Author Topic: Priming Cases, Which is Better? (Read 578 times)

vanbuzen9 · « **on:** March 23, 2005, 07:59:07 AM »

Hi all,

I was wondering what you guys use to prime your cases when reloading. Do you tipically use the press itself, or do you use on of those hand-priming tools, with the turning plate attached to it?

thanks,
Preston

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2005, 08:04:50 AM »

Hand priming tools are the only way to go. Some people have good luck with the Lee Autoprime. I prefer the RCBS tool. It's money well spent.

Somerled · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2005, 08:13:26 AM »

I still use the priming arm on my old RCBS press from time to time when just loading 10 or 20 cases.

I have an RCBS bench-mounted priming tool that I use almost all the time when loading rifle cartridges. It uses the long primer tubes. I have even used my Dillon tubes in it although they are longer than the RCBS tubes. I do not have to handle primers one at a time, which eliminates any threat of primer contamination. I've had a stroke and drop a lot of primers when handling them. So the tool makes it a lot easier. I think the priming tool help me seat primers more consistently with the equal amount of pressure. I can "feel" the amount of pressure that is being applied better.

I've never owned a hand-priming tool as you described. A lot of people swear by them. They can prime cases while watching television, some say. I prime in the reloading room. There is less chance of me screwing up because there aren't noise sources to distract me. Television is just a bunch of noise these days--even with 180 channels.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2005, 08:18:20 AM »

Hand press if I'm going to be using a single stage press for reloading, if using a progressive, just let the machine do it in the normal sequence of events.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2005, 10:09:06 AM »

I've used the RCBS bench mounted priming tool, but never a hand priming tool. The biggest advantage over a press priming tool, if there is one, is that you are able to "feel" the primer seat in the case better......I believe this is generally true....

Don Fischer · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2005, 10:47:00 AM »

I've used press mounted tool's, the arm that came with the old RCBS Jr and the Lee auto prime. I don't see where it make's any difference. Maybe to a bench rester but day in day out hunting stuff, naw! I use the Lee auto prime 100% of the time now. I would use the RCBS version but the Lee is cheaper and I got it first.

Flash · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2005, 12:11:25 PM »

Yep, the RCBS by a long shot, that is until I build my collection of Dillon conversion kits.

MickinColo · « **Reply #7 on:** March 23, 2005, 02:02:41 PM »

Ive used the RCBS bench mounted priming tool for years and as mentioned earlier by victorcharlie, you can feel the primer seat. Its a great piece of equipment.

A couple of months ago I bought an RCBS hand priming tool. Its quick and accurate. I like it but I find that my hands get tired if I prime more than 200 rounds in a session.

longwinters · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2005, 04:14:23 PM »

I used the RCBS priming arm that came with my turret press. But then got the Lee Auto and, to me, it is the best way to go. It opens up the front of my press for easier access and I really like to feel the primer seat using the hand priming tools.

Long

ABaker · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2005, 04:36:18 PM »

I bought the rockchucker kit and it came with the RCBS hand priming tool. It does not come with a shell holder so I had to get one. It works good, you can feel the primer seat. I have used the Lee and the RCBS, they work equally well.

MnMike · « **Reply #10 on:** March 23, 2005, 06:06:20 PM »

I like the hand priming tools. I think I get a better feel for when the primer is seated. I also get a feel if there is a problem

Just my opinion,

mike

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2005, 06:12:02 PM »

100% hand priming tool from Lee.

ricciardelli · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2005, 02:28:53 AM »

RCBS hand primer for rifle, for handgun, the press is fine.

Curtis · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2005, 02:33:42 AM »

I'll put in another plug for the RCBS bench mounted (the type with the tubular magazine) priming tool. It uses the same shell holders that I already have, is quick, easy to change over, good feel and I can pick up the primers with the tube so I don't handle them.

Tip: I mounted mine on a raised wood block so I could locate it back from the edge of the bench.

Curtis