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AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST HAND PRIMING TOOL
- TOP PICK: Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool
- RUNNER UP: RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lee Precision Auto Bench Prime
Page Contents
- Top Five Best Hand Priming Tools
- 1. Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool – best universal hand priming tool
- Pros & Cons
- 2. RCBS 90201 Universal Hand Priming Tool
- Pros & Cons
- 3. RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool: forget about primer tray detonation!
- Pros & Cons
- 4. Lyman Products E-ZEE Universal Priming Tool
- Pros & Cons
- 5. Lee Precision Auto Bench Prime
- Pros & Cons
- 6. Best Durable Hand Priming Tool: RCBS 9460 Auto Priming Tool
- Pros & Cons
- Things To Consider Before Buying A best Hand Priming Tool
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make sure that I don’t crush any primers?
- Is there any difference between mounted hand primers and portable hand primers?
- How Deep Should Primers Be Seated?
- Do all shell holders fit a hand priming tool?
- Should I choose a bench priming tool or a portable one?
- What are the benefits of having a hand priming tool?
Top Five Best Hand Priming Tools
1. Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool – best universal hand priming tool
This unit was created for all those who despise crushing primers. This version has a dial-in in which you may set the seat thickness to one-thousandth of the inch. As soon as you place the dial where you desire, you simply need to squeeze the handle with no possibilities of destroying the primer, because it’s going to difficult to stop when it reaches the thickness set on the dial.
This priming unit includes 12 shell holders to the 12 most well-known calibers. These holders may be saved in the storage situation together with the priming tool for easier access for these. This situation is very good as it’s produced of durable materials to make sure your instrument and the holders are constantly protected.
The priming tool framework is made of die-cast zinc, while the internal components are made from steel. The die-cast zinc framework won’t bend, even in the event that you employ a fantastic force to it if priming a circumstance.
The primer supply tray can hold as much as some hundred primers in precisely the exact same moment. It works flawlessly with both little and large primers. What’s more, it’s easy to change between them thanks to this thumb release. Additionally, the primer tray has ridges on the interior, hence the primers are constantly facing the ideal direction.
Apart from the occasional primer moving the incorrect way, clients haven’t experienced any huge issues with this specific priming unit. It’s dependable, durable, and you’re able to get work done quickly.
However, each of these features comes with a cost. It’s by far the most expensive version with this review, however, it’s well worth every penny. You do not need to squeeze the priming tool till it seems right due to this dial. And due to this, every single primer will probably be in precisely the same depth in each circumstance.
Video about best hand priming tool:
2. RCBS 90201 Universal Hand Priming Tool
The RCBS 90201 hand priming tool is one of our favorites due to its versatility. When you buy the product, it comes with the handle/body, the tray and two prime holders in black and white. The black prime holder is for black primes and the white prime holder is for small primes.
They really live up to the universal priming tool. It also has a slightly different way of switching between big and small primers and much simpler way of using in the long run.
The main pros:
- No shell holders needed! We just love the jaw that simply locks whatever brass you’re pushing onto the holder that comes with the handle. This completely eliminates the need for buying different shell holders. It holds .32 ACP to .45-70 Government.
- A patented safety gate will isolate primers in the tray from the one in the seat, preventing tray detonation from happening.
- Durable material: The plastic lid of the tray is made of high-quality material and the handle is made of heavy-duty steel.
- A quick and safe process as you are not worried about multiple primers sliding into the seat or any detonation happening so long as you do it gently. It also easily takes the primer off if you suddenly need to snug in some primers that were not seated properly.
The main con:
- The complicated setup process of the hand priming tool. When you need to switch with a black or white primer, you need to unscrew a bunch of things and reattach them again. Using the wrong primer holder can cause misfit primers and in a worst-case scenario, tray detonation.
3. RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool: forget about primer tray detonation!
The RCBS 90200 hand priming tool is the predecessor of the 90201 universal hand priming tool. Everything about the tool is the same, except that it still requires shell holders and they have to be the same RCBS shell holders (post-1980) as RCBS presses. Apart from that, it’s still the same design, same black and white prime holders at a cheaper price.
The main pros:
- A patented safety gate will isolate primers in the tray from the one in the seat, preventing tray detonation from happening.
- Durable material: The plastic lid of the tray is made of high-quality material and the handle is made of heavy-duty steel.
- A quick and safe process as you are not worried about multiple primers sliding into the seat or any detonation happening so long as you do it gently. It also easily takes the primer off if you suddenly need to snug in some primers that were not seated properly.
The main con:
- Requires shell holders, as opposed to the Universal hand priming tool, and the shell holders, are brand specific to RCBS only. Also, the same complicated setup process just to switch the primer size.
4. Lyman Products E-ZEE Universal Priming Tool
The Lyman hand priming tool comes with a handle and two trays for different sizes of primers. All you need to do is assemble the handle with the tray and a shell holder. You begin with filling the tray with the primers that you will be seated with, close the lid, and remember to shut the gate to prevent primers from flowing out. You can also stop halfway and leave the primers there to be worked with later.
Next, you assemble that to the handle, place a shell holder on top and lock it with another piece that works as a cap. You’re off to go!
The main pros:
- Reliable: The design with sleek, matte black color has quite a big size but is not too overbearing. It easily snugs into your hand.
- The ergonomic design makes it easy for you to press the primer without exerting too much energy and comfortably.
- Durable material: The plastic lid of the tray is made of high-quality material and the handle is made of heavy-duty steel.
- Universal shell holder: It is one of the best hand priming tools that work with universal shell holder and not brand specific!
- No fussing with small parts that happen with many other hand priming tools.
The main con:
- It may not be much of a drawback of the product, but to prevent the hand priming tool from overloading the seat, you need to tip it back and forth while working with it. It’s quite the work, but once you’re used to it, it’s not much of a problem and is a safe method instead.
5. Lee Precision Auto Bench Prime
Most Lee reloading presses include a priming unit, but this item is made to be a complete priming channel on your workbench. This hand priming tool may be procured in your workbench for greater stability, making the priming process smoother and more exact.
It’s simple to fix the tool back on your workbench. It requires only a couple of minutes of time to put together and it will not take much effort because the entire device isn’t that heavy. It comes with the nuts and bolts needed to mount it on your workbench.
There aren’t any shell holders included on this unit, but it is going to work flawlessly with Lee shell holders. It’s not difficult to use, and after it’s mounted and lubricated it is possible to start priming within minutes. You simply have to decide on the ideal assembly, slide the shell holder set up, place the primer onto the holder, and also proceed to the grip before the primer is put.
The primer tray may be put in 3 distinct places, open, secured, and feed. The open place enables you to load the menu using fresh primers. The hocked place sets the tray on the primer however will not permit any primers to go in the holder (Basically this is the way you keep it). Along with the feed, the position makes it possible for one primer to the holder, isolating it from the rest of the supply.
You’ll have to get accustomed to the primer tray. When you attempt to shake the entire tray to acquire the primers at the place you’ll feel the way that it forces your hands to acquire at the folded position. It’s an acquired taste because you’ll most likely find this bothersome once you begin using it.
Additionally, the pockets where the shell holders proceed aren’t tight onto the holder. This usually means that the shell holder can drop sometimes.
6. Best Durable Hand Priming Tool: RCBS 9460 Auto Priming Tool
As you are able to use the goods within this manual for quite a while, hand priming tool RCBS got our focus as the most lasting alternative. This instrument combines high-quality metallic materials with precision, comfort, and ease of use to offer you among the very best hand primers out there.
Aside from the durability, you’ll also fall to your single-stage lever method. This makes it quite simple to use, even for novices. You may easily discover your priming rhythm when employing the only staged, innovative, or turret attribute in the 9460. We also love the automation capability which makes the entire priming process a whole lot more flexible and quicker. You may save time by skipping priming processes for example ensuring that the primer is set properly. You could also quickly reload the priming tool in 1 minute.
Together with the improved grip system, it is simple to use the instrument in the comfort of the chair without feeling cluttered or drained.
Besides the primer’s relaxation, we found it really versatile because of its compatibility with distinct shell holders. But it’s crucial to be certain the design and make of these shell holders are much like the RCBS one before attempting to attach them.
It could take a while before you learn how to mount the shell holders correctly so we suggest that you use the first cases in the manufacturer.
This right-hand priming tool is great for rifles and pistols instances and will provide you accurate and fast results without additional work. As you might need to pay more dollars for this tasteful instrument, the value you get from it’s unmatched.
Things To Consider Before Buying A best Hand Priming Tool
Preferences
There are two ways of priming and one of them is mentioned here, which is using a hand priming tool. The other method is by using a bench primer, which needs to be installed on the bench. Before you purchase any best hand priming tool or bench mount priming tool, ensure to know not just the pros, but also the cons of each product. For example, you are stuck to the press if you use a bench primer.
Material
Heavy-duty steel is required because you are not just priming 100 or 200 primes, but up to tens of thousands in some cases. You need a tool that is reliable and will maintain the same quality even after thousands of runs.
Budget
When comparing, we’re sure that the budget is something that you keep on top of your mind. When you compare prices, always remember that high prices are not always equivalent to high-quality products and vice versa.
Shell holder
What kind of shell holder works with the primer and how many shell holders come with it? What brass works with the shell holder that is provided if any is provided? Make sure to check these things before purchasing.
Additional features
In such a simple tool, there might not be much to add, but one feature that we think is worth considering is Frankford’s small adjustment that allows you to decide how deep you want the primer in. Another would be a simple switch between big and small primers.
Safety
Because you are pushing primers into brass, a mechanism that kind of mimics a gun. It’s not that dangerous with an empty brass, but in the case that you still have 100 primes in the tray, you want your large and small primers to have a separator.
Design
The layout is vital, particularly if this is something that you plan to use for a lengthy time period. Some are far comfier to hold, which makes the procedure for using the good hand priming tool much simpler.
Caliber Sizes
The kinds of cartridges and also the dimensions of quality are an essential characteristic as well. You need one that will probably deal with a great number of cartridges, but in the event that you just use a couple of kinds then finding one special to your needs is a better choice.
Portability
There are choices out there that connect to a workbench, which makes them simple to use. Nevertheless, these choices aren’t really mobile. You might want a hand primer that lets you have the ability to take it with you.
Comfort And Ease Of Use
A complex hand primer will provide you a difficult time. Be certain that you receive a hand priming tool that you’re comfortable using for an elongated period. The handgrip should also be convenient to stop your hands from going numb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure that I don’t crush any primers?
There are certain models in which you’ll be able to set the desired seating depth. It usually means you will never crush a primer again.
If by any chance you have a hand primer in which you cannot place any seating depth you’ll have to feel on your own. As soon as you feel the primer set you’ll need to release. As a result of this, many primers will certainly be at a different depth than others.
Is there any difference between mounted hand primers and portable hand primers?
Overall both tools get the job done. It mostly depends upon your comfortability. If you want in order to prime cases everywhere, the mobile hand primer is a safe bet (obviously).
On the other hand, mounted hand primers offer greater stability, apart from the fact that the hand primer toll will probably be directly beside your reloading press.
How Deep Should Primers Be Seated?
This is a tough question response, because most people who are experienced reloading their capsules develop a feel. What you may find is that after you’ve used this for a few times you will really begin to feel when the primer is seated properly. This is one of the benefits of utilizing the mobile type.
Do all shell holders fit a hand priming tool?
Regrettably, the answer to this is not any. What you are likely to discover is there are some priming tools that use specific shell holders unique about that brand. While these are generally not overly pricey, they are in extra purchase you’ll need to make.
Should I choose a bench priming tool or a portable one?
The truth is your choices related to whether you want something that you may take with you or something you intend to utilize more around your residence. The bench models are much better if you’re looking for increased durability, only because they require less of a jostling. They’re installed in a certain place, meaning that they are not as susceptible to damage.
However, they deny you the capability to utilize them as you need. The mobile option permits you to use it any place you’re at. You may realize that you want one of each.
What are the benefits of having a hand priming tool?
The primary purpose of a tool such as this is just two things. The first is that it makes you much more efficient. You’re more inclined to get your case primed properly so it is much more accurate. In addition, it is going to help save time using this instrument.
The benefit of this instrument is that it gets the reloading set up a whole lot simpler. This instrument helps to prime the shell casing in order that the cartridges prepared for firing. It is true that some reloading presses come with primers, but in my experience these are not easy to use. You will find a lot more productivity out of purchasing a right hand priming tool since they are easy to use and you only get better in using them over time. You can take it everywhere with you and this is the reason why it is a valuable tool to have.
Lee’s new hand priming tool looks like an improvement over some of their older tools (which I own a couple of and am a fan of for the most part since 2009). After watching this and your Lee Auto Bench Prime video, I am going to try to order one of Lee’s retrofit kits for my Lee Ergo Hand Priming tool (it has broken tray lid and this looks like a more durable design). Again, learning a lot from these videos so your work is appreciated.
How is the Sharps project going and do you prefer one brand of reloader over another I am new to the AR world and I know that eventually I will have to start reloading to keep ammo cost down plus I really want to build a 25-45 sharps rifle I really enjoy your videos thanks for all the free education
Maybe I have to try holding it at a similar angle to you but mine did not work near as nicely as yours. About 1/5 the time no primer falls down, maybe 1/10 a primer falls sideways and when I finished priming 25 cases I noticed 2 of them actually managed to 180 flip and were in backwards, and yes, I made sure all were facing the correct direction initially.
Yeah, after thinking about it I bet that is why it worked well for you. I held it more perpendicular to the ground, if I angle it more the primers in theory should fall less violently and be less likely to change orientation.
** EDIT ** If you hold this contraption such that the feed tube makes a ~45 degree angle with the ground it works fairly well. I only did 25 cases but all primers seated perfectly. I’ll update if it seems this data set was too small and things don’t work well after all.
I’m glad yours works, mine is a piece of junk. the chamber
the primers drop in for seating are way too big, primers drop in sideways, backward, or jam up in the chute, it’s the only piece of Lee equipment I’ve ever had an issue with, and I’ve used nothing else since the 80’s.t
what primers were you using? some one in another vid said that cci says not to use their primers in the Lee hand primer…