Author Topic: Lee auto prime (Read 1703 times)

Questor · « **Reply #30 on:** March 18, 2005, 10:00:28 AM »

I get match quality ammo without cleaning primer pockets in pistol ammo.

ksbackwoods · « **Reply #31 on:** March 21, 2005, 02:08:51 AM »

I broke the connecting rod in mine twice back when I was using CCI primers. Since I switched to Winchester primers it hasn't happened again.

bajabill · « **Reply #32 on:** March 21, 2005, 07:37:03 AM »

My only complaint is that mine needed to be "opened" up to use on WSM cases. I hope for others sake, that Lee changes the mold to fit these new cases.

This tool is so simple and safe that I cant imagine priming with a single stage press. It is right behind the Lee trim method as far as simplicity goes.

june6th1944 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:08:41 AM »

I use one on .30-06 Springfield, .30-30 Winchester, and an 8mm Mauser. Easy to use and load primers as fast as I can change out the cartridges. I've only used the large primer tray though

Everyone should use a hand primer loader.

Good luck.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 13, 2005, 02:32:09 PM »

I have been using Auto-primes since they first came out, well over 20 years ago now. The first few I had broke the connecting rods, but I called Lee to order more and the sent me several, for free, and I still have a spare or two. At the moment I have three of them, one for spare parts if needed, the other two for each size. I've loaded around 100,000 rounds since I started, and nearly every round has been primed on an Auto-Prime. As long as you keep them lubed a bit, they'll last you forever. I think the metal in the early ones was a bit soft, but that seems to have been cured. Oh, and if think the last one I bought cost me $8.....Don't tell Richard Lee, but I think they're worth twice that!

Papajohn

MnMike · « **Reply #35 on:** November 13, 2005, 05:28:34 PM »

I use two, one for small and one for large. The two things I have heard about them:
Lube them before using them.
Don't press too hard.
I have done both and had no problems.

mike

goodconcretecolor · « **Reply #36 on:** November 26, 2005, 12:34:54 PM »

I have an Auto-Prime bought in 1987 and one bought in 2004. I have used both CCI and Winchester primers in both tools without any broken parts in either and with no discernable difference between the two. I have always used mostly Lee equipment and having had perfect service from the Lee in 18 years of reloading, I have to conclude that RCBS is overbuilt and overpriced. The RCBS equipment MAY be worth it for benchrest shooters but not for reloading for hunting rifles.

Bubba w/a 45/70 · « **Reply #37 on:** November 26, 2005, 05:35:37 PM »

I've had near perfect service from mine. The only malfunctions that I can bring to mind are operator induced. I would use mine instead of using the priming function on my progessive press, but I can get slightly faster service out of the progressive function by using the press for priming. And I've tried it.

But for priming on a single stage, it can't be beat. I will continue to use a Lee priming tool and a good friend swears by his RCBS tool, but after using both, I will take my Lee every time

Savage · « **Reply #38 on:** November 27, 2005, 07:40:25 AM »

I have two of the Lee tools and one RCBS. I think the "feel" of the primer being seated is better with the Lee, and it seems to have a shorter lever travel, but like the primer tray better on the RCBS. Both have worked well for me, and I would recommend both. I hardly use the RCBS tool anymore, I just prefer the Lee. Anything that I don't load on the progressive is primed with these tools.
Savage

quickdtoo · « **Reply #39 on:** November 27, 2005, 07:50:18 AM »

I now use 2 Lee primers, one for small primers, the other for large, no switching trays and I have a backup in case one of em goes south. For calibers that Lee doesn't make shell holders for, just anneal a standard shell holder for that caliber, cut the grooved base off and drill the center out larger, had to do that for the .405 Winchester. :wink: