Which hand primer tool do you like?

Status
Not open for further replies.

ArtP

Member
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
788
Location
USA
I've always primed on my press. I'm about to change my handloading routine where I will no longer be de-priming, sizing and re-priming in one step. I think the new routine will be better served with a hand priming tool.

Cost does matter, as does ease of setup or changing primers.

I use a Lee press and Lee shellholders. Would I need new shellholders for a hand prime tool?

So what do you like?
 
The Lee hand primer tool uses different shell holders then the press.

I have used an RCBS hand priming tool for about 40+ years with complete satisfaction.
It uses standard shell holders.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/329291/rcbs-hand-priming-tool

RCBS also make a "Universal" model now that doesn't use shell holders at all.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/319794/rcbs-universal-hand-priming-tool

That would probably be what I would buy next time if I live long enough to wear out the one I have.
But that seems very unlikely.

rc
 
I liked the original Lee Auto-Prime but stopped using it when Lee put primer restrictions on it. Still have two, including a box of spare parts, for a couple cartridges that do not work well in the replacement.

I currently use the RCBS hand primer with the universal shell holder. Operation meets expectations most of the time but primer seating effort sometimes is greater than the holding effort of the universal shell holder. The case then pops out of the shell holder.

Some cases, like brass .410 shotshell cases do not work at all in the RCBS priming tool.

I have not tried any other hand primer so I cannot comment on them.
 
Hornady makes the highest quality automatic hand priming tool today.
 
Thanks for the comments guys. I ordered a RCBS standard primer. Had I searched (sorry) I would have found the thread I was linked to, to have plenty of info.

I chose the standard over the universal because most of my calibers are based on a 30-06 case, some via the .308. I have plenty of shellholders that size and the standard seems stronger based on reviews.
 
+ 1 on the Hornady. Seems to work with any shellholder and provides excellent tactile sensation of the primer seating as it should, or nor, so you can do what you have to do and no more. I stuck some athletic tape on the body of mine to make it easier to hold onto,a noticeable improvement.
 
Have Hornady, Lee, RCBS that uses shell holders and a RCBS Universal .

I like the RCBS Universal. (It doesnt work with 45 Auto Rim)
 
RCModel, I have always used an RCBS priming die and have stuck with it because it performs with such precision. However, I'm seeing a lot of precision reloader's using the hand pirming set up and now, I'm beginning to wonder if I should give them a try.
What additional benefit do they have over a priming die?
Would it be worth it for me to buy one and give it a run RC?
 
I have the forester coax Primer Seater very nice to use, got it when I started reloading. Don't need shell holders, in fact i don't have any shell holders.
 
The highest quality hand priming tool-by a wide margin- is made by MagnumMetal: www.benchrest.com/magnummetal/ go to site and click priming tool. It is rather pricey compared to other tools but worth the difference and then some. Another tool favored by many of the top benchrest shooters is the OLD STYLE Hornady tool, not the ones they currently make. I buy every one of the old Hornady hand tools I can find but they are scarce and even used ones are selling for upwards of $80-100. That is if you can find someone willing to sell one.
 
I think the RCBS bench mounted priming tool is an excellent choice. It is fast and seats primer perfectly every time with no effort.
 
Offhand

That is one real nice looking Priming Tool, but way more than what I need at this stage of my life. Even looks nicer than the Sinclair tool.
 
Another tool favored by many of the top benchrest shooters is the OLD STYLE Hornady tool, not the ones they currently make. I buy every one of the old Hornady hand tools I can find but they are scarce and even used ones are selling for upwards of $80-100. That is if you can find someone willing to sell one.

Yep. They are the best tray-fed priming tools out there.
 
I have not been reloading very long, but I got the RCBS Universal to start out with (based on comments on this board) and have been quite happy with it.
 
OK, thanks, thats what I have, one with the shell holder sitting out all by itself.

I see the new ones have the shell holder enclosed.

What difference would it make?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top