Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Jamer on February 23, 2020, 08:42:44 AM

Title: Priming tools
Post by: Jamer on February 23, 2020, 08:42:44 AM: I have been using a RCBS hand priming tool for years and its finally wearing out. It's worked fairly well but kind of a pain for getting set up to use. I'm looking for some suggestions on a replacement. Thanks!
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: HighlandLofts on February 23, 2020, 09:23:51 AM: I like the Lee Auto Bench Prime.
Around $40
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Jamer on February 24, 2020, 04:04:08 AM: Thanks, I'll take a look at it.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: fowl smacker on February 24, 2020, 04:46:57 AM: Quote from: HighlandLofts on February 23, 2020, 09:23:51 AM
I like the Lee Auto Bench Prime.
Around $40
Me too!
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: TVHunts on February 24, 2020, 05:27:09 AM: I had the RCBS for years also and actually went through 2 of them. After extended use they don’t seat the primers flat was the problem.

I thought I’d spend more money and get a superior product with the Frankford Arsenal hand primer. It works but not really worth the extra money at all. The way the primers feed isn’t consistent and they use a proprietary shell holder included with the kit. They are made of cheap metal and mine chipped within a couple of hundred rounds. I sent them an email and they sent me 2 new she’ll holders though.

I’ll probably try a Lee now myself.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 24, 2020, 06:39:12 AM: Get the RCBS universal hand primer. The other RCBS hand tool that you have is a POS. I went through the same struggles as you.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Stein on February 24, 2020, 07:10:58 AM: For pistol, I use the Lee auto and for rifle I do them one at a time on the turret press.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 24, 2020, 08:42:44 AM: Rcbs universal hand primer tool for me. Works plenty well for both large and small primers. Eventually I’ll probably buy another so I don’t have to keep changing it between large and small.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: buckfvr on February 24, 2020, 09:04:37 AM: Quote from: BULLBLASTER on February 24, 2020, 08:42:44 AM
Rcbs universal hand primer tool for me. Works plenty well for both large and small primers. Eventually I’ll probably buy another so I don’t have to keep changing it between large and small.

:yeah: I just have to actually "feel" whats going on.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: CaNINE on February 24, 2020, 09:26:01 AM: Yep, RCBS Universal hand tool is the right answer.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 24, 2020, 09:44:06 AM: So the rcbs without a press type shell holder is better than the one that uses shellholders ?
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 24, 2020, 09:46:34 AM: I haven’t used one that shell holders are needed for but the universal one has worked plenty well priming everything I’ve tried in it.
Can’t really see a need for using a shell holder.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: b23 on February 24, 2020, 12:41:17 PM: I used to use a Lee hand primer but over the years I've broken multiple handles. A few years ago I bought a Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool because it seemed considerably more robust. The FA priming tool is definitely considerably more stoutly built, but they're a little on the heavy side and they're kind of crudely made/cast. Mine out of the box wouldn't feed primers from the tray until I took it apart and deburred then polished the little channel from the tray to the hole the primer drops into. After a bit of deburring/sanding and polishing, it's worked flawlessly. Would I buy the same one again, probably not. My dad's been using the RCBS benchtop priming tool for a long time and he likes it really well. For me, I already have to much sh1t mounted to my loading bench so I prefer a hand priming tool. Also, I can sit and watch tv while I'm priming a few hundred pieces of brass. :tup:
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 24, 2020, 12:44:23 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on February 24, 2020, 09:44:06 AM
So the rcbs without a press type shell holder is better than the one that uses shellholders ?

If only because you don't have to buy and use different shellholders. It is surprisingly well-designed, in that it centers and captures the case pretty well. I still find I need to feel the primer begin seating properly, but I have used it to load thousands of rounds without issue.
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Crunchy on February 24, 2020, 01:24:10 PM: I must be an odd ball still using the primer function on the rock chucker press :dunno:
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 24, 2020, 03:24:19 PM: Quote from: Crunchy on February 24, 2020, 01:24:10 PM
I must be an odd ball still using the primer function on the rock chucker press :dunno:

Takes three times as long but if you enjoy it :tung:
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: jasnt on February 29, 2020, 06:05:12 AM: Are you hand feeding the primers?
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 29, 2020, 07:07:07 AM: Quote from: Crunchy on February 24, 2020, 01:24:10 PM
I must be an odd ball still using the primer function on the rock chucker press :dunno:
:hello: I enjoy it. ;)
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: jasnt on February 29, 2020, 03:02:11 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on February 29, 2020, 07:08:20 AM
Hehe nope having broken off the plastic tray before I now remove it when done priming. Did find replacement on sale for $3 on amazon.
what I mean is mine won’t feed a primer till the circled slot on the shaft is in side the main assembly. Handle all the way open
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 01, 2020, 11:08:15 AM: Jasnt - sorry - actually tried it and you are right of course. Sheesh reality gets in the way of improvements again. Note to self - don’t try to think after 10 at night !
Title: Re: Priming tools
Post by: jasnt on March 01, 2020, 05:20:28 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on March 01, 2020, 11:08:15 AM
Jasnt - sorry - actually tried it and you are right of course. Sheesh reality gets in the way of improvements again. Note to self - don’t try to think after 10 at night !
😂 been there bud! Could always cut a new slot. Easy peasy.