What type, or method of priming do you all prefer? And how do you go about avoiding contamination. RCBS now has a die, where you load primers one at a time at the top of the press similar to the Forster Co-Ax. They also have the automated hand primers using pre-loaded primer strips, and the Automated priming tool, a bench mounted tool that is just for priming, and uses tube fed primers. Dillon has a little gadget to automatically load primer tubes, probably just for their presses. I guess the questions I'm really tying to ask is:
(1) How often do primers detonate while trying to prime a case, and is it safer to prime one at a time, or use an automated device where allot of primers are in close proximity to the one being pressed home?
(2) Which seems to work better. Those having shell holders, or those having some sort of spring-loaded jaws, made supposidly to accept a wide variety of cases?
Learnin,
Phil
Posts: 1478 | Location: Southern California | Registered: 04 February 2001
I use a rcbs auto prime tool that has a tube to hold the primers. To avoid contamination I use a flip flop primer tray to get all the primers right side up then push the tube down over the primer to load it, never have to touch them that way.
I have never had a primer go off on me during the priming step and I have loaded many thousands of rounds.
I use a Lee Auto Prime. I know it's cheap compaired to other equipment. I have used this one for about 15 years and have never been disappointed in it. I dump the primers on the tray and shake it side to side and the primers that are upside down usually upright themselves, if they don't I turn them over by hand. I've never had a primer detonate yet, pay attention to detail. I use latex gloves when loading. Not only does it keep you from contaminating primers, but also keeps your brass from tarnishing with the oil from your skin when you handle it. Good luck and Good reloading!
I think the little Lee tool is pretty hard to beat for the money. Better feel than most others, (and I've tried just about all of them). I personally like the "improved version" which loads one primer at a time by hand. (I keep my hands clean so don't worry about oil contamination) Also this way, if you ever do have a detonation, which I have never had, you don't set off the whole tray. A step up in price and feel is the K&M tool which is what I use now. It is a VERY nice tool, which will last a lifetime. It uses the Lee shellholders. Feel with this tool is superb. I highly recommend it...ol blue
Posts: 373 | Location: USA | Registered: 05 December 2000
I use, and am happy with, a Hornady/Cabelas hand-held unit. The way it and the RCBS units are designed, I don't see much chance of setting off the whole tray if a primer were inadvertently crushed during seating. Then again, I never completely discount Murphy's Law either.
RSY
Posts: 785 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 01 October 2001
I have used the lee auto prime for years now worn two of them out they work great I keep two or three on the bench with the primers I want and I am ready to go any time.
Posts: 19741 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001
I've used (and like) the Lee Auto Prime for many years, never had a detonation in loading thousands of rounds. I seat the primer, turn the case 1/4 turn, then seat the primer one more time to assure it is in flat.
Posts: 3293 | Location: Western Slope Colorado, USA | Registered: 17 August 2001
Lee Auto Prime. Use the flip tray and don't touch 'em. Been using it for 25 plus years. I like to be able to feel the pressure. You can easily tell is they are too tight or too loose.
------------------ Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Until recently, I used the primer arm on the press -- first a Lee Turret Press, and then, after wrecking the Lee Press, a Redding Boss. That is a very slow way to prime.
About a year and a half ago I got a Lee Auto Prime. Excellent method of priming -- I'll never go back to the old way.
Posts: 5883 | Location: People's Republic of Maryland | Registered: 11 March 2001
The LEE AUTO PRIME $15.00, A complete set of shell holders for the LEE AUTO PRIME $18.00. (These prices Include a 20/30% increase A.K.A. ALASKA DISCOUNT) Outside (other 49 states) they are usually cheaper. This is a great little tool. I have used one for 15 years without any problems
Have fun!
[This message has been edited by tsturm (edited 11-26-2001).]
I'll go against the tide here. Bought a Hornady hand held priming tool 2 years ago and love it. It uses the same shell holders as your press...Lee, RCBS or Redding...doesn't matter. Great feel and set me back about $20...
Highly recommend the RCBS auto prime tool. Has good sensitivity when seating primers but not so much leverage to flatten primers. Has a 100 round tube to pick up and automatically puts primer in the punch. Uses regular shellholder from the die set and comes with large and small punches.
If you have a single stage press it is hard to go wrong with the Lee Auto Prime (I'm suprised so many others agree, usually Lee gets bashed arounds here)
That said, I haven't used one in quite a while as Most of my loading is done with my Dillon press. The only time I have had a primer go off was on a military '06 round that I didn't fully remove the crimp, and the primer cocked sideways and went off, startled me a little but nothing major. From the force I saw, I don't really think it could set off a tray of primers, they seem to be pretty hardy usually.
The ones using shellholders are faster usually than something with spring loaded jaws, but I've never used them with a priming tool.
Posts: 7777 | Location: Between 2 rivers, Middle USA | Registered: 19 August 2000
quote:Originally posted by Greyghost: ...and using a flip tray is the way to go.
Phil-
If you go with the Auto Prime (and probably others as well), the flip tray is "built in". One less step to perform, and one less thing to worry about. Turn your box of primers upside down over the priming tool, slide it open, jiggle a little, and start priming.
