Best hand primer?

I don’t know if this is the best, because it’s the only one I’ve ever used other than my old RCBS Rock Chucker Jr. And that probably doesn’t count.

It works very well. Built like a tank. Once you catch on to it, fairly quick, I guess. But I like it.
 

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Been using the Lee hand priming tool since the last half of the '70s.
Still works and super glue fixed the cracked tray lid.
But, just ordered the RCBS table top priming tool.
Even with a Dillon 550, a SS RCBS and old Spartan,
I always prime by hand.
My old 223/5.56 Lee Zero Error Kit, has a one at a time hand
priming tool.... cute, but slow.
 
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My favorite hand primer is a Numb-Nutz simple , all metal affair ...
I take a little Lee Hand Press and install the simple all metal Ram-Prime .
$16.48 at Titan Reloading ... user reviews 4.8 on a scale of 5 It has no plastic parts or do-hickies ... it is so easy and simple to use I have stopped using any other primer with tray's and safties and mickey mouse plastic parts . 58 years of seating primers and this little jewel wins Hands down .
I put the Lee hand press in a bag with a few reloading supplies and it's
Reloader On The Run ... Try one unless you are just hooked with things that are plastic and complicated .
My motto is keep it simple !
Gary
 
jsfricks said:
Could that be mounted on a board and used sitting in your lap?
Click to expand...

Yep. I mounted mine to a 3/4" board that's barely bigger than the tool base and I just clamp the wood in my bench vise. It's pretty solid and works really well. It consistently countersinks the primers a few thousandths below flush but doesn't crush them or deform them.
 
First, my I extend my sympathy and support for your care giver role… been there, done that with my mother.
As for the priming tool question, a lot depends on what you want to do with it, large volume or small? Rifle or pistol primers? On a table or other work surface or in your lap? And so on. My favorite tool to use casually, like at the range where space is an issue is the “Pope Style” that decaps and recaps. At home watching TV I’m likely to use one of the earliest Lee hand priming tools with screw in shell holders. Recently a friend gave me a K&M tool that uses the inexpensive (and current) Lee Priming Tool shell holders. It’s somewhat larger than the old Lee I’ve used so long, but seems very comfortable, and as I use it more, it may become a favorite. It’s similar to the Sinclair someone else mentioned earlier, but is more ergonomic and doesn’t require expensive proprietary shell holders. In the picture below, the little Lee tool appears on the left and the Jerry Simmons copy of the Pope Style appears on the right. Of course you can do a lot worse than priming with the Lyman 310 tool (in the middle) if you have the right die set (or just the right priming chamber) for the caliber you wish to load. I thought I had a picture in my files of the K&M offering but can’t seem to find it. You may find it for yourself on the K&M Precision website if interested.
Froggie
 

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snuf said:
After trying keep the original Lee tool running for 40ish years I gave up and switched to the K&M Precision.
Click to expand...

I’ve bought over a half dozen of those little tools. I could probably keep using them forever if I could find all of the oddball shell holders I needed. Anybody got an extra CC they can spare?
Froggie
 
jag22 said:
Like many, the old Lee round tray works best for me. Plenty, usually, available on eBay. Parts break so I always keep one extra set on hand.
Click to expand...
I have two of them, one is in better condition but both still work OK. You can use regular Lee or RCBS shell holders by cutting off the lower part with a Dremel cutoff abrasive disc. I have done that.
 
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Used the old lee Autoprime forever but with arthritis in my thumbs I had to stop and I switched to the rcbs bench mounted primer tool for my rifle case priming. Otherwise I prime all my pistol brass on my Dillon 550s or Lyman T2s. Tried the rcbs hand held but did not like it. Love the bench mounted primer.
 
Started with the 21st Century unit and see no reason to change. It works very well. My only gripe is I've had 2 of their shell holders that were a bit undersized at the rim, but they worked with me to make them right.
 
I appreciate all the suggestions. I really like the 21st Century except for the upfront pricing ($185) and needing to purchase additional shell holders at $16.50 each). But looking at reviews for that one (which are very good) lead me down a rabbit hole where I come across the K&M which is basically a non-fancy version of the 21st Century but uses Lee shell holders which is what I have. And at Midsouth Shooter Supply it’s $70 plus shipping which I like a lot better. And the K&M is leading to more to research several others.
 
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jsfricks said:
I appreciate all the suggestions. I really like the 21st Century except for the upfront pricing ($185) and needing to purchase additional shell holders at $16.50 each). But looking at reviews for that one (which are very good) lead me down a rabbit hole where I come across the K&M which is basically a non-fancy version of the 21st Century but uses Lee shell holders which is all I have. And at Midsouth Shooter Supply it’s $70 plus shipping which I like a lot better. And the K&M is leading to more to research several others.
Click to expand...

I didn't realize 21st Century priming tools and shell holders were that expensive nowadays. Still an excellent tool that won't wear out even if you do a lot of priming.
 
I used the Lee primer with the round tray for years, but broke 3-4 of the pot metal handles. Lee would replace if I sent them the pieces...PITA so I just bought a new one each time. Finally gave up now use the Lyman model...works the same and doesn't need special shell holders..just use the same RCBS type....fully satisfied...Rod
 
Have been using a Lee Auto-Prime since 1980. Have worn out and replaced multiple LAP's. Have used with complete satisfaction. Have use LAP's to load many multiple thousands of .38/.357 and .44 Spec./Mag. and many thousands of .223, .243, .308, .30-06 and 8mm. Consider it just about idea for any reloading use. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.
 
I wore out several of the Lee round tray models. They are fine unless you are priming 10,000 or 20,000 cases a year. They are made cheaply and aren't up to heavy duty use. Those who claim to have been using one for forty years is realistic and believable, but they don't prime a lot of cases. Others have to scrounge for parts to keep theirs going.

Spend a little more and get something good that doesn't require constant rebuilding.
 
The RCBS one that uses regular shell holders DOES THE JOB THE BEST.

I've got it and the Lee, and the RCBS is a million times better ergonomically.
 
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