Who makes the best Hand Priming Tool

  • 1.2K Views
  • Last Post 11 July 2024
Wm Cook posted this 20 June 2024

Could anyone recommend a quality hand primer.

I've  worn out the two RCBS hand primers that I've had since the early 90's.  And the K&M I had for BR was sold off when I left jacketed BR.  I normally prime in lots of 100 to 150 so a tray would be nice to have but its no deal breaker for me.  A requirement is that it has to be a hand primer and not bench mounted because I load at the range.

The old RCBS lasted about 30 years so I suspect this'll be the last hand primer I'll need to buy.  One of the many  advantages to getting old.  Bill

Attached Files

Order By: Standard | Newest | Votes
Ross Smith posted this 20 June 2024

CPA !

Attached Files

monkeyboy posted this 20 June 2024

Frankford Arsenal makes an excellent one that uses the lee primer shellholders. It comes with a full set of them as well.

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • Bud Hyett
Wm Cook posted this 20 June 2024

CPA’s a bench mount as far as I can tell. Can anyone comment how ergonomically the Frankford fits the hand? Bill C

Attached Files

Tom Acheson posted this 20 June 2024

Memory says John Alexander had a thread similar to this no too long ago. Might be some helpful info that.

Tom

Attached Files

fc60 posted this 20 June 2024

Greetings,

I have a K&M tool.

Uses the Lee Shell Holders that are not designed for a loading press.

I find the tool and service to be excellent.

Cheers,

Dave

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • Bud Hyett
Wm Cook posted this 20 June 2024

Can’t find it Tom. If you have a link I’d appreciate it.

My old K&M had that flat stock metal handle that never did fit my hand. That said I have no memory of it so that means it worked flawlessly. I must have had it for 20 years. So far I’m leaning toward the Frankford.

And Hornady has a primer pocket reamer that’ll take the primer damage burs off the pocket rim caused by my old worn out misaligned RCBS. Unless someone can suggest a better hand primer option I think that’ll be the way I have to go.

Attached Files

Tom Acheson posted this 20 June 2024

Wm,

I cannot locate it either.

I can remember adding a comment about the Sinclair unit that I have, which works great. When shooting a match out of town and reloading in the hotel room the night before the second match day, it was really useful. And you can really feel the primer being seated.

And also noting that I presently use the RCBS bench mounted unit at home. That gets used without the primer feed tube....don't trust it!

Tom

Attached Files

John Alexander posted this 20 June 2024

There were some strong recommendations for the Frankfort in the lost thread Tom mentioned. It convinced me, but I haven't ordered one yet.

John

 

Attached Files

pat i posted this 20 June 2024

Expensive but I really like my Sinclair priming tool. That thing would seat a road flare!

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • Sevenfan
Wm Cook posted this 21 June 2024

I found the Sinclair tool by Googling Sinclair Int. and it was found with the remaining  "237" remaining items that was sold by Sinclair. 

Looking at what Sinclair stuff is still available brought back memories of getting their catalog 3 or 4 times a year.  Every time I got one back then it was like Christmas.  Fred did a great job of providing BR shooters what they needed, or at least what they thought they needed.  Of the 237 Sinclair items Brownell has on their site I think I bought about half of them.  Even down to the shooting stool.  They had quality products and the stainless steel hand primer looks solid.  I should get it just for old times sake.  Bill C.

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • Sevenfan
pat i posted this 21 June 2024

Even down to the shooting stool.

I've had my Sinclair shooting stool for years. Won't go to a range without it.

Attached Files

sghart3578 posted this 21 June 2024

I like mt RCBS hand primer but I recently bought a Lee bench primer.  The Lee works well and is dedicated to small primers while the RCBS does the large ones.

Attached Files

hporter posted this 21 June 2024

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • delmarskid
cowdude posted this 21 June 2024

For hand primers, I've been really happy with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series. It's sturdy and has a tray option which might come in handy for your batch sizes.

Attached Files

lotech posted this 21 June 2024

I've had a Sinclair but started using a 21st Century hand priming tool several years ago. Expensive and one-at-a-time priming, but an excellent tool.  

Attached Files

Aaron posted this 21 June 2024

After decades of sore thumbs, broken parts, and simply no leverage for those "hard ones", I have abandoned all hand priming tools and instead, now use the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool. It has enough leverage for even the hardest primer/case interface, seats the primers properly, and uses the "sticks" like feeding the Dillon press.

After establishing a rhythm, priming 100 cases is a snap. With 10 or 12 cases, I just hand place a primer into the retaining cup rather then use tubes to feed it. No more sore thumbs, no longer wonder if the primer was seated fully. Nice tool.

They can be had on Midway, Graf, and even Amazon for less than what is shown on the RCBS site.

 

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

Attached Files

Premod70 posted this 21 June 2024

RCBS sells a table mount tool that works much better that the squeeze types. I welded a 3 inch washer to the end of the arm to use as a pad and nothing I’ve seen in use will match it for comfort, consistency and longevity.

Forrest Gump is my smarter brother.

Attached Files

fa38 posted this 21 June 2024

I have two K&M tools one set up for small primers and the other for large primers.  Also have a CPA for the 25-20 Win and a Simmons for the 30-30 and 32-40 but use them mainly for de-capping. 

 

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • RicinYakima
Sevenfan posted this 21 June 2024

Really like my 1st generation Sinclair priming tool and still use it for certain things but most of my priming today is done with an RCBS automatic tool, fast and simple to operate with a good seating feel.

Attached Files

Ross Smith posted this 24 June 2024

The CPA de-capper--capper is hand held. They are caliber specific though. The 30 cal will work on all 30 cals. etc. Ilike mine much better than using my reloading press.

Attached Files

Show More Posts
Categories
Search
Popular Tags
This Weeks High Earners
Hot Topics
Close