Who makes the best hand primer?

[MXGreg]

I'm looking at getting a new hand primer. I've been using the Lee hand primer and I think I've worn it out. It will no longer fully seat a primer. Does anybody make a better one? I've gone back to priming on my press, but it's nice to sit in front of the TV and watch a movie while pushing primers. Thanks.

[Jackpine Savage]

I've been happy with the RCBS universal, but it is the only one I've ever used.

[Erud]

I prime on my press, but if I were going to start hand priming, I'd get this one:

http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/S.S_FQUY.php

[andrewP]

I prime on my press, but if I were going to start hand priming, I'd get this one:

http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/S.S_FQUY.php

That looks really nice, but for roughly 6X the price of a Lee Auto Prime, or 3X the price of the RCBS and Hornady hand priming tools, it had better be downright amazing. What does it do that those other tools don't? I mean, it's not a consideration for me at the moment, as I prime on the press as well, but I'm just kind of amazed that a hand priming tool can even cost that much. How many can they possibly sell?

[Erud]

I prime on my press, but if I were going to start hand priming, I'd get this one:

http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/S.S_FQUY.php

That looks really nice, but for roughly 6X the price of a Lee Auto Prime, or 3X the price of the RCBS and Hornady hand priming tools, it had better be downright amazing. What does it do that those other tools don't? I mean, it's not a consideration for me at the moment, as I prime on the press as well, but I'm just kind of amazed that a hand priming tool can even cost that much. How many can they possibly sell?

Well, he asked about the best, not the cheapest. The main advantage it has over others is the seating depth adjustment. Read the article below for more details.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-rev ... ting-tool/

As far as how many they sell, I have no idea. They are a very small shop that caters to a pretty niche demographic, mainly benchrest and competition shooters. Their products are very highly regarded among that group. I have their neck turning lathe and I can assure you it is worth the additional cost over a cheaper one. If you are just cranking out plinking ammo or if budget is the top criteria, it's probably not the tool for you. Like I said, I just prime on my Dillon 550.

[shooter115]

I've always used the RCBS hand primers that use the shell holders and must have primed close to a zillion rounds with them. I actually had one, then had to send it in to get rebuild because I wore it out (which RCBS did, no charge). Then bought another to use while that one was out getting refurbished. Now I have a spare.

Even though I load the majority of my 5.56 ammo on a Dillon 550, I still choose to hand prime all my brass. This way if there's a primer pocket that is too loose or a crimp that didn't get removed, I can catch it easier and it won't screw up my whole loading process.

[MXGreg]

I picked up one of the RCBS hand priming tools at Fleetfarm ($65). Ran a couple dozen .45acp shells through it to test it. It's not as ambidextrous as the Lee primer (I have to run it backwards in my left hand), but it seems much better made and works very well. Thanks for the help.

[Sammichman]

never cared for the RCBS, I scrounge E-Pray for old Lee's

[Seismic Sam]

I also use Lee Auto-prime, and have since it came out over 30 years ago. All the others have been "dorkified" or complicated to get around Richard Lee's patents. AFAIK, you can get a replacement pusher rod/cam part for a Lee primer for about $3 - $5.

[OldmanFCSA]

I have two broken LEE Auto-prime units from 30 years ago. Didn't know my own strength back then and popped the top off the base unit on both of them. Still have the component parts someplace.
I have a new LEE unit that SUCKS.
I have the RCBS unit that does not require shell holders and it works great for me.

[Seismic Sam]

Well, after 30 years, Lee's patents have expired, so the other companies can actually make stuff that works. My Lee is about 8 years old, and is just as good as the first one.

[aht_six]

I tried one of the RCBS hand priming tools, compared to my old Lee Auto Prime hand tools, I thought it was awful. After Lee quit selling parts for the old tools, I bought a couple of the newer Lee Auto Prime XR tools, I think it's the next best thing to the original.

[SIGP240]

Find one and try it out first, before buying. Some fit the hand poorly and you'll never use it much