Priming Tools?

[dezmick]

i have a Redding T7 press, and it has its own form of automatic priming tool, i am not really fond of it, my question is what kind of priming tool is best to use, is it one of the hand held ones or a bench mounted one, i have read that a-lot of people like the hand held ones, because they say that you can get a better feel for when you have the primer seated to correct depth, i guess that i am wanting some opinions as to which way i should go. Thanks

 

[velvetant]

I've used the K&N hand primer tool for 20 years and really like it.
I have tried RCBS and Lee hand tools and did not really care for how they felt in my hand.
My buddy loves his RCBS, It's really personal preference like most reloading tools.
They will all get the job done.

Randy

 

[DrMike]

I use an RCBS Universal hand priming tool. It works like a charm. I have a Lee Auto-Prime and an older style RCBS hand priming tool, either of which require cartridge specific shell holders. Each works well, but for convenience, the Universal hand priming tool is the best.

 

[257 Ackley]

I use an RCBS Universal hand priming tool. It works like a charm. I have a Lee Auto-Prime and an older style RCBS hand priming tool, either of which require cartridge specific shell holders. Each works well, but for convenience, the Universal hand priming tool is the best.

+1 - I replaced a worn out Lee Auto-primer about a year ago with the RCBS hand priming tool and will not look back.

 

[BK]

I like the RCBS hand tool, as I like the way it operates (lots of practice with it), plus, it lets me get away from the bench if I get accused of becoming a hermit.

Curious how it will work, now that I have a nearly two-year-old getting into everything.

 

[Desert Fox]

I use both Lee and Hornady.

 

[tddeangelo]

I use a Lee Auto-Prime and like it. There are only a few things from Lee that I tolerate in my setup anymore, as I don't care for how some Lee stuff is made, but the Auto-Prime does a pretty decent job for me. I discovered yesterday as I get tooled up to load for my new 300WSM that the shell holders for the Lee primer don't have the WSM rounds listed. Some trial and error yielded one that worked, though.

My father recently purchased a Hornady priming tool, and that one is decent, too. The fundamental difference is that the Lee primer requires the operator to use thumb pressure, the Hornady can utilize grip pressure. While more comfortable, I would worry that one can crush primers with the Hornady tool. Without having used one, I don't know that, but I would be aware of how much pressure I was putting on the lever if I did have one of those.

 

[DrMike]

If the appropriate primer ram is used, you won't crush the primer (assuming it is not tilted or at a 90 degree angle). Using a small ram when the large ram is called for will definitely dimple the primer.

 

[tddeangelo]

If the appropriate primer ram is used, you won't crush the primer (assuming it is not tilted or at a 90 degree angle). Using a small ram when the large ram is called for will definitely dimple the primer.

Interesting.....a source I tend to trust had told me before he often felt folks who used presses to prime brass often distorted/crushed the anvils in primers by putting too much force on them with the press.

When my RCBS' primer tool snapped mid-batch, I ran to Cabela's (3 miles from my house...my wife hates that! lol) and got the Lee tool to finish the batch I was working on. I planned to call RCBS eventually, but I like the Lee tool enough that I've never bothered to get the part replaced.

If I stand at my bench long enough, I'll be able to crack my neck so much it'll sound like someone breaking celery, lol, so I try to do some of the case prep work where I can sit. I'll do primer pocket cleaning, mouth deburring/chamfering/etc, and priming while sitting on my couch. Easier on me and I actually pay more attention to detail because I'm not trying to "just get it done."

My Lyman trimmer with an electric drill attachment is one of my better investments, too.

 

[SJB358]

I do all of my priming on the COAX. Sure it isn't the fastest, but it is fool proof. I just like the way it works and I know every single time, the primer is seated where it needs to be. Scotty

 

[C.Smith]

I use the RCBS handprimer and really like. I have had used several RCBS press priming tools and they are okay, but I much prefer the hand tool.

Corey

 

[DrMike]

With the press, it is possible to crush the anvil so that the primer will not ignite. Because of design, the hand priming tools exert less pressure and such an event is far less likely. I'm not saying it couldn't happen (gorillas and pinpoint pressure can destroy many things), just that for the average person it wouldn't happen.

 

[tddeangelo]

With the press, it is possible to crush the anvil so that the primer will not ignite. Because of design, the hand priming tools exert less pressure and such an event is far less likely. I'm not saying it couldn't happen (gorillas and pinpoint pressure can destroy many things), just that for the average person it wouldn't happen.

That gave me a pretty good chuckle!

I know I can't crush one on the Lee tool.....was a little suspect that it could happen on the RCBS, but I wondered if the linkage was such that enough force was unlikely to be developed.