Press for Priming

[novalty]

I've been looking at presses for some time now, and after doing some more strenuous work with my hands lately, my arthritic wrists have gotten me concerned about using a hand priming tool which seems to be the norm for the press kits I have been looking at. I had narrowed my choices to the Hornady Lock-n-Load Classic, RCBS RockChucker Supreme, Redding Big Boss II, or Forster Co-ax. As I will be mostly reloading handgun ammo, I am hoping to hear some reviews on a press that would work well for priming, and reduce the fatique on my wrists.

Figured I should ad a disclaimer. I know I didn't mention the Dillion 550B press, and that is because it is way out of my budget. I realize it is a tremendous press, and a fantastic company, but I do not shoot enough ammo to warrant the additional cost.

 

[LubeckTech]

You might want to check out the Lee Auto Prime 2 press mounted priming tool which will work well with your current press. I have used one of these for a long time and they not only work well but are fast to use as well.

Lee Auto Prime 2 Press Mounted Priming Tool - MidwayUSA

 

[mike from st pete]

RCBS has a bench mounted priming press. APS uses strips that feed thru the press. I've never used one of these but it looks like it would be the ticket for you.

 

[epj]

I know there seems to be a lot of interest in separate priming tools but don't most presses have a priming attachment that allows one to prime on the downstroke by pushing the priming tool in as you lift the handle on the depriming stage? That's what I used for years prior to getting a progressive. I never saw anything wrong with the system.

 

[snowman]

Mine isn't on your list, but does an excellent job; it's the Lee Classic Turret press. The primer dispenser mounts on the top of the press frame, and you dispense a primer with it into a cup that protrudes from the ram when the case is in the resizing die at the top of the stroke. The case is primed then at the bottom of the downstroke. The only problem I've had is that the last one or two primers often don't want to feed, and I have to dispense them by hand. Not a big deal, though.

Andy

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

RCBS has a bench mounted priming press. APS uses strips that feed thru the press. I've never used one of these but it looks like it would be the ticket for you.

I haven't used one either, but it looks to me like the answer to your situation - plenty of leverage so that your wrist won't bother you, but still the ability to gently feel the primer into the pocket (and turn the case 180 degrees and re-apply the same gentle pressure). Thousands of people use press-mounted priming systems without problems, so that can't be too terrible, but I prefer the safety and reliability of individual hand-felt priming.

 

[LAH]

I know there seems to be a lot of interest in separate priming tools but don't most presses have a priming attachment that allows one to prime on the downstroke by pushing the priming tool in as you lift the handle on the depriming stage? That's what I used for years prior to getting a progressive. I never saw anything wrong with the system.

Me neither

 

[Jellybean]

The press mounted priming arms on some presses are O.K. but a little slow for many and a few don't like the idea of handling every primer. Also not every press has this feature available.

Several manufacturers make a "Ram Prime" system, which mounts in the die threads and does pretty much the same thing as a primer arm. Lee offers the auto prime II mentioned above which is the same thing but is fed automatically, keeping you from having to handle every primer. They also have problems with feeding and require close attention when they are almost empty.

I have the RCBS APS system which is great, in my opinion. I have the bench mounted version but it is also available in a press mounted version to save money. These do require either buying CCI primers in APS strips or buying their primer strip loader which is another great tool.

I believe RCBS still offers their Automatic Priming Tool too. This mounts on a bench and used primer tubes to automatically feed primers. They have a press mounted version available but it is not for use with the Rock Chucker Supreme model.

 

[novalty]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am looking to not have to handle every primer to feed a primer arm on a press. After looking at products some more, I see the Redding Big Boss and Big Boss to except Redding's Slide Primer Arm, which looks like a good product for my needs. Also in my search I see that Forster also has a Primer Seater product, but seems like the cheaper route would be the Redding with their assembly.

 

[Engineer1911]

RCBS Primer

RCBS offers a priming kit that fits a RockChucker. Load a tube of 75 primers, insert in tube holder, move primer arm back and forth to insert primer into arm, move arm forward to prime case on the downstroke.

I gave a poor description of a simple operation that loaded 50,000 plus rounds of pistol ammo before I got my Dillon 450 back in '82.

 

[LAH]

Here's a RC with the priming arm. Load a tube, insert in the hole & go to town. Very simple & works great..............Creeker

 

[Jellybean]

I forgot to mention that Hornady lists a primer tube feed for their Lock N Load in their 2007 catalog, I'm not sure what they offer now.

The tube feed in LAHs photo shows the tube feed on an older Rock Chucker. According to their 2009 catalog it doesn't work on the new and improved Rock Chucker Supreme, although it doesn't specify why, but I seem to recall we had that discussion here before.

 

[novalty]

Do the up-stroke primer feeders, such as the RCBS shown above, seat the primer's properly?

 

[epj]

Yes. I used one of these contraptions for many years and never had any difficulty with it. The Dillon progressives use exactly the same principle, and I have no issues with them either. It is not necessarily "necessary" to "feel" the primer seat by hand. I can tell when a primer seats and when one isn't right with the upstroke type primer systems. I may not be as anal as some other reloaders, but I want my reloads to go bang each time I pull the trigger. If a hand priming apparatus was necessary to make this happen, I can assure you I would have one.

 

[RussellD]

As others have mentioned, a bench mounted priming tool such as made by rcbs or Forster is an option. The Forster coax press has a priming feature and it is unique as a press because it works on the down stroke vs. the upstroke of many presses on the market.

I have the Forster, a Redding T7 and a Dillon. The Forster is a great tool that works well.

 

[LAH]

Do the up-stroke primer feeders, such as the RCBS shown above, seat the primer's properly?

Properly can be defined different ways but my answer is yes. I can feel the primer bottom & I can also feel when something is wrong. For years this was the only press I loaded rifle with. My ole '06 would shoot inch groups at 200 meters with 1970's Speer Hot-Cor bullets, a near case full of IMR 4350, & WLR primers loaded on this press.

I'm not saying you can't do better for a press or priming system but for most rifles this system will get the best from them.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I may not be as anal as some other reloaders, but I want my reloads to go bang each time I pull the trigger. If a hand priming apparatus was necessary to make this happen, I can assure you I would have one.

I represent that remark. However, it is certainly accurate. Although it fits my personality better to seat primers by feel with a hand tool, most folks have been using presses for years with few reliability or safety (a whole big bunch of primers in a tube, so that if one goes, they all go) problems. People here are reporting that they can feel primers even with a press. Your arthritis will probably make that easier.

 

[ISOM]

Which priming tool?

RCBS part number 90460.
I have used this RCBS Bench Mounted since 1970. I am very satisfied with it.
The bad side of this press is, it costs about $100.00, but, is worth it.

 

[walnutred]

I understand what your talking about. For years I used a Lee Auto Prime, but arthritis in my hands started making that unpleasant. Then I went to a Dillon, with the auto prime. Problem solved EXCEPT for when I do small experimental batched on my Lyman turret. Then I found a used Lyman single stage press with the tube feed auto prime system for $35. Problem solved again. Sure, I have three presses set up on my reloading bench, but I have the room so who cares.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I have a RCBS auto prime tool. Bench mounted with tubes for large & small primers. Easy to use & I have arthritus also.