View Full Version : Priming tools apparently made of "unobtainium"
I just got past a frustrating two weeks of trying to buy up the needed items to reload .357 Magnum. Brass is rare, bullets like hens' teeth, and powder!! I got what I needed, often at a premium, and prepped some brass today. After priming 50 shells with the Lee Auto Prime hand-held, I have now really bad pain in my hands - on the back of my left hand where I used it to assist my right hand in using the Lee primer in seating. I have used this priming tool for years. There is nothing wrong with it. The problem lies in me aging a tad. So, since I already have the collection of Lee Auto Prime shell holders, I tried to find the Lee bench-mounted primer tool. What do you know? The item that lists from $30 to $40 new is not to be had. No where I can find. All I can do is sign up to be emailed once back in stock. It is being auctioned on eBay and seems to be going for over $100 most of the time! Well, after reading several bad reviews outlining breakage of plastic parts that should have been metal parts, I looked elsewhere. Where I landed was the Forster Co-Ax unit for around $90 at Midway. It appears better-made, using metal parts, etc. And, most importantly, it is "AVAILABLE." It is worth the extra money to have a unit with some leverage, darn soon, when I need it. Will follow up with a report after usage.
I have had good results with RCBS RAM priming unit....and see some on gunbroker for $52 or so, plus shipping. Slower but good depth control and easier on the hands.
i use the RCBS table top unit,
it uses the priming tubes,,,
works like a charm,
seems they have gotten pricey
https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-9460-Auto-Priming-Tool/dp/B000NOORXE
Roadkingtrax
02-05-2021, 09:40
I hand prime with my 21st Century unit.
Unfortunately it doesn't use a tray, but for now it's still very fast.
http://www.xxicsi.com/products-1.html
Major Tom
02-07-2021, 11:57
After priming several hundred cases using the Lee Bench Primer; I've not had a problem with anything breaking! I got mine when they first came out @ about $25.
Don't have trouble with my hands yet. Primed many thousands of cases using the RCBS universal hand primers. I keep two set up on the bench. One for lg and one for sm.
48866
I have this priming tool also the same one that lyman has had it for years works great
https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-9460-Auto-Priming-Tool/dp/B000NOORXE
BlitzKrieg
02-11-2021, 09:23
i use the RCBS table top unit,
it uses the priming tubes,,,
works like a charm,
seems they have gotten pricey
https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-9460-Auto-Priming-Tool/dp/B000NOORXE
I bought one of these back in the 80's and still use it. In 2008 , I notice the new version self loads the priming arm so , looking at the design, there must be a way to rebuild and upgrade my old one. I mailed my old unit back to RCBS, they retrofitted it to current model features and 13 years later, still enjoying use of this wonderful tool. If I were to buy today, I'd spend the money and get another.
jjrothWA
02-12-2021, 09:50
Before Christmas, was trying to locate a .40 S&W die set for buddy for reloading. finally located a set at a major sporting good shop in the Northern Lower Peninsula, drove there a week later and it was gone, was told to call during the week and might get a hold for seven day, got the the day later but placed on the floor. and gone.
Following Tuesday got a VM for floor manager and the set was on her desk and the purchaser change mind, made arraignment for telephone sales and now waiting delivery.
Set up the Forster primer unit. Mounted on small piece of wood so I can clamp it to my bench as needed, then put away when not in use. I primed 150 shells and experienced no fatigue or discomfort. The unit has three adjustable holders that can be moved to accommodate different size shells. I think this is going to be a welcome addition to my hand loading. The only negative thing I would report is that the two different sized tubes that hold the primers are a PITA to load. Slow and methodical approach is needed, whereas on the hand-held versions you simply dump primers in a tray and wiggle until they all face up. With this unit you must manually flip over any primers that aren't anvil-up. No huge deal.
48932
I do the same, kinda, re the mounting the tools ,
I have my Co-Ax and Dillons mounted to my reloading bench, permanent but not permanent so to speak,
I have a very old Kitchen or Dining room type table located just beside the reloading bench that I use for various stuff, including reloading,
I drilled some mouting holes and put threaded cleates on the bottom to mount 2 single stage presses I use sometimes to take down reloaded ammo (I pick stuff up like that in estates) or just some prep work
and also have my RCBS and Dillon Swager mounted to a block of wood that I simply screw (dry wall type screws) to the table top to use,
I store them out of the way in a cabinet when done,
maybe one day I will need to put a new top on the table, but honestly, it will probably out last me, and it is older than I am
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