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Reloading
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rockquarry
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I've tried the cheap ones and went with 21st Century several years ago. The only complaint you'll hear about these is price, but if you prime very many cases, the amortized price is minimal. They work and work well; the Sinclair tool is a close second.
Green Frog
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I may be the oddball here, but I like the original, first generation hand priming tool from Lee. It had no primer tray, so you dropped in primers one at a time, and it used a proprietary, screw-in shell holder. I cling to mine because it just works so well and I can feel the primer seating just right. JMHO, YMMV.
Froggie
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rockquarry
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That's a decent tool, but built of cheap material. Same for the original round tray "dangerous" model that was discontinued and replaced with a lesser, but safer tool, also cheaply built. These were junk and I threw away at least two of these.
I had several of the original round tray models and they worked well, but weren't made to last. I probably got close to twenty years use out of mine. If you don't prime many cases and lubricate the tool occasionally, they might last much longer.
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On the old round tray models(I have 3 in use) you need to grease the top of the aluminum cam that rides against the rammer that seats the primer. Also if the cam wears short to where it won't fully seat the primer you can put a greased spacer cut from a primer box between them OR take the cam and peen the round end on a vice to bring it back into spec.
As for them being dangerous. I've been using them since they first came out with zero problems.
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rockquarry
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The "dangerous" (my word) part was well publicized thirty or more years ago. The testing done by Lee was written up in at least one gun magazine. It may have been covered in the Lee load manual as well.
There were several user injuries when primers detonated in the round tray models. After Lee reproduced the primer detonations, they issued a warning to use only CCI and Winchester primers in the round magazines. They may have suggested a limit on the number of primers in the round tray, but I can't remember for sure.
Anyway, the square tray model was developed as a safer tool, even if it didn't work real well and corners of the the clear plastic trays broke. Like many others, I preferred the round tray "dangerous" model for years until mine wore out. I used mostly CCI primers along with maybe a few thousand Winchester primers and never had a problem.
I vote for the original Lee hand primer. Been using for years, wore one out and got another. Works for me.
DeplorabusUnum
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Don't mean to steal the thread but I do have a question. I've been using the RCBS hand priming tool for years and love it. Never tried the Lee, so I can't comment. However, I just bought a bunch of 45 Auto Rim brass so I wouldn't need moon clips to load my model 25. Problem is, the base of the case is so thick it won't fit in the hand priming tool, so I have to dig out the old primer set up for my press and prime them that way. This is a bigger PIA than loading the moon clips. Anyone out there using a hand primer for 45 Auto Rim? If so, which one? I'd like to find one that works with that cartridge.
When Lee discontinued the original round tray tools I went on a quest for a replacement.
After 2 years and about 8 priming tool that were nothing but frustrations, I buy evert original I find used. I'm at 7 right now.
Ivan
After 2 years and about 8 priming tool that were nothing but frustrations, I buy evert original I find used. I'm at 7 right now.
Ivan
So that's why I can't find another one! We've got a primer tool hoarder amongst us! LOL!!
I've had mine for 25 - 30 years with no problems, but it only handles a 100 or so a year, if that. My Dillon does most of the priming chores. I hadn't heard of it being "dangerous" until maybe 5 years ago. I think I'll just keep it.
(and discreetly look for another one)
As far as the Frankfort Arsenal tools, I don't own any of their stuff, but haven't heard anything negative about them either.
Mine are labeled and have the primary shell holder left in them. For example Fed 205M has 223 shell holder, Fed 215M has the 338 Lapua Mag shell plate, Rem 7 1/2 has 6 PPC Shell holder, Win LPP has 45 Colt/44Mag,,You get the Idea. I would like to find several more!
Ivan
Ivan
LittleCooner
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This is the tool I use, I have found several shell holders over the years in the "odd stuff, cardboard box" at gun shows. I have no idea why they stopped making this one. mine has primed untold how many rounds over the decades. the plastic tray Lees are junk, wear out quickly and the primers can "flip" sometime.
Skeet 028
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I used and still have quite a few Round Lee tools but went to the RCBS Bench tool. Think I will put all those Lees on Fleabay. I never had any problems with the Lee tools orher than a broken thumb piece once.
L
L
Are ou using the correct shell holder in your hand priming tool? I haven’t loaded Auto Rim, but both Lee and RCBS offer specific shell holders for this cartridge.
Lee specifies their #13 and the RCBS their #8.
I also started with that model and slap wore it out. When I went to replace it with a Lee tray model, I realized Lee likes to change shell holders with each new model, requiring new purchase of shell holders for each caliber owned.
I bought the RCBS hand primer and never looked back.
DeplorabusUnum
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The RCBS hand priming tool doesn't use shell holders. It's a universal spring loaded jaw that moves in and out depending on the diameter of the brass. The thickness of the 45 AR however, prevents them from sliding in under the jaws.
df06
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I had two of the older ones with a round tray. Wore one out, and the other was nearly worn out. Then at a gun show two years ago, I found two of them, like new, plus a full set of 12 shell holders. Don’t remember the price, but it was cheap. And if had zero safety issues with them in many 10,000s of rounds loaded.
The original Lee round tray version is usually available on eBay and most are reasonably priced.
I wore out or broke the priming lever on 3 Lee priming tools then bought an RCBS tool. It has worked great however, the small primer portion, made of plastic, was so worn that the primers would hang up, slowing production to a crawl.
I looked on the RCBS web site but, no replacement parts were shown. An email to customer service about replacement parts, was sent. The response was what we would all hope for from Big Green. The response was that the parts I sought were being sent, free of charge, to my home address. Now if the mail service improves, I may have them in a month. That will be soon enough!
I looked on the RCBS web site but, no replacement parts were shown. An email to customer service about replacement parts, was sent. The response was what we would all hope for from Big Green. The response was that the parts I sought were being sent, free of charge, to my home address. Now if the mail service improves, I may have them in a month. That will be soon enough!
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That's what I still use. I have two; one set up for large primers, and the other for small. I also have an unused spare, and some misc parts. When these wear out I will have to modernize, but until then I will enjoy the original Lee priming tools.
I wish they would bring it back.
The new "Universal" hand priming tool doesn't take shell holders. The regular RCBS hand priming tool takes shell holders.
Ed
rockquarry
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The two RCBS Universals that I tried would not reliably seat primers fully. Both tools required more effort than should be required with any hand priming tool. I found the RCBS tool that uses a shell holder to be a much better priming device.
rockquarry
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They won't be bringing it back. See pages 80-86 in the Lee load manual.
The new "Universal" hand priming tool doesn't take shell holders. The regular RCBS hand priming tool takes shell holders.
Ed
Universal all too often means not real good at anything or everything.
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Mine works pretty well on 9mm and up. When I started loading .32 S&W, .32 H&R and .327 FM, the jaws wouldn’t consistently hold the rim. I just bought the version that takes the shell holder for .32. I’m happy with my RCBS stuff, but I know what you mean about “universal”.
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I like the RCBS the best.
rockquarry
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I've used the 21st Century tool for several years without complaint. It's one-at-a-time priming, but not nearly as slow as some might imagine. Regardless, it's best tool I've found for priming. The Sinclair is a close second. I think they're priced pretty close.
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