Which Is The Best Way To Prime Pistol Brass

[Tamitch]

I know there are several ways to prime the brass. What I'm looking for is advice on the best and the fastest way. There are hand tools, bench tool and the reloading press. Years ago I used the press, but things have changed in the past 20 years.

Terry Mitchell
Danville, IL.

 

[Muddydogs]

If you use a single stage press then I would go with a hand primer. If you are using a progressive then just prime on the press as you reload.

 

[Bull Nutria]

I prime rifle and pistol brass on my single stage lyman spartan C press. it works for me. lots of guys like the feel of the hand primer gadgets, i tried it and didn't like the extra step. both methods work. just make sure you firmly seat them all the way into the brass and check for "high primers" that protrude above the edge of the rim.

have fun!

Bull

 

[JohnnyRotten]

I prime on my lee pro 1000 progressive press and like the way it works. had some problems initially when i first got it, but now can "feel" if there are any problems. Good Luck!

 

[James2]

You didn't say what style of press you are using.

My single stage has a primer arm and priming can be done on the press, however it requires picking up a primer and putting it in the priming cup for each casing plus putting the brass in the shell holder. Then you have to raise the ram push the arm in and come down to seat the primer then up to let the arm out, then down again then take the brass out.

For me it is much easier and faster to use the hand tool. You dump a whole box of primers in the tray, then you just have to pick up each brass and put it in the shell holder press the handle then remove the brass. The primers auto feed. Lots less strokes here than above.

 

[cfullgraf]

I use an RCBS Universal hand priming tool regardless if the case is loaded on a single stage or progressive.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

If you use a single stage press then I would go with a hand primer. If you are using a progressive then just prime on the press as you reload.

That's what I do. I believe Lee makes a single stage that has a primer feed system. I guess that could be a decent option but I think I'll stick with a hand primer or priming on my LNL when appropriate.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

When single staging, I sit on the couch and hand prime with a Lee tool while watching tv.

 

[witchhunter]

Sit on the couch and use my Lee hand primer. You can prime a few hundred at a sitting...

 

[FROGO207]

I have several presses and they all have priming arms. I have a Lee Ram Prime tool and a 2 Lee old style hand primers. One set up for small primers one set up for large primers. The Lee hand primer is my preferred method. YMMV

 

[Hilljun]

I use a hand priming tool. I set up a assembly line. My kids resize and I prime.

 

[Walkalong]

I use an RCBS hand primer. I prefer hand priming, even when using my LNL.

 

[flipajig]

All my pistol ammo I load on a Lee Clasic Turret press.
If loading on a single stage it would be hand priming for me.
Flip

 

[kingmt]

I primer on my Load Master, Pro1000, ram primer, & if I remember it I'll use my Classic Cast. Seems like I keep forgetting it has a good primer system tho. I have a Partner press that doesn't get used anymore but it is the reason I got the ram primer. It's primer system sucks. I thought all this time my hands were just to bad to primer on the return until I got better presses.

 

[higgite]

I prime bulk 9mm on a Pro 2000. Not saying it's "best", but it works for me.

 

[1SOW]

Straightwall pistol brass usually means 'volume'. On-press for turret or progressives for any significant volume. Single stage would depend on the press for me.

 

[Matt Dillon]

Lee auto prime hand tool inside the comfort of the house for rifle and pistol.

 

[Lj1941]

I also use Lee hand primers. I have 2-1 each for large and small primers. I like them because of the occasional crimp that I missed.I can feel it before I crush a primer.I don't have the special shell holder for my Rusky calibers so I use the primer arm on the RCBS press.

 

[BinRat]

I have a RCBS Rockchucker and reload using the batch method with loading blocks. I use the RCBS Auto Priming Tool, which is a bench attached device that operates using a lever and holds the primers in vertical tubes. Here's the link to a video showing it in operation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-638LgQp4gc

I like it because it allows a good feel for the seating process, and is quick once you get the rhythm. Some reloaders complain that it's a bother to load the tubes, but I just don't see that. To me, they load nice and easy, as long as you're coordinated and the entire process goes smoothly once you become accustomed to the machine.

 

[MW3840]

I have several Lee hand priming tools I have been using for over 20 years. Broke a couple of handles during that time, but always managed to pick up a few extras at garage sales and gun shows. From what I've heard from fellow reloaders, they really like the new style Lee hand priming tool, although I haven't used them myself.

What I like about the Lee hand priming tool is the ability to 'feel' the primer seat. And like some of the others have done, I've primed thousands of pieces of brass in the comfort of my recliner.

 

[Reloadron]

What I'm looking for is advice on the best and the fastest way.

The best and fastest way is what works best and fastest for you.

When it comes to priming cases I use a hand primer tool. I have a few of them. I also can use my presses and have a RCBS auto priming tool. With all the options I have available, like many here, I end up watching TV (generally the evening news) and hand priming a few hundred cases. That done, I place them in a zip loc baggie and set them aside neatly labeled. If I don't plan to load them anytime soon I sometimes shove in a little descant packet labeled "Do Not Eat". Not at all required but looks cool.

This is just what works for me. I am never in any sort of a hurry. My advice is to find what works for you and stick with it.

Ron

 

[bigdaa]

I use the stock priming arm on my Rock Chucker.

I can run the primer home with authority.

I place 100 primers out on the bench anvil up and pick em up one at a time.

 

[floydster]

I hand prime all my rifle and pistol brass--much more relaxing running the progressive when all the brass is pre-prepped.

 

[Comrade Mike]

The lee hand priming tool is fantastic. Gives you a great feel for seating pruners and its very fast.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

I use the Dillon 650 to do most of my priming, other then that a Redding Big Boss II with the auto priming attachment.