Hand priming tools

[TNMTBik3r]

I am looking to buy a hand primer so I can sit on the couch and prime instead of at my bench on a stool.

Does anyone have advice or opinions on the current models from Hornady, Lee, or RCBS?
I have read a bunch of problems with the Lee hand primer models (handle and pin breaking) and it would require buying Lee shell holders.

I have RCBS and Hornady shellholders already so no issues there, but i have read that the Hornady hand primer is not very reliable either. The one Lee primer is about half the cost of either other brand but i want something that will be durable.

Any suggestions from people currently using one of these is appreciated. I would probably only use it for under 1k a month.

Edit, don't think I want the RCBS APS? model with the strips, seems like too much of a hassle or extra cost for the strip loader. Edited August 6, 2013 by jonathon1289

[jeff43]

I have a RCBS I really like.the one that uses the primer tray.

[Dolomite_supafly]

If you can find a Lee hand primer they are the best. But only if it is the one that is NOT the XR. The original Lee hand primer was great then they decided to "improve" it by adding a step for the primers to climb. It works but it is a lot more finicky than the orginal.

 

The only drawback to the original Lee is the priming lever breaks easily. Good thing the new XR handle works and works better. Do not belive them when they say they will not interchange because they will.

 

I have no experience with any other hand priming tools but from people who have used others as well as the Lee prefer the Lee.

[TNMTBik3r]

Thanks for the info so far. I will check into the Lee and purchasing the XR model handle. I think once I buy the shell holders though it will cost as much or more than the Hornady or RCBS primer and im trying to decide if one of them would be more durable.

[spikehunter]

I have an rcbs. It does the job fine, but mine fits tight with the shell holder and is kind of a pain to put together, with that said its fine just minor complaints.

[Westwindmike]

I've been using the old style Lee for years with no problems. Just keep the internal parts lubed and it keeps working. Have never broken a handle.

[BigK]

I have the new Lee XR and always thought it was fine. It's not perfect, but at least it has a square primer flip tray.

[mikegideon]

I have the Lee XR and the RCBS. The RCBS is MUCH better. Built like a tank. Mine has the universal shell holder.

[Hozzie]

RCBS universal here as well. It is easy to use. No complaints whatsoever.

[Jamie Jackson]

I have one of these that Dolomite mentioned: [url=http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807875/lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool] Lee Autoprime[/url].

I've used them since the mid 1980's and primed countless thousands of pieces of brass with them.

I had the lever break on one as mentioned...but still have it. So it's good to know the levers are interchangeable with the newer versions. Thanks Dol. :up:

 

I purchased a couple of the now discontinued models from Midway before they were discontinued, (narrow window of opportunity) so I'm fortunate for that.

 

A buddy of mine has used the RCBS for just as long and swears by them. I guess, on some level, it's what you get used to.

[frankmako]

been using the lee tool for many mango seasons.  liked it so much got a second one in 1990 so the kids could help.  the lee tool will get the job done.  got my first one in 82.  set in the lazy boy with two coffee cans, brass, primers, and the tv on priming away.  some times i will hand prime the brass, pull the de-priming pin on the die, and run the brass/reload through the dillon 550. 

[TNMTBik3r]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'm ordering the RCBS primer because the Lee would end up costing about the same.

The used old model Lee is available on eBay but for the same price as a new XR. So even though the old model is durable, if I'm going to pay new prices I will buy a new product. Edited August 6, 2013 by jonathon1289

[mikegideon]

The newer Lee primer is a turd. It did OK for large primers, but I had a problem with small primers flipping on me sometimes. It happened enough that I replaced it with the RCBS.

[timthetoolman]

Another for RCBS here.  I have had no issues with mine and my only complaint would be that it would be a bit nicer if I could change the shellholder a bit faster.

[mikegideon]

The Universal doesn't use shell holders. That's the one to get. Only complaint I have is there's a knack to getting the lid back on the primer tray. It wants to snap in pretty hard, and can flip a bunch of primers when it does.

[bigun]

I vote for the RCBS with tray and other shell holders fit it. (LEE etc.)

[TNMTBik3r]

Have the RCBS primer on the way, seems to be the most durable for the price.

[Guest Lester Weevils]

Another RCBS universal user here. Haven't used any others, but been happy with the RCBS. I get better depth consistency of seating than with the dillon progressive press.

 

As Mike mentioned, primers can get flipped snapping on the lid wrong. I tilt the tray to get all 100 primers in the corner opposite the primer chute, then set it on the table, lay the cover on "tilted" so it is close-down on top of the primers on that back corner, then snap the lid down, and the primers don't dance around and flip over. Maybe there's a better way, but it isn't difficult.

[mikegideon]

Another RCBS universal user here. Haven't used any others, but been happy with the RCBS. I get better depth consistency of seating than with the dillon progressive press.

 

As Mike mentioned, primers can get flipped snapping on the lid wrong. I tilt the tray to get all 100 primers in the corner opposite the primer chute, then set it on the table, lay the cover on "tilted" so it is close-down on top of the primers on that back corner, then snap the lid down, and the primers don't dance around and flip over. Maybe there's a better way, but it isn't difficult.

 

My primers just wind up staying put after a couple of tries because they've been cussed out :). Takes a little practice

Edited August 7, 2013 by mikegideon

[DWARREN123]

I have a RCBS hand primer and like it better than the Lee (new model).

[TNMTBik3r]

So my RCBS primer arrived today. Very durable looking and much MUCH easier to prime with vs the press.