RCBS Hand Priming Tool

08 August 2001, 04:34

Using this tool tends to leave primers either slightly proud, wonky, or both. I have gone back to using the priming tool on my RCBS Special-5 press which does the job fine.

Anyone else come accross this?

08 August 2001, 04:39

<Bill T>

Which RCBS tool are you talking about? I purchased their new model that feeds the primer strips a while back and it works perfectly, just as advertised. You can "feel" when the primer bottoms out in the pocket. Bill T.

08 August 2001, 04:45

<Bill>

The one I uses a tray, it works great. I haven't ever had a problem with it.

I like the ability to feel how the primer is seated.

08 August 2001, 04:59

<Delta Hunter>

I'm using the RCBS hand primer with the plastic strips also and have had no problems with it.

08 August 2001, 05:33

Recono

Based on a recommendation I read in The American Rifleman decades ago, I always "feel" the primer into place, spin the case 180 degrees in the shellholder, and apply the same force again. Never had a problem.

08 August 2001, 06:07

Deerdogs

It is the one with the tray, like Bill has. I tried fitting new shell holders but it has no effect.

08 August 2001, 06:56

Pete E

Deerdogs,

Thats funny as I have nothing but praise for mine.I consider it one of those must buys for any reloader. It sounds like something is wrong somewhere. Is the steel "pin" the right way round??..one end is flat while the other is rounded. Without checking, I can't remember which is which, but I know it matters! RCBS usually stand behind their products so it is probably worth contacting who ever you bought it off.

Regards,

Pete

08 August 2001, 07:23

Stonecreek

Deardogs:

I use the Lee, which is somewhat similar. After quite a bit of usage, the bearing surfaces between the ram and the cam which is actuated by the thumb-piece wear enough that the ram is, in effect, not long enough to firmly seat the primer. A new ram or cam (or new entire unit) is the fix.

08 August 2001, 09:13

Deerdogs

quote:
Originally posted by Pete E:
Deerdogs,
Thats funny as I have nothing but praise for mine.I consider it one of those must buys for any reloader. It sounds like something is wrong somewhere. Is the steel "pin" the right way round??..one end is flat while the other is rounded. Without checking, I can't remember which is which, but I know it matters! RCBS usually stand behind their products so it is probably worth contacting who ever you bought it off.
Regards,
Pete

It is the right way around Pete. I'd take it back only I got it over the the counter at a gun shop in Las Vegas. Bit of a long trip!

08 August 2001, 10:14

GeorgeS

Deerdogs,

Are you using RCBS shellholders? I have the same tool, and it works fine with the RCBS shellholders, but not as well with other brands.

RCBS has a lifetime warranty. Contact them through http://www.rcbs.com/questionsframe.html , and they will get back to you. If there is a problem with the tool, they will replace or repair whatever is wrong.

George
George

------------------
Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

09 August 2001, 03:53

Pete E

Are you going to the Deerfair??

If so take the tool and shell holders along
as i'm sure there will be an RCBS "agent"/ importer there. Failing that, I'll take mine and we can swap components until we find the trouble....

regards,

Pete

09 August 2001, 04:25

Bob338

You might just contact RCBS direct. I have four of them which I have set up for different cartridge families just to keep from having to change shell holders. Originally I found that some of the rods are a bit short to fully seat the primers. I swapped the rods around and had all but one functioning properly. I called RCBS and they sent a rod slightly longer which took care of the problems. I have the kind with the trays. I'm able to keep different primers in each and just swap trays with the primers I want to use. Quite convenient.

09 August 2001, 14:09

<Odessa>

I bought one when they came out (1994?) and had a similar problem initially. Seems that old RCBS shellholders (the ones with the number stamped on the face) are not releived on the bottom enough to seat properly on the RCBS hand priming tool. If you use the new RCBS shellholders (the ones with the number stamped on the rim) they will work fine.
Odessa
p.s. When I called RCBS with the problem they shipped me two free shellholders (#3 & #6) to replace the old ones I had, and they also replaced the black and white plastic bases I had whittled down with my pocket knife to make the old shellholders seat.

20 August 2001, 04:48

Deerdogs

Gents -

I have solved the problem by putting a ball of tin foil under the rod. This has the effect of lengthening it.

I'll be writing to RCBS for a longer rod.

Thanks for the help.

20 August 2001, 08:17

<PowderBurns>

Not sure what "proud" and "wonky" mean.

RCBS warrants their stuff unconditionally. No questions. It was explained to me by an RCBS rep that "we wanna know how you can mess up this gear of ours so we can fix that problem and prevent it."

I completely destroyed a bench priming tool by getting some stuff stuck in the pathway.

RCBS sent me a new one . . . The old one was maybe 15 yrs old.

Flat tip goes against the primer. rounded tip against the cam. I use the tray feed. Seems to work perfectly for me in all calibers and brands of brass -- except a load of Winchester military contract stuff that had funky primer pockets.

20 August 2001, 11:35

<Patrick_D>

Powderburns,

If you don't know what proud and wonky mean, do you think everyone will understand what a funky primer pocket is?

For the record, proud means standing out - ie not seated deeply enough. Wonky is not even or level, out of alignment.

Anyway, I too use the RCBS tool with a tray, and with no problems. If the primer is not seating deep enough, I would try a different make of shell holder.

Patrick