Hand priming tool

Jaegerbob

Active Member
Looking for a new priming tool. Got an older RCBS and I'm sick of the lid keep flipping up when the lever is squeezed. Any suggestions for a replacement?
 
I use the lee auto bench priming tool, looks to do the job.

 
I use the lee auto bench priming tool, looks to do the job.

Tried one of those… it didn’t even last 100 cases before it broke a silly bit of plastic.

About as much use as one of these!

IMG_0133.gif

Should add, I’m not just bashing Lee products, I’ve been using their auto prime tools (got two - one set up for lrp & the other for srp) for over 25 years & no drama with them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JTO
Looking for a new priming tool. Got an older RCBS and I'm sick of the lid keep flipping up when the lever is squeezed. Any suggestions for a replacement?
I find the RCBS 'universal' hand primer will not grip .223 cases every time, so I just use it for .308 and .284 cases. I use a Frankford Arsenal tool for .223 cases.
 
I’ve switched to the frank arsenal one expensive but great. Had two or three lee ones generally quite annoying and breakable. The new ones is easier to use refil and store
 
I have used the old Lee hand tool with the lid that twist locks on and it worked very well. I have upgraded to the Lee bench tool that uses the same shell holders it works but seems finiky.
 
I’ve switched to the frank arsenal one expensive but great. Had two or three lee ones generally quite annoying and breakable. The new ones is easier to use refil and store
Great bit of kit,built like a tank.
 
Here is a review of it.
You'd think it would be relatively easy to design a priming tool where the clearances prevented double feeding. You'd be right.

But alas, not quite easy enough for our friends at Frankford Arsenal to pull off. The tool has excellent fit and finish. It feels good in the hand. The priming tray fits nicely. Everything about this tool suggests that it's quality. Until I use it.

I've never been able to get through a tray of 50 without LOTS of double feeds that jam it up. Last night I had to completely take it apart and take really small pin punch in there to get the primer out and thankfully the primer wasn't mangled.

So I'm ready to move on from this frustrating hand-killer and get something that works as its supposed to.

I know the "correct" answer is the Primal Rights priming tool but I can spend $600 on a priming tool even though it's worth it.

My hands can't really handle much more hand priming so I probably need to look into bench priming or (gasp!) priming on press.
 
You're not a proper Reloader until you own one of these:
1000023611.webp
Don't be overly intimidated by its funky engineering as you'll soon be ignoring the dial indicator readings! Trust me.

K
 
I find the RCBS 'universal' hand primer will not grip .223 cases every time, so I just use it for .308 and .284 cases. I use a Frankford Arsenal tool for .223 cases.

Isn't that a problem with the shell holder rather than the priming tool? I use mine with .223 cases and a cheap Lee shell holder and don't have any problems.
 
Universal version doesn't use a shell holder, it has a set of sprung jaws/plates.

I have 2 of them and have had the odd problem with 223/300AAC popping out but I find just holding the case when seating the primer keeps them in place 100%.
 
Here is a review of it.
You'd think it would be relatively easy to design a priming tool where the clearances prevented double feeding. You'd be right.

But alas, not quite easy enough for our friends at Frankford Arsenal to pull off. The tool has excellent fit and finish. It feels good in the hand. The priming tray fits nicely. Everything about this tool suggests that it's quality. Until I use it.

I've never been able to get through a tray of 50 without LOTS of double feeds that jam it up. Last night I had to completely take it apart and take really small pin punch in there to get the primer out and thankfully the primer wasn't mangled.

So I'm ready to move on from this frustrating hand-killer and get something that works as its supposed to.

I know the "correct" answer is the Primal Rights priming tool but I can spend $600 on a priming tool even though it's worth it.

My hands can't really handle much more hand priming so I probably need to look into bench priming or (gasp!) priming on press.
alternative review I have loaded about 2500 rounds with this priming tool and had I think 2 primers jamming in it. If the the tray is fully in place I have no idea how two primers can jam in. Mind you I shoot LRG Rifle only? the dimensions in the tunnel the primer comes down has only room for one? I wonder if you have the pin/plunger correctly adjusted? Or perhaps have an unusual method of using it? i hold it the right way round so the tray is over your wrist and facing slighty down and prime 50 rounds at a time. Then drain the primer out of the tunnel and shut it off.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top