a firing pin hitting the primers. Just my thoughts on the matter as it has never been a concern to me.

 

[cfullgraf]

I mostly use a hand priming tool. Currently, I have the RCBS Universal hand priming tool. Works great.

As my hands have aged, they cannot handle priming large numbers of cases at one time on the hand priming tool, like 500 plus, so I got the RCBS APS bench priming tool for the big batches.

Like rcmodel said, with the hand priming tool, I can prime 100 cases faster than filling a primer tube.

 

[TexasDon]

I understand the speed of the hand priming tools, but MY fingers have issues that make the bench tool sooooo much better for ME.

I had no problems with the hand tool, just with me.

I just don't load as many as I use to when I was using an auto progressive press.
Dang....sounds like I'm getting old...

TxD

 

[FROGO207]

In 30+ years priming on/off the press, with a hand tool, and a Lee whack O matic I have never set a primer off yet. Take it slow and do not force the primer into the pocket when unusual resistance is felt or drop a tube full on the floor and you may never pop one either. They are not nuggets of nitro but neither are they nail heads to pound in. Everything in moderation.