jsfricks
Member
I’m looking at getting a hand primer so I can spend priming time upstairs since I’m my wife’s caregiver. Which brand and model is your favorite, and why?
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Best hand primer?
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rockquarry
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I've had many including a Sinclair which is a good one. My favorite is the 21st Century. Made very well and made to last. You'll hear no complaints on this one except the price which really isn't bad at all if you amortize it over the time you use it. You won't go back to the second-rate hand priming tools.
Beemer-mark
Member
Any that don’t sit in your hand (says the guy who had 20~25 chain explode in his hand)
I had used several iterations of Lee hand primers for years, but went to a Frankford Arsenal a couple years ago. Much easier to seat and control.
I think mine is an RCBS (it’s green). Works well and there are two different trays to accommodate different shell holder makers. When you have dies and shell holders from multiple companies like I do, it’s good to know one of the two trays will work. Also, it naturally function with the top of the case pointed at an angle away from you.
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DWalt
Member
I have always used the old Lee hand tool, the one with a round tray. That is all I have ever needed. Probably no longer made. I bought the newer Lee bench priming tool, it was worse than useless. It constantly jammed, I spent more time unjamming it than priming. I threw it away I was so disgusted with it.
STORMINORMAN
Member
RCBS Universal doesn't require any shell holders: I've loaded 10's of thousands of primers with one. Did require some replacement parts, but RCBS is fantastic
where any kind of Customer Service is needed!
I also have a Hornady and a Frankford Arsenal as well: the Hornady uses "regular" press shell holders (like LEE & RCBS) and the FA one comes with all you probably would ever need. They both "work", but I'm much faster with the RCBS Universal and can prime multiple calibers, i.e., different ones (9mm, 38 Special, 40 S&W, 380 acp, 45acp, etc.) using small pistol primers as fast as I can move the brass.
Cheers!
P.S. Have NEVER had a single primer incident: remember though to ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION!
where any kind of Customer Service is needed!I also have a Hornady and a Frankford Arsenal as well: the Hornady uses "regular" press shell holders (like LEE & RCBS) and the FA one comes with all you probably would ever need. They both "work", but I'm much faster with the RCBS Universal and can prime multiple calibers, i.e., different ones (9mm, 38 Special, 40 S&W, 380 acp, 45acp, etc.) using small pistol primers as fast as I can move the brass.
Cheers!
P.S. Have NEVER had a single primer incident: remember though to ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION!
geeollie
Member
The RCBS Hand priming Tool #90200 uses individual shell holders and works much better for some size casings. .32 will not stay in. But you have to buy the shell holders.
I use it and it is medium in speed. It has an OK but not perfect primer holding tray.
I use it and it is medium in speed. It has an OK but not perfect primer holding tray.
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I used a Lee for years. So much that I wore it out and bought a broken one for parts at a gun show to replace the arm and the tray. Bought an RCBS with my last new press and like it a lot. Very smooth seating, with good feel. Have to admit, the Lee shakes the primers over faster.
I also use the RCBS Bench priming tool...no missed seating and no tired fingers. I load at least 5 primer tubes for decent speed ...no in hand worries. I did used to use the round Lee hand primer and it worked pretty well. but they DC'd it and the newer one sucks
OP
jsfricks
Member
RCBS makes one that has a removable shell holder and one that is universal that will work for any shell up to 45-70. Which do you have?
OP
jsfricks
Member
Could that be mounted on a board and used sitting in your lap?
socal s&w
Member
"RCBS Universal doesn't require any shell holders: I've loaded 10's of thousands of primers with one. Did require some replacement parts, but RCBS is fantastic where any kind of Customer Service is needed!"
Agreed!
I also have a Forster bench-style tool that works extremely well. Much less force to seat a primer.
For example:
[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Forster-Products-Primer-Seater-Z-Just/dp/B001RE4FPE"]Amazon.com : Forster Products Co-Ax Primer Seater with E-Z-Just Shell Holder Jaws : Sports & Outdoors[/ame]
A little pricey, but can be had for less that at Amazon elsewhere.
mike
Agreed!
I also have a Forster bench-style tool that works extremely well. Much less force to seat a primer.
For example:
[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Forster-Products-Primer-Seater-Z-Just/dp/B001RE4FPE"]Amazon.com : Forster Products Co-Ax Primer Seater with E-Z-Just Shell Holder Jaws : Sports & Outdoors[/ame]
A little pricey, but can be had for less that at Amazon elsewhere.
mike
Alk8944
US Veteran
I have RCBS, Lee and Hornady hand priming tools. I can't really say I have had any better or worse experience with any of them. The Hornady and RCBS both use the same Pacific type shell holders as used on most loading presses.
I had a Lee for many years and slap wore out the lollipop link in it. It was a very good hand primer but . . .
The problem I found with Lee was they changed shell holders with every version of hand primers. I called BS on that and changed to an RCBS primer that used standard case holders. Never looked back.
The problem I found with Lee was they changed shell holders with every version of hand primers. I called BS on that and changed to an RCBS primer that used standard case holders. Never looked back.
imakmst
Member
I have the RCBS Universal hand primer and it's very functional. Doesn't hang onto a 45 Colt case from time to time but I think that is the case and not the tool. And, as others have pointed out, I use the Bench mounted RCBS primer when priming a caliber campaign for stock.
Old&Retired
US Veteran
Used the Lee hand primer for years but have switched to the Lyman EZ Prime. Uses standard shell holders and comes with two trays. One for large and one for small primers.
drayks
Member
I have to agree with the 21st Century priming tool as the BEST as far as adjustable and precision function. Has changeable center for Large or Small primer size, changeable outer ring set for particular cartridge rim. Also, precision adjustable for depth of seating. Still have (3) other single primer seaters LEE, RCBS, KMG?, which don't get used anymore. Cost is high for pieces/parts needed, but agree with previous amortization post.
That is what I use for rifle cartridges. I got it because an M1A must have the primer seared slightly below the case head to avoid slam fires. The Forster bench primer gives me the leverage I need for large rifle primers while still giving me enough “feel”.
