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Hand primer
- Thread starter head2h2o
- Start date
Re: Hand primer
I use an RCBS hand priming tool. I like the feel of seating the primers better than using my press to seat them.
I use an RCBS hand priming tool. I like the feel of seating the primers better than using my press to seat them.
Re: Hand primer
I have a Lee and hate it, I have a RCBS universal hand primer and wish I had 2. Not that much problem to change to small primer or large but I like them enough to want another.
I have a Lee and hate it, I have a RCBS universal hand primer and wish I had 2. Not that much problem to change to small primer or large but I like them enough to want another.
Re: Hand primer
I used a lee for a long time,have wore out several.Have had a Sinclair for a while,really like it.Well built tool that looks and works good.A little pricey.Made out of stainless, should last. Pete
I used a lee for a long time,have wore out several.Have had a Sinclair for a while,really like it.Well built tool that looks and works good.A little pricey.Made out of stainless, should last. Pete
Re: Hand primer
I liked my Lee, but have snapped 2 handles. I have an RCBS now, but I preferred the Lee using thumb pressure to the RCBS using grip pressure.
If I could get a paddle for the Lee that was made of real metal I'd be happy.
You do know you can prime LC crimped 556 without swaging the crimp right
?
I liked my Lee, but have snapped 2 handles. I have an RCBS now, but I preferred the Lee using thumb pressure to the RCBS using grip pressure.
If I could get a paddle for the Lee that was made of real metal I'd be happy.
You do know you can prime LC crimped 556 without swaging the crimp right
Re: Hand primer
I've had good luck with Lee... just call Lee for free spare handles and you will be fine.
I've had good luck with Lee... just call Lee for free spare handles and you will be fine.
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do ya'll use a hand primer? If so, which one do you recommend? </div></div>
Buy a Sinclair International tool and it will not break ever.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do ya'll use a hand primer? If so, which one do you recommend? </div></div>
Buy a Sinclair International tool and it will not break ever.
Re: Hand primer
I have used the same Lee since 1984. Just snapped my first handle. Only issue was getting WSMs to fit. Dremel solved that.
After this long, I have pared down my gear to what I have found works best for me. The Lee hand primer sits on the bench next to the Giraud, the Harrells, the Redding dies, and a 25 year old Rockchucker.
I have used the same Lee since 1984. Just snapped my first handle. Only issue was getting WSMs to fit. Dremel solved that.
After this long, I have pared down my gear to what I have found works best for me. The Lee hand primer sits on the bench next to the Giraud, the Harrells, the Redding dies, and a 25 year old Rockchucker.
Re: Hand primer
Started with the RCBS hand priming tool. Worked well, got a second one to leave 'em set up for small and large primers. Ended up with a third for 'spare parts'.
Got a Lee because everyone (at the time) raved about how much more 'sensitive' it was, blah, blah. Yeah it's sensitive... because the mechanical advantage on it sucks balls, and I find it very uncomfortable to use. Others still love 'em; I keep it around as a last resort - or in the event that some one I don't like much wants one.
Couldn't make myself spend the $$$ on a Sinclair tool. Lord knows I have enough of their stuff, and have spent more on things that probably turned out less useful, but $100 for a primer seater just because it's shiny and made out of stainless? No. I did however get a K&M hand primer seater - essentially the same function as the Sinclair, but less than half the price (think mine cost $40 or so a few years ago). I have all K&M neck turning stuff, so I was comfortable with the quality of construction. Being able to adjust the seating depth/force is nice, for sure.
Lately I have gotten tired of chasing individual primers around and my knuckles have started complaining about hand priming each round... so I got an RCBS bench mounted primer tool. Seems to work pretty well, fairly fast and still has decent 'feel'... but the primer tubes suck, or at least the plastic tips do (too tight). I'm eyeballing a Forster Co-Ax primer tool for x-mas, heard good things about it also.
Started with the RCBS hand priming tool. Worked well, got a second one to leave 'em set up for small and large primers. Ended up with a third for 'spare parts'.
Got a Lee because everyone (at the time) raved about how much more 'sensitive' it was, blah, blah. Yeah it's sensitive... because the mechanical advantage on it sucks balls, and I find it very uncomfortable to use. Others still love 'em; I keep it around as a last resort - or in the event that some one I don't like much wants one.
Couldn't make myself spend the $$$ on a Sinclair tool. Lord knows I have enough of their stuff, and have spent more on things that probably turned out less useful, but $100 for a primer seater just because it's shiny and made out of stainless? No. I did however get a K&M hand primer seater - essentially the same function as the Sinclair, but less than half the price (think mine cost $40 or so a few years ago). I have all K&M neck turning stuff, so I was comfortable with the quality of construction. Being able to adjust the seating depth/force is nice, for sure.
Lately I have gotten tired of chasing individual primers around and my knuckles have started complaining about hand priming each round... so I got an RCBS bench mounted primer tool. Seems to work pretty well, fairly fast and still has decent 'feel'... but the primer tubes suck, or at least the plastic tips do (too tight). I'm eyeballing a Forster Co-Ax primer tool for x-mas, heard good things about it also.
Re: Hand primer
I use my Rcbs hand pimer to do all my Shells. I sit infront of the TV and prime about a 100 large or small in about 15 min.
I use my Rcbs hand pimer to do all my Shells. I sit infront of the TV and prime about a 100 large or small in about 15 min.
Re: Hand primer
Lee is the priming tool of choice at my bench. I have one of the old ones, and haven't broken any thumb rods. Maybe the old metal is better?? It gives you more bang for your buck. Just my .02
Lee is the priming tool of choice at my bench. I have one of the old ones, and haven't broken any thumb rods. Maybe the old metal is better?? It gives you more bang for your buck. Just my .02
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sinclair, buy once cry twice! It's that expensive. </div></div>
I followed 308sako on this one.....
ya......It is that good.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sinclair, buy once cry twice! It's that expensive. </div></div>
I followed 308sako on this one.....
ya......It is that good.
Re: Hand primer
I have been meaning to buy one just as a back up for my Dillon 550 in case I have a malfunction or breakage. So far I haven't needed a back up and I like the feel of priming on the press.
I have been meaning to buy one just as a back up for my Dillon 550 in case I have a malfunction or breakage. So far I haven't needed a back up and I like the feel of priming on the press.
Re: Hand primer
Guys, thanks for all the responses. I think I am likely going to go with the RCBS. I have always primed on the press and the main reason that I wanted to go to a hand primer was so that I did not have to handled each primer. I would be willing to drop the coin on the Sinclair just for the durability, but it does not really solve my problem of not handling the primer.
Has anyone used the one from Hornady and if so, how does it compare to the RCBS?
Guys, thanks for all the responses. I think I am likely going to go with the RCBS. I have always primed on the press and the main reason that I wanted to go to a hand primer was so that I did not have to handled each primer. I would be willing to drop the coin on the Sinclair just for the durability, but it does not really solve my problem of not handling the primer.
Has anyone used the one from Hornady and if so, how does it compare to the RCBS?
Re: Hand primer
been using the same lee auto prime for 15 or so years bought another about 10 years ago 1 for lg primers the other for small. when i wear them out i'll replace with a sinclair but for now if it aint broke dont fix it rule applies
been using the same lee auto prime for 15 or so years bought another about 10 years ago 1 for lg primers the other for small. when i wear them out i'll replace with a sinclair but for now if it aint broke dont fix it rule applies
Re: Hand primer
Lee cheap-o hand primer
One for large one for small
They are so inexpensive I dont even remember how much they cost
Gotta call about the free replacement paddles as I have a broken one that only lasted 6yrs or so...
Lee cheap-o hand primer
One for large one for small
They are so inexpensive I dont even remember how much they cost
Gotta call about the free replacement paddles as I have a broken one that only lasted 6yrs or so...
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L.A. Lawman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my buddy has a forster co-ax, he threatens to charge me money for time on it though! he he, he raves about it. if i try it i will have to cough up the money to the reloading gods.... yikes </div></div>
My Dad has one, it is the cat's ass. I love using it when i visit.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L.A. Lawman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my buddy has a forster co-ax, he threatens to charge me money for time on it though! he he, he raves about it. if i try it i will have to cough up the money to the reloading gods.... yikes </div></div>
My Dad has one, it is the cat's ass. I love using it when i visit.
Re: Hand primer
I have a Sinclair with my bench gun and a Lee in my carry box as I do not like changing the setup on the Sinclair (too lazy).
The Sinclair is NOTHING but top drawer (and pricey) but the Lee serves the purpose and is easy to swap holders in (not that the Sinclair is difficult). I have boxes dedicated to purposes and do not wish to mix my benchrest stuff with my everyday stuff.
Can't go wrong with any of the hand helds in my mind. Course don't use either with the progressive press.......
I have a Sinclair with my bench gun and a Lee in my carry box as I do not like changing the setup on the Sinclair (too lazy).
The Sinclair is NOTHING but top drawer (and pricey) but the Lee serves the purpose and is easy to swap holders in (not that the Sinclair is difficult). I have boxes dedicated to purposes and do not wish to mix my benchrest stuff with my everyday stuff.
Can't go wrong with any of the hand helds in my mind. Course don't use either with the progressive press.......
Re: Hand primer
RCBS here. No need to change and have never replaced any part. Primes without hassel. Dont like waiting on parts for anything.
RCBS here. No need to change and have never replaced any part. Primes without hassel. Dont like waiting on parts for anything.
Re: Hand primer
I have the Hornady version, which is much better made than the Lee or RCBS. It is almost as nice as the Sinclair, but you can prime 100 cases very quickly. I've had it for 12 years now, no issues.
I have the Hornady version, which is much better made than the Lee or RCBS. It is almost as nice as the Sinclair, but you can prime 100 cases very quickly. I've had it for 12 years now, no issues.
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sinclair, buy once cry twice! It's that expensive. </div></div>
Second that but you can feel the primer seat also its a single deal one at a time
Bill
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sinclair, buy once cry twice! It's that expensive. </div></div>
Second that but you can feel the primer seat also its a single deal one at a time
Bill
Re: Hand primer
918, I've never used the hornandy. How is it better made than the RCBS? Both are aluminum with bushings. Looks like less effort (better leverage) for the RCBS but I like the tray on the Hornandy better.
okie
918, I've never used the hornandy. How is it better made than the RCBS? Both are aluminum with bushings. Looks like less effort (better leverage) for the RCBS but I like the tray on the Hornandy better.
okie
Re: Hand primer
+1 forthe Sinclair. It is expensive, but it will never break. Good feel when seating the primers.
James
+1 forthe Sinclair. It is expensive, but it will never break. Good feel when seating the primers.
James
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys, thanks for all the responses. I think I am likely going to go with the RCBS. I have always primed on the press and the main reason that I wanted to go to a hand primer was so that I did not have to handled each primer. I would be willing to drop the coin on the Sinclair just for the durability, but it does not really solve my problem of not handling the primer.
Has anyone used the one from Hornady and if so, how does it compare to the RCBS? </div></div>
The problem with the Lee is the paddle handles breaking off like the ones I had not the rod breaking. (lost count of how many handles I replaced over the years.) I have 2 of the Hornady. One for each primer size. I like the way the handle works.(better ergonomics IMHO) More like a pair of pliers than the others. Just feels better when I'm squeezing it. If I was buying new, now, I would go with the RCBS with the universal shell holder. Don't have to keep track of shellholders. Got a Sinclair, but you have to handle each primer individually as you seat them. Probably great for benchrest, but not so handy for volume reloading for a match rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys, thanks for all the responses. I think I am likely going to go with the RCBS. I have always primed on the press and the main reason that I wanted to go to a hand primer was so that I did not have to handled each primer. I would be willing to drop the coin on the Sinclair just for the durability, but it does not really solve my problem of not handling the primer.
Has anyone used the one from Hornady and if so, how does it compare to the RCBS? </div></div>
The problem with the Lee is the paddle handles breaking off like the ones I had not the rod breaking. (lost count of how many handles I replaced over the years.) I have 2 of the Hornady. One for each primer size. I like the way the handle works.(better ergonomics IMHO) More like a pair of pliers than the others. Just feels better when I'm squeezing it. If I was buying new, now, I would go with the RCBS with the universal shell holder. Don't have to keep track of shellholders. Got a Sinclair, but you have to handle each primer individually as you seat them. Probably great for benchrest, but not so handy for volume reloading for a match rifle.
Re: Hand primer
I use a lee.and I can not figere out why ya'll are haveing such a hard time with them.my primers go in with little presure and no primer pockets are not loose.sounds like yu are tying to prime a lc case with out removeing the crimp.and I know that isn't the case is it.
I use a lee.and I can not figere out why ya'll are haveing such a hard time with them.my primers go in with little presure and no primer pockets are not loose.sounds like yu are tying to prime a lc case with out removeing the crimp.and I know that isn't the case is it.
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">918, I've never used the hornandy. How is it better made than the RCBS? Both are aluminum with bushings. Looks like less effort (better leverage) for the RCBS but I like the tray on the Hornandy better.
okie </div></div>
It is machined from aluminum barstock, not cast from pot metal.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">918, I've never used the hornandy. How is it better made than the RCBS? Both are aluminum with bushings. Looks like less effort (better leverage) for the RCBS but I like the tray on the Hornandy better.
okie </div></div>
It is machined from aluminum barstock, not cast from pot metal.
Re: Hand primer
OK. Well, I have yet to see either one of them get broke in half so until it does I think I'll just keep the RCBS.
Thanks.
okie
OK. Well, I have yet to see either one of them get broke in half so until it does I think I'll just keep the RCBS.
okie
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rookie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forgot to mention the other factor the Hornady has going for it is that you use the same shellholders as your press does. The requires its own set of shellholders. </div></div>
My RCBS is the universal and doesn't require a shell holder!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rookie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forgot to mention the other factor the Hornady has going for it is that you use the same shellholders as your press does. The requires its own set of shellholders. </div></div>
My RCBS is the universal and doesn't require a shell holder!
Re: Hand primer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I liked my Lee, but have snapped 2 handles. I have an RCBS now, but I preferred the Lee using thumb pressure to the RCBS using grip pressure.
If I could get a paddle for the Lee that was made of real metal I'd be happy.
You do know you can prime LC crimped 556 without swaging the crimp right
? </div></div>
That'd scare the heck out of me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I liked my Lee, but have snapped 2 handles. I have an RCBS now, but I preferred the Lee using thumb pressure to the RCBS using grip pressure.
If I could get a paddle for the Lee that was made of real metal I'd be happy.
You do know you can prime LC crimped 556 without swaging the crimp right
That'd scare the heck out of me.
Re: Hand primer
+1 for the RCBS universal.
Three really significant features.
1. Design isolates the primer being seated from the tray to protect against any sympathetic detonation of the primers in the tray if the primer being seated went off.
2. It has a square tray so you can easily dump a box of primers into it.
3. It is infact universal and does not require any shell holders.
(This unit is also built like a tank.)
+1 for the RCBS universal.
Three really significant features.
1. Design isolates the primer being seated from the tray to protect against any sympathetic detonation of the primers in the tray if the primer being seated went off.
2. It has a square tray so you can easily dump a box of primers into it.
3. It is infact universal and does not require any shell holders.
(This unit is also built like a tank.)
