Hand Primer Recommendations?

[Robert1955]

I am just starting out my reloading adventure and plan on .38/.357 in a low volume for my Revolver. I have a Lee Hand press and dies and I am looking for input on which hand presses people like and why.

 

[Bountied]

I am just starting out my reloading adventure and plan on .38/.357 in a low volume for my Revolver. I have a Lee Hand press and dies and I am looking for input on which hand presses people like and why.

lee auto prime

 

[tony b]

Lee auto prime is my choice as well

 

[guzma393]

The RCBS hand priming tool works well too. It came with my kit that i bought from a retiring reloader and i have no complaints.

After a while, the moving parts can become loose and gritty, but a bit of dry lube and tightening it from time to time fixes that.

 

[outrider58]

the RCBS hand priming tool works well too

I blew one of those up in my hand. Big chain reaction ka-boom! I still use it from time to time, but it took me a couple years to psych myself up for it.

It was my fault. I'll offer this advice, it is possible to end up with two primers trying to feed at once.

Here's where one of the primers landed...

 

[byf43]

lee auto prime

Lee auto prime is my choice as well

Lee Auto-Prime for hand priming.

Note: Keep the pivoting parts inside the handle lubed.
My auto-prime is over 40 years old, and runs like a new one.

 

[Speed3]

I blew one of those up in my hand. Big chain reaction ka-boom! I still use it from time to time, but it took me a couple years to psych myself up for it.

It was my fault. I'll offer this advice, it is possible to end up with two primers trying to feed at once.

I think I would have shit my pants if that happened to me. I use the RCBS and it indeed is possible to fit 2 primers in the feed tube. I like feeling how easy or soft the primer seats.

 

[85MikeTPI]

Doesn't the Lee require a completely separate set of shell holders? I've used the RCBS for years and although not perfect, I do know it uses the same shellholders that my presses use.

 

[cstone]

I have a Lee hand primer but use my RCBS univeral hand primer most of the time. I like that I don't have to keep track of different shell holders.

https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-90201-Universal-Hand-Priming/dp/B000KKB86A

 

[PowPow]

I use the RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool 90201:

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKB86A

EDIT: lol. You're faster than I am, cstone.

 

[danimalw]

I use the RCBS hand priming tool that uses individual shell holders, not the universal one.

RCBS-90200-Hand-Priming-tool

Reason is when I am hand priming (not using the progressive press) I can put a box in my lap to catch the primed brass after I release the pressure. If I cant the priming tool as I prime, gravity usually works to remove the case without help and it drops free on it's own, as I am grabbing a new case to prime with my left hand. Whereas on the universal tool, it has a spring loaded shell holder that requires one to pull the primed brass out (is my understanding and please correct me if I'm wrong.)

 

[cstone]

I use the RCBS hand priming tool that uses individual shell holders, not the universal one.

RCBS-90200-Hand-Priming-tool

Reason is when I am hand priming (not using the progressive press) I can put a box in my lap to catch the primed brass after I release the pressure. If I cant the priming tool as I prime, gravity usually works to remove the case without help and it drops free on it's own, as I am grabbing a new case to prime with my left hand. Whereas on the universal tool, it has a spring loaded shell holder that requires one to pull the primed brass out (is my understanding and please correct me if I'm wrong.)

That is my experience. I prime with my right while placing and removing cases with my left. Taking a short break between 100 cases, I can sit on the porch and prime 1000 cases in an afternoon. Do that a few times a week and I slowly add to my bins of prepped and primed cases. Loading on the press is much easier when starting with prepped and primed brass, IMO.

 

[Robert1955]

Doesn't the Lee require a completely separate set of shell holders? I've used the RCBS for years and although not perfect, I do know it uses the same shellholders that my presses use.

Yes they do, but since I am only, currently anyway, looking at 38/357 the $4 for the shell holder is not a big deal.

 

[John from MD]

I have been using the RCBS hand primer for about 20 years and it is still going strong. Since I bought mine, they have changed the primer tray from round to square to match the primer packaging but other than that they are probably the same.

 

[Pinecone]

Hmmm, it seems the best setup is not longer available.

21st Century made a replacement priming tool, that used the Lee tray. SUPER setup.

 

[Melnic]

I have a lee and an RCBS.
My Lee RCBS pops the shell out too often.
My shells sometimes don't center right.

I had the older square Lee and the top plastic part broke and I could not see that I could get a replacement.
the new Lee triangle one seems to get stuck and put it away, I guess I'll look into lubing it.

 

[jonathanglock]

I also have a Lee hand press. I mostly do 9mm. I use a Lee Ram Prime, and I just happen to have 2 extras. I could send you one of my extra ones. No charge of course.

 

[guzma393]

I blew one of those up in my hand. Big chain reaction ka-boom! I still use it from time to time, but it took me a couple years to psych myself up for it.

It was my fault. I'll offer this advice, it is possible to end up with two primers trying to feed at once.

Here's where one of the primers landed...

Well that's unsettling! I have experienced times where two primers wind up there but I can feel it when it's jammed up. Never thought it would result in a detonation

 

[outrider58]

Well that's unsettling! I have experienced times where two primers wind up there but I can feel it when it's jammed up. Never thought it would result in a detonation

I will admit. It did hurt a little...

I learned all about military crimps that day...

 

[Park ranger]

I just ordered the Frankfort arsenal $70 hand primer. I'll report back how I like it.