hand priming tool and primer depth

[mtgianni]

A q tiip with some oil on it lightly touched to the pivot makes the Lee tool last a lot longer.

 

[mmncw]

I've gone through the instruction sheet and don't see any way to adjust the tool for depth.

I've liked using the tool with 9mm and .38 cases. I can crank through a few hundred rounds in an hour with the primers all seated properly.

Input please?

It seems RCBS occasionally lets out a short rod for their hand primer. I had one that was perfect for large primer, but the small primer rod was so short that it only inserted the primer far enough to lock the brass/primer into the shell holder since the primer was still sitting so high. I don't remember how I got it apart, but they did send me a replacement rod.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Thanks NOVALTY for the heads up. I ordered one after looking a little deeper into the RCBS Auto prime bench tool. Lately it has been more troublesome to prime no matter what hand-held tool I use. This thing looks like the answer for me.

My thanks as well. I can see the time coming when I'll need to update to the Auto Prime, sooner than later. I can't tell how much easier reloading has been due to advice from people like you, not to mention $ saved.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Well I was glad I was able to add something to the forum that was useful. You will really like it, I haven't found anything to really complain about--except maybe the price. I wish they had the YouTube video when I got mine as I found their instruction booklet a little lacking.

Bought one and it came yesterday. Works just fine. Like you I found the instruction booklet lacking and had to figure assembly out for myself but no real problem. Certainly is easier on the hands and I found I can load CCI Primers directly from the box.

 

[novalty]

Steve hope you are happy with the purchase? Did you get it from RCBS direct? Thanks for the tip on loading the CCI primers from the box, I have CCI, and have been dumping them onto a RCBS primer tray then inverting--will have to try direct from the package.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Steve hope you are happy with the purchase? Did you get it from RCBS direct? Thanks for the tip on loading the CCI primers from the box, I have CCI, and have been dumping them onto a RCBS primer tray then inverting--will have to try direct from the package.

Bought in on sale at Midway, along with the shell holder. Mounted it next to the press (Hornady Classic). FWIW, the press uses 5/16th inch bolts, the primer 1/4", and I use a Black and Decker Workmate for a bench. Added a 2x10x27" spruce board to the top, gave it a coat of varnish and polyurethane, and bolted it on. Solid as a rock and easily portable.

 

[Magnumdood]

K&M Priming tool

I use a K&M priming tool that has a dial caliper integrated so I can seat every primer 0.05 below flush.

 

[novalty]

I use a K&M priming tool that has a dial caliper integrated so I can seat every primer 0.05 below flush.

That certainly is a nicely designed tool from K&M. Only concern I would have is that it still requires the same hand compression as a traditional hand primer--which doesn't play well with my arthritis.

 

[Magnumdood]

That's it!

It does require some hand strength, but it seats the primers pretty close to 0.05 below flush. Last time I checked the depth of 5 random rifle brass out of 100 that I had primd, all were 0.048 ~ 0.052. I probably induced more error when I was measuring than was actually present.

 

[novalty]

I think if you were able to mount the K&M sideways above a bench, so that you could get body leverage on the handle it would be a nice setup for us with arthritis or poor hand strength.

 

[Hobie1]

This from RCBS FAQ

Q. I'm having trouble with the Hand Priming Tool not seating the primer deep enough. What am I doing wrong?

A. You probably aren't doing anything wrong. The usual cause for "high" primers is caused by the shell holder not sitting down tight on the Primer Feed. This usually happens with older RCBS and other brands of shell holders--they simply do not have enough chamfer on the inside of the primer hole. To check to see if this is a problem, install the shell holder on the primer feed. If you see any daylight between the bottom of the shell holder and the primer feed, the shell holder must be replaced. If the shell holder was manufactured by RCBS, call for a free replacement. If you are unable to locate the problem, call RCBS Customer Service for help at 800-533-5000 (Mon-Thurs, 6:30am-3:00 pm Pacific time), or e-mail us your questions.


Hobie

 

[charliex]

you aren't using brass with crimped in primers are you? also lube the pivot points on the tool. i just use oil occasionally.
good luck.

 

[palmetto99]

Ok, just thought I would update this thread to let everyone know how this worked out. I'm sure everyone has been on pins and needles!

Well, I called RCBS and they were nice enought to send me a another large primer rod. It was jus a tad bit longer, but didn't solve the problem.

Hobie1, you are the winner! I ordered a RCBS shellholder. I had a Hornady and it just didn't fit well. The RCBS works just fine. Thank you all for your input.