RCBS Hand primer tool

[Arman4461]

Hello folks,
Wondered if anyone uses the RCBS hand priming tool that uses the primer strips? I have one, but have about given up on getting it to work. The tool appears to be set up correctly, and it moves the primer strip forward with each squeeze of the handle. What it fails to do, is maintain a hold on the 5.56mm brass in its universal tool head jaws. RCBS sent me a new top end after I called, telling me some had been sent out with the wrong thickness shell plate. It worked better for about 50 primes, but will send the empty brass across the room more often than not. I use the priming tool on my Bonanza Co-ax, which has a superb feel and works great, but is slow. If anyone knows how to make this RCBS tool work, please share
Thanks....Arman

[Nevada Ed]

Hope you get an answer that will help you out but.........

in the long run and less headaches, you might look at the hand held that holds 100 primers and not just a small strip, that is made by a couple companies.

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't use the RCBS hand primer which uses strips but several friends do. They don't seem to have problems with it. I use the RCBS hand primer with the tray that holds the primers. Sorry I can't help you. I'm not really sure what your trying to describe as your problem. Does it happen with other than .223 brass?

[rwsmith]

...Lee Autoprime with the tray and it works very will. If it craps out, I hope I can find another one.

[schutzen-jager]

Originally Posted by rwsmith

...Lee Autoprime with the tray and it works very will. If it craps out, I hope I can find another one.

like the older LEE so much that I have three held in reserve !

[jim lock]

I had one---- Not worth the primer to blow it up.
Jim

[Green Frog]

Twenty years or so ago I was given a RCBS priming tool that uses the strips... and I’ve never even opened the box. I’m sure it would work OK, but it would just add another unnecessary (IMHO) step to my hand priming regimen.

For the 32 S&W Longs I’ve been priming this week, the old 1st Gen Lee hand primer has been my go-to in spite of having nearly another dozen hand tools to choose from.

This is a definite case of YMMV and you should try to find what works best for you.

Froggie

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

the RCBS "pushrod" priming tool is one big PITA. Half the time it flips the primer whilst in the process of seating,and said primer goes in backwards

[Protocall_Design]

There is another RCBS hand primer tool that I really like. It mounts to the bench. It has a long lever and uses the standard primer tubes. Mine is very easy to use and works like a champ. It uses the same shell holders as the single stage presses. It takes about 5 seconds to change over from small to large or large to small primers.

[FlyFish]

Originally Posted by Protocall_Design

There is another RCBS hand primer tool that I really like. It mounts to the bench. It has a long lever and uses the standard primer tubes. Mine is very easy to use and works like a champ. It uses the same shell holders as the single stage presses. It takes about 5 seconds to change over from small to large or large to small primers.

Same here. Have been using mine for about 50 years.

[rockquarry]

I prefer handheld priming tools; dealt with the headache models in the past and finally bought a 21st Century tool several years ago. No primer magazine, one-at-a-time priming, but it works and works well and there's no plastic.

[biku324]

My RCBS uses loose primers in the tray - it's excellent.

[Arman4461]

I miss my old Lee Autoprime, even if it was just pot metal and plastic, it worked. I decided I’ll just buy a shell holder for my Dillon and prime with it. Thanks for the responses.

[H Richard]

When I am loading on my single stage press I use a Lee AutoPrime. I have had the one for over 35 years, and the 2nd one for about 12 years. I have one set for small and the other for large primers. Just have to insert the correct shell holder. I like them because I can feel the primer being set properly.

[Fide686]

Another vote for the RCBS bench primer tool. Just loaded 500 38’s in less than an hour.

[Casper223]

I hear guys use the RCBS Bench primer tool with a lot of success. I’ve been using the hand primer forever, tray holds 100 primers, shake it around and the primers flip, it plugs into the hand tool, but I usually load 100 rifle casings at a time, so it works well. I use my Dillon 550C primer unit on my pistol brass right along with sizing, and I use my Spolar primer set up on shotgun hulls. But I handprime for my ole RCBS Rock Chucker, but at 100 at a time while I’m trimming cases etc works great for me while I’m loading, and never an issue out of it. It doesn’t use tape though.


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[Arman4461]

Well folks, I tried out a Frankford Arsenal fancy version of the Lee Loader. I liked it so much that I purchased one. It came with the shellholders that I need, and it works just like the Lee Loader, only it is made with better materials and has more leverage. RCBS provided an RMA number and will either repair or replace my unit. If they give me one that works, I’ll set it up for .357 magnum, and leave the rimless cases to the Frankford hand held. I appreciate RCBS standing behind their product

[rkittine]

I am also a fan of the old Lee Priming tools. Wish they were easier to find in good condition. For pistol case priming I am using the RCBS hand tool with the 100 capacity tray and it is OK. Lets me prime anywhere rather than on the bench tool in the loading room or my more precise priming tool that I use for bench rest reloading.

Bob