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What is the "best" hand-held priming tool?

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16 August 2017, 05:39
JBrown
What is the "best" hand-held priming tool?
I wore-out my old Lee Autoprime some time ago and I haven't found anything that I really like to replace it. I tried the Lee Ram-prime, the standard Rockchucker press primer tool and the RCBS handheld. I really miss the Lee Autoprime!


I am thinking of trying the K&M Deluxe Hand Priming Tool.


I am wondering what you guys use/like.


Jason

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16 August 2017, 06:02
ramrod340
I wore out 2 Lees. Now have an RCBS


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
16 August 2017, 07:39
McKay
For accuracy probably the Sinclair. But it's slow. I use an RCBS hand held or the RCBS benchtop that I load the tubes with a Dillion auto tube primer.


Mac

16 August 2017, 08:17
JTEX
I like tje new Lee alright, but i liked the old lee much more.

.
16 August 2017, 13:10
Muttly
Take a look at the 21st Century Shooting auto feed priming tool. Uses the Lee tray, ( which didn,t thrill me, initially), but lets me put in as many primers as I want, and is consistent!
Expensive, and if I had it to do over again I would.
16 August 2017, 14:10
enfieldspares
Like JTEX! The OLD Lee IMHO. That's the one with the round primer tray.

But I I am re-priming from loose primers I use a Lyman 310 tool and its priming die.

You can truly "feel" the primer go in. Those old 310 tong tools still have a use.
16 August 2017, 16:30
p dog shooter
I have the Lee and RCBS for small pistol case I use the lee for larger cases I use the RCBS.

My RCBS is the one with the universal case holder.

I think I would prefer one that used regular shell holders. That would insure a better case fit.
16 August 2017, 16:32
p dog shooter
quote:
But I I am re-priming from loose primers I use a Lyman 310 tool and its priming die. You can truly "feel" the primer go in. Those old 310 tong tools still have a use.


Thanks

Haven't thought about my 310 tool for ages I should dig it out and use it as a priming tool for special jobs.
16 August 2017, 16:33
p dog shooter
quote:
I wore-out my old Lee Autoprime some time ago


I have worn out or broke a half a dozen of them.
16 August 2017, 17:37
snowman
I have 3 at the present time. An old Lee that I only use for 222,223,204 17 rem etc. Don't really like it as you have to buy their shellholders to use it. Much better is the RCBS handheld. Don't like the primer blocking lever arrangement that must be disconnected to change shellholders. Mine is now set up for belted cases. Works good. I my opinion the best is the new Lyman hand held tool. Uses the std shellholders you use in your press. Shellholders are very easy to change and the tool works very well. If you are in the market for a new priming tool you should at least check out the Lyman tool before you spend your money.
16 August 2017, 19:52
K Evans
I like the old Lee handheld, had mine since about 1980 and have rebuilt the rams and toggle arrangement (bought replacement toggle and made the rams from Hilti pins), I have an RCBS unit also but usually go back the the Lee.


Karl Evans

16 August 2017, 20:03
B L O'Connor
quote:
Originally posted by enfieldspares:
But I I am re-priming from loose primers I use a Lyman 310 tool and its priming die.

You can truly "feel" the primer go in. Those old 310 tong tools still have a use.


Heh. Never thought of that. I'll give it a try. (I began reloading with a Lyman 310 and still have the kit . . . in it's original box, no less.)
16 August 2017, 21:02
Reloader270
The RCBS Handheld Auto Prime is in my opinion the best system. Had a 2 Hornady's and they had problems with alignment of the priming ram leaving dent marks on the primer. Lee tends to break after a while. Lyman also makes one, but feels a bit sloppy in the hand.
16 August 2017, 22:01
Stonecreek
You can buy and use up four (or more) Lee Autoprimes for the price of one of their competitors, but nothing works as well as the Lee. Lubricate the toggle and contact points from time to time with a little Vasoline and you'll be surprised how long a tool lasts. But nothing is forever, so just toss it when it doesn't bottom out the primer any more. But the shellholders never wear out, so what's the bellyaching about "having to buy new ones"?
16 August 2017, 23:10
befus
RCBS


befus
17 August 2017, 00:05
p dog shooter
quote:
You can buy and use up four (or more) Lee Autoprimes for the price of one of their competitors,


I would not own a RCBS one but I got in a deal so basically it was free.

Like said I have worn out many lees they have worked well for me and they are cheap to buy.
27 August 2017, 07:48
Eddie Stewart
I like the old Lee autoprime too. So much so that when they announced the new one I bought another of the old so I would have it when my current autoprime wears out.
27 August 2017, 20:33
df06
My lee with the round primer tray is on it's last legs.
I have bought a RCBS to replace it. I like th le better but ....


NRA Patron member
01 September 2017, 02:04
desert dog
I have almost all listed in this thread.

I use the K&M the most, and use it for all of my precision ammo.
01 September 2017, 08:25
SlamFire
quote:
K&M Deluxe Hand Priming Tool.



I have been using an earlier version of this 21st Century Shooter

http://www.xxicsi.com/auto-fee...auto-prime-tray.html


04 September 2017, 23:33
Kevin Rohrer
The RCBS handheld unit is dreck. I have stuck w/ the Lee (and bought spare parts for it) as well as a new, Lyman unit.


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