AR Colleagues,

Recently I purchased the RCBS Universal Hand Priming tool seen here RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool We have been using it to load a variety of cartridges from 7mm-08, 270 Win, 30-06, 340 Weatherby and 416 Rigby. In using it we’ve been experiencing a few problems that are frustrating and wanted to hear of feedback from other who might own the tool before contacting RCBS. Specifically the biggest problem occurs when the cartridge case slips out of the universal shell holder under priming pressure sending case and primer airborne. Also there are times when the priming ram seems to get hung up within the tool and being careful to stop when any resistance is experienced, ends up breaking the routine. We switched over from an old Lee Auto prime thinking the universal shell holder was an advantage and we could not load the Rigby on the Lee. The tool was pricey and has not really worked out to my expectations.

Any one else using this tool and if so what are your experiences?

Thanks
Paul

I once switched from the Lee Autoprime to the RCBS Hand Priming Tool (the older version - http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0004490200). I soon switched back to the Lee. All my hopes for a better quality tool and safer operation disappeared with the frustration of using the RCBS tool.

- mike

I've been using the APS version of the universal tool for 6-7 years now and have had absolutely no problems. Sounds like you may have got a bad copy.

I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds with mine (the older version) and I would'nt be without it. The only complaint that I have is sometimes the primers get jammed in the feed tray and I have to give it a little shake to free them up. Other than that, I think it is a great product. RCBS has a lefetime guarantee on thier equipment, try sending it back for a new one.

I have had the same sorts of issues with the RCBS universal tool. It seems as if everything has to line up just right for it to work and that can easily not happen. I'm not unhappy enough to chuck it given what I paid for it, but it could be a lot better.

LWD

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Reed:
AR Colleagues,

We switched over from an old Lee Auto prime thinking the universal shell holder was an advantage and we could not load the Rigby on the Lee.

If you have a dremel, you can easily open the Lee tool up to accept the .589" Rigby case, you'll need to anneal and cut the collar off of a #8 shellholder to work in the priming tool, I've done it for the 300 WSM, works fine.

I've loaded tens of thousands of rounds (literally) using the RCBS Universal Shellholder. My favorite is the APS version but use both.
I've had the slipping out problem before and solved it by dissassembling the head, making sure that there were no burrs and lubing it with Tetra Grease. The problems with it slipping out of the shellholder are caused by either the shell not being centered or by one of the jaws sticking. We solved the sticking problem by careful lubing and then you solve the centering problem by giving the case a turn after you insert it. Get used to making sure that the case is centered and you won't have any more popping out.
Not sure about your other issue.....................DJ

I have the Lee, & tried an earlier RCBS. It seems overly complicted in function & isn't that comfortable to use. I now use a Hornady. It's simple to switch out shellholders, same ones your press uses, & is very comfortable when doing longer priming runs.

I have the Lee and both old and new RCBS hand primer tools.

Lee tool -Seldom use it because of the Safety citations about using certain primers.But have had no problem.Need specific shell holders.

Old RCBS tool- No problems but did not like to change shell holders (I load several different catridges).

New RCBS tool- I like it because it does not require shell holders.I rarely have the problem of the brass popping out during priming.However I routinely rotate the brass once it is in the shellholder before priming - it seems to let the brass engage better. I load in a range from 221 FB to 6mm BR.

berylh

I started out with Lee, switched to the RCBS universal, which I like much better. The only time a case has slipped out of the shell holder is when I was not paying attention, and it was not fully engaged in the shellholder (half out).

I still use my Lee autoprime for small primers, since I don't do very many of them and it keeps me from having to switch the universal between primer sizes. But eventually I'll get another universal.

Andy

Paul Reed
I have a new RCBS hand priming tool and enjoy it. Like it has been said not paying attention to the case is when it will slip out. Have it happen several times myself. I have loaded from 22 hornet to 45's. A 45 AR's rim is too thick to fit under the shell holder and the other one I won't use it on is surplus 30-06 cases (the press will be used). Even working the primer pocket, on military 30-60, I think it is still too much force on the tool placing primers in cases. The resistance you speak of sounds like the case is not well centereed in the shell holder. I give it an extra movement once in place and can feel it center up.

If you find you like the original RCBS hand primer, but want the larger square tray (while keeping the traditional shell holder), you can get RCBS p/n 90202, which upgrades the original hand primer tool to the new square tray ($6.95 msrp)

Andy

I use the Lee Autoprime and am satisfied, however I have use another guys RCBS new style hand priming tool and didn't like it as well. If I would switch from the Lee it would be for a Hornady hand primer. I have never used the Hornady but I have handled one and it seemed more comfortable than the RCBS.

I think you have to use a "new toy" for some time before you get used to it's peculiarities.
I have only used mine for a short while for .357 Mag and .308 Win cases and it seems to work fine. I gently press the rim against the jaws while "rotating in" the case until both jaws lock on.