Just got some lessons on reloading this weekend, and put out my first box of .308. Anyway, my mentor has a Sinclair BR hand-priming tool that he recomended. He said that Lee hand tool was junk, but I was reading about the downside to touching every primer (oils degrading primer). I read good reviews on RCBS priming tools, but Hornady was $10 cheaper and also good. I figured I'd ask you fellas for the lowdown on a good tool that isn't over a C note, but will outlast me. Thanks in advance.
- Thread starter BigAndy
- Start date
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I've primed on the press for over 30 years and NEVER had a problem with a bad primer. Maybe if you spray your fingers down with WD40......
Anyway, I found this recently and it made my priming easier and vastly speeded up my crimped primer pocket swaging operation.
http://www.ch4d.com/catalog/priming/419000
I know you're mostly interested in hand priming, but thought I'd share in case somebody reading this is interested.
I've primed on the press for over 30 years and NEVER had a problem with a bad primer. Maybe if you spray your fingers down with WD40......
Anyway, I found this recently and it made my priming easier and vastly speeded up my crimped primer pocket swaging operation.
http://www.ch4d.com/catalog/priming/419000
I know you're mostly interested in hand priming, but thought I'd share in case somebody reading this is interested.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I just started looking at these too. Midway has the RCBS universal on sale this month. Anyone have feedback on the universal model?
I just started looking at these too. Midway has the RCBS universal on sale this month. Anyone have feedback on the universal model?
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I would be comfortable with a Sinclair, RCBS or any other, they all work fine or they would not have survived in the market.
But what I USE are two 25 year old pieces of "junk", aka Lee AutoPrimes (large & small setup), that have never failed to perform perfectly for me - but maybe I'm too iggerant and just not using 'em right?
I would be comfortable with a Sinclair, RCBS or any other, they all work fine or they would not have survived in the market.
But what I USE are two 25 year old pieces of "junk", aka Lee AutoPrimes (large & small setup), that have never failed to perform perfectly for me - but maybe I'm too iggerant and just not using 'em right?
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I also use the junk lee hand priming tool. I have two small primer and two large primer tools. All 4 of them have functioned properly for me through many thousands of rounds.
It may not have the accuracy of a bench rest priming tool (not sure there is such a thing) but they get the job done for me.
Please let us know what you decide on.
I also use the junk lee hand priming tool. I have two small primer and two large primer tools. All 4 of them have functioned properly for me through many thousands of rounds.
It may not have the accuracy of a bench rest priming tool (not sure there is such a thing) but they get the job done for me.
Please let us know what you decide on.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also use the junk lee hand priming tool. I have two small primer and two large primer tools. All 4 of them have functioned properly for me through many thousands of rounds.
It may not have the accuracy of a bench rest priming tool (not sure there is such a thing) but they get the job done for me.
Please let us know what you decide on. </div></div>
same results as above......... also have 4 set-up...wit great results...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also use the junk lee hand priming tool. I have two small primer and two large primer tools. All 4 of them have functioned properly for me through many thousands of rounds.
It may not have the accuracy of a bench rest priming tool (not sure there is such a thing) but they get the job done for me.
Please let us know what you decide on. </div></div>
same results as above......... also have 4 set-up...wit great results...
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool. I have Lee dies and presses, so no hard feelings against ol' Red here. There's a gunshow in 2 weeks and I will search for a good deal on a used one; if not I think I will go with RCBS.
Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool. I have Lee dies and presses, so no hard feelings against ol' Red here. There's a gunshow in 2 weeks and I will search for a good deal on a used one; if not I think I will go with RCBS.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool. I have Lee dies and presses, so no hard feelings against ol' Red here. There's a gunshow in 2 weeks and I will search for a good deal on a used one; if not I think I will go with RCBS. </div></div>
I won't put words in anybody else's mouth, but as for me there are no hard feeling's. Just having fun with you.
I'm not sure what you are buying used at the gunshow, but I would probably recommend buying a priming tool new. The Lee and RCBS are both fairly cheap. Also check the for sale ad's here on the hide. You can find some good buys on brand new equipment. In some instance people have received them as gifts from people that did not know what they wanted, and they really wanted brand X, so they are selling the gift.
If you live in a metropolitan area, check craigslist.
Good luck and enjoy this addicting hobby.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool. I have Lee dies and presses, so no hard feelings against ol' Red here. There's a gunshow in 2 weeks and I will search for a good deal on a used one; if not I think I will go with RCBS. </div></div>
I won't put words in anybody else's mouth, but as for me there are no hard feeling's. Just having fun with you.
I'm not sure what you are buying used at the gunshow, but I would probably recommend buying a priming tool new. The Lee and RCBS are both fairly cheap. Also check the for sale ad's here on the hide. You can find some good buys on brand new equipment. In some instance people have received them as gifts from people that did not know what they wanted, and they really wanted brand X, so they are selling the gift.
If you live in a metropolitan area, check craigslist.
Good luck and enjoy this addicting hobby.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I too like the Lee, gets the job done.
I too like the Lee, gets the job done.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
Either buy the Sinclair or the Lee both at each end of the cost line. Both work very well. The middle $$ ones are no better than the Lee. The Sinclair is great if you don't mine one at a time.
Either buy the Sinclair or the Lee both at each end of the cost line. Both work very well. The middle $$ ones are no better than the Lee. The Sinclair is great if you don't mine one at a time.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
The new Lee tool is getting some pretty rough reviews. Like the others, I've never felt the need to change, and mine is over 25 years old now.
As for a little oil on the fingers, I'm superstitous as well. However, just to make a point and mock me somewhat for all my antics avoiding touching my primers, my cousin Adrian sprayed some left over primers with WD 40, let them sit, then whacked them with a hammer to show they would still detonate. Not sure what would happen over time, but I quit worrying about picking up primers that dropped on the floor!
I agree with your idea of buying a used AutoPrime. They're $20 or so new, so you could buy several and put together a couple of good ones from the pieces. The old "lollipop" shaped piece that actually pushes against the priming plunger were made of pot metal and wore fairly quickly. As luck would have it I ordered 3 or 4 about the time they changed the metallurgy and haven't had one wear out since.
I've never maaged to detonate a primer and I've actually squished primers into the pocket side ways after they started crooked and hung up the partially primed case in the shell holder. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I haven't experienced it and I've shoved maybe 15,000 primers through a Lee for Highpower Rifle and Action Pistol ammo. Wear your safety glasses and point the thing away from your face. ..
In all honesty I've looked at the glossy photos of the Sinclair tool a number of times and lusted after one. Just can't get past the idea of placing every primer by hand into the tool. If a day's shooting is 60 rounds at a sanctioned benchrest match, maybe. But for my rough and tumble world, I've got other things to worry about. . .
Enjoy your new hobby.
Randy
The new Lee tool is getting some pretty rough reviews. Like the others, I've never felt the need to change, and mine is over 25 years old now.
As for a little oil on the fingers, I'm superstitous as well. However, just to make a point and mock me somewhat for all my antics avoiding touching my primers, my cousin Adrian sprayed some left over primers with WD 40, let them sit, then whacked them with a hammer to show they would still detonate. Not sure what would happen over time, but I quit worrying about picking up primers that dropped on the floor!
I agree with your idea of buying a used AutoPrime. They're $20 or so new, so you could buy several and put together a couple of good ones from the pieces. The old "lollipop" shaped piece that actually pushes against the priming plunger were made of pot metal and wore fairly quickly. As luck would have it I ordered 3 or 4 about the time they changed the metallurgy and haven't had one wear out since.
I've never maaged to detonate a primer and I've actually squished primers into the pocket side ways after they started crooked and hung up the partially primed case in the shell holder. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I haven't experienced it and I've shoved maybe 15,000 primers through a Lee for Highpower Rifle and Action Pistol ammo. Wear your safety glasses and point the thing away from your face. ..
In all honesty I've looked at the glossy photos of the Sinclair tool a number of times and lusted after one. Just can't get past the idea of placing every primer by hand into the tool. If a day's shooting is 60 rounds at a sanctioned benchrest match, maybe. But for my rough and tumble world, I've got other things to worry about. . .
Enjoy your new hobby.
Randy
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
K&M makes a very nice primer seating tool for about 45.00. All steel construction and adjustable for tension. It will out live you.
Regards, Paul.
K&M makes a very nice primer seating tool for about 45.00. All steel construction and adjustable for tension. It will out live you.
Regards, Paul.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I like the RCBS universal tool. Dealing with shell holders is a PITA. And the Lee is junk. Mine would flip the primers all the time and it's very poorly built.
I like the RCBS universal tool. Dealing with shell holders is a PITA. And the Lee is junk. Mine would flip the primers all the time and it's very poorly built.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
RCBS Universal.... fuck shell holders
RCBS Universal.... fuck shell holders
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goatphius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RCBS Universal.... fuck shell holders </div></div>
Amen brother...testify!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goatphius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RCBS Universal.... fuck shell holders </div></div>
Amen brother...testify!
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I have been dissatisfied with both the RCBS and Lee hand priming tools.
The Lee was ok, it worked got consistent seating, but was a bear on your hand and then i broke it (handle)
The RCBS is better than the cheaper Lee, and its ok, decent consistency but i have issues with the moving parts the joints get stuck, and i give it another year before it breaks.
not sure what i will buy next, i like the primer seater on my CO-AX but it is annoying to switch between different cases
I have been dissatisfied with both the RCBS and Lee hand priming tools.
The Lee was ok, it worked got consistent seating, but was a bear on your hand and then i broke it (handle)
The RCBS is better than the cheaper Lee, and its ok, decent consistency but i have issues with the moving parts the joints get stuck, and i give it another year before it breaks.
not sure what i will buy next, i like the primer seater on my CO-AX but it is annoying to switch between different cases
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
RCBS is a step above the Lee IMHO for not alot of extra cash.
I think the new model even has an auto-adjusting feature and you don't need to buy shell holders which could save some $.
RCBS is a step above the Lee IMHO for not alot of extra cash.
I think the new model even has an auto-adjusting feature and you don't need to buy shell holders which could save some $.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I'm thinking of trying the one from 21st Century, just because.
I'm thinking of trying the one from 21st Century, just because.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I bought a new Lee Autoprime in 2008, and broke the lever a year later. The lever was made of pot metal, so welding was a nogo.
I made a new lever from a piece of scrap 4140 steel I had laying around, and welded a section of 4140 1/2" tubing to it.
That worked great for about 2 months, then the lollipop shaped part (I call it the connecting rod) snapped. That part was made of powder-metal sintered steel. When it broke, I bought the Hornady unit, and it's been good to ever since.
I bought a new Lee Autoprime in 2008, and broke the lever a year later. The lever was made of pot metal, so welding was a nogo.
I made a new lever from a piece of scrap 4140 steel I had laying around, and welded a section of 4140 1/2" tubing to it.
That worked great for about 2 months, then the lollipop shaped part (I call it the connecting rod) snapped. That part was made of powder-metal sintered steel. When it broke, I bought the Hornady unit, and it's been good to ever since.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I'm tempted to buy the 21st Century Lee upgrade.
Lee gives a list of approved primers. Excludes Federal.
Anybody use the Lee with Federal primers? Why do they not want you to use Federal in the first place? Too soft?
I'm tempted to buy the 21st Century Lee upgrade.
Lee gives a list of approved primers. Excludes Federal.
Anybody use the Lee with Federal primers? Why do they not want you to use Federal in the first place? Too soft?
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be comfortable with a Sinclair, RCBS or any other, they all work fine or they would not have survived in the market.
But what I USE are two 25 year old pieces of "junk", aka Lee AutoPrimes (large & small setup), that have never failed to perform perfectly for me - but maybe I'm too iggerant and just not using 'em right? </div></div>
I've been using the Lee primer tool as well and have no issues with it. Presses the primers in each time......
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be comfortable with a Sinclair, RCBS or any other, they all work fine or they would not have survived in the market.
But what I USE are two 25 year old pieces of "junk", aka Lee AutoPrimes (large & small setup), that have never failed to perform perfectly for me - but maybe I'm too iggerant and just not using 'em right?
I've been using the Lee primer tool as well and have no issues with it. Presses the primers in each time......
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
The only problem I have had with my Lee was breaking the handle, probably too aggressive while seating. The good news is parts are cheap, and you can have one for small and one for large, or even one for each caliber and still spend less than others.
The only problem I have had with my Lee was breaking the handle, probably too aggressive while seating. The good news is parts are cheap, and you can have one for small and one for large, or even one for each caliber and still spend less than others.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
Thanks fellas, I didn't know that there were so many options to choose from. I was talking about the gunshow only because of the ability to haggle and trade PLUS no shipping costs to deal with. I will post the end results of this fruitful discussion soon, and thanks again for the advice.
-JA
Thanks fellas, I didn't know that there were so many options to choose from. I was talking about the gunshow only because of the ability to haggle and trade PLUS no shipping costs to deal with. I will post the end results of this fruitful discussion soon, and thanks again for the advice.
-JA
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I'm a bit biased because I've never used any different but I think the RCBS models are pretty good. I started off with the standard shell holder and tray type but upgraded to the APS strip model - this will do everything from .22H up to .338LM with the universal jaws (just a quick rod change out required from small to large primer. Brilliant bit of kit IMHO.
I'm a bit biased because I've never used any different but I think the RCBS models are pretty good. I started off with the standard shell holder and tray type but upgraded to the APS strip model - this will do everything from .22H up to .338LM with the universal jaws (just a quick rod change out required from small to large primer. Brilliant bit of kit IMHO.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I've used an RCBS one for 20yrs now; no complaints. A buddy has been using his Lee for 20+ years and no complaints form him either.
I have had a primer go off while priming (always wear safety glasses or be damned sure the case mouth is pointed in a safe direction when seating the primer!). After wiping the tears out of my ears and ensuring it was only a singed eyebrow and not a destroyed cornea, I found out a piece of walnut media had been wedged in the primer hole. My fault for not paying attention.
Both priming tools work, the only difference is CS and warranty. I'm on my third replacement of the plastic insert that is used to change between LR to SR primers. Each time, I just picked up the phone, and RCBS had one in my mail box within a few days. Never had to deal with Lee's warranty service (but then again, I've never had anything break on any of the Lee stuff I do own).
Six in one hand, half dozen in the other I suppose...
I've used an RCBS one for 20yrs now; no complaints. A buddy has been using his Lee for 20+ years and no complaints form him either.
I have had a primer go off while priming (always wear safety glasses or be damned sure the case mouth is pointed in a safe direction when seating the primer!). After wiping the tears out of my ears and ensuring it was only a singed eyebrow and not a destroyed cornea, I found out a piece of walnut media had been wedged in the primer hole. My fault for not paying attention.
Both priming tools work, the only difference is CS and warranty. I'm on my third replacement of the plastic insert that is used to change between LR to SR primers. Each time, I just picked up the phone, and RCBS had one in my mail box within a few days. Never had to deal with Lee's warranty service (but then again, I've never had anything break on any of the Lee stuff I do own).
Six in one hand, half dozen in the other I suppose...
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm tempted to buy the 21st Century Lee upgrade.
Lee gives a list of approved primers. Excludes Federal.
Anybody use the Lee with Federal primers? Why do they not want you to use Federal in the first place? Too soft? </div></div>
Federal are more sensitive. When one goes, they all go. Not what you want in a hand held device. You won't get a "do over." Its about chemistry, not the cup thickness.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm tempted to buy the 21st Century Lee upgrade.
Lee gives a list of approved primers. Excludes Federal.
Anybody use the Lee with Federal primers? Why do they not want you to use Federal in the first place? Too soft? </div></div>
Federal are more sensitive. When one goes, they all go. Not what you want in a hand held device. You won't get a "do over." Its about chemistry, not the cup thickness.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
The 21ST Century is IMHO the best unit it out there.
http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/Priming_Tool.php
You can use your Lee trays and holders and it is built like a rock. Also adjustable for seating depth if that is important to you.
I still have my Lee's, but this one is great.
The 21ST Century is IMHO the best unit it out there.
http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/Priming_Tool.php
You can use your Lee trays and holders and it is built like a rock. Also adjustable for seating depth if that is important to you.
I still have my Lee's, but this one is great.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I broke my large Lee priming tool and switched to the 21st century model, it is build like a tank and you can adjust the seating depth. Pretty cool tool that fit my hand a lot better than the lee.
I still use the Lee for small primers though.
I broke my large Lee priming tool and switched to the 21st century model, it is build like a tank and you can adjust the seating depth. Pretty cool tool that fit my hand a lot better than the lee.
I still use the Lee for small primers though.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I use an RCBS single stage press and I use the priming attachment that came with it. It works really well, and I perform the flaring operation and this simultaneously when flaring is needed. It works pretty fast too.
Some folks love the hand primers. Nice thing is you can prime boxes while watching your favorite show or a movie. Other thing is you can feel the primer seat better, some folks really like that.
Marine Corp Marksmanship Unit uses the RCBS bench primer. Nice, but I feel I can do similar with my press attachment. Uses the same 100 primer feeder tubes too, so no touching.
The bench primer and the press attachment both have the advantage of seating the primer firmly and uniformly, whereas I hear it recommended that with the RCBS hand primer you rotate the round while pressing to get it uniform.
I use an RCBS single stage press and I use the priming attachment that came with it. It works really well, and I perform the flaring operation and this simultaneously when flaring is needed. It works pretty fast too.
Some folks love the hand primers. Nice thing is you can prime boxes while watching your favorite show or a movie. Other thing is you can feel the primer seat better, some folks really like that.
Marine Corp Marksmanship Unit uses the RCBS bench primer. Nice, but I feel I can do similar with my press attachment. Uses the same 100 primer feeder tubes too, so no touching.
The bench primer and the press attachment both have the advantage of seating the primer firmly and uniformly, whereas I hear it recommended that with the RCBS hand primer you rotate the round while pressing to get it uniform.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I started loading over 30 years ago. First started loading primers, one at a time, on the Rock Chucker using that little pain in the ass lever. Bought a Lee Auto Prime and was suddenly in heaven. Two months ago it broke and I decided to buy a new hand primer. OK, Lee treated me well, I'll just get another. BAD DECISION. The "New and Improved" Lee, with the square primer tray is a nightmare. I've never had so many upside down, sideways, and spilled primers as I did with this new one. Also, it's hard to feel when you've reached the bottom of the primer pocket while inserting so several primers got crunched.
I put it back in the cupboard and bought a Hornady hand priming tool. It uses standard shell holders rather than the special ones that Lee uses. They include two trays that accommodate both the Hornady type as well as RCBS etc. Large and small primers can be fed from the same tray, just reverse the position of the primer guides and change the ram. Handle is similar to the more expensive "Bench Rest Single Primer" tools. Easy to feel the primer seat in the pocket.
The fact that the tool uses the same shell holder as your single stage press means you won't be caught without the ability to prime a new cartridge and have to wait until you buy one that only fits a priming tool.
I started loading over 30 years ago. First started loading primers, one at a time, on the Rock Chucker using that little pain in the ass lever. Bought a Lee Auto Prime and was suddenly in heaven. Two months ago it broke and I decided to buy a new hand primer. OK, Lee treated me well, I'll just get another. BAD DECISION. The "New and Improved" Lee, with the square primer tray is a nightmare. I've never had so many upside down, sideways, and spilled primers as I did with this new one. Also, it's hard to feel when you've reached the bottom of the primer pocket while inserting so several primers got crunched.
I put it back in the cupboard and bought a Hornady hand priming tool. It uses standard shell holders rather than the special ones that Lee uses. They include two trays that accommodate both the Hornady type as well as RCBS etc. Large and small primers can be fed from the same tray, just reverse the position of the primer guides and change the ram. Handle is similar to the more expensive "Bench Rest Single Primer" tools. Easy to feel the primer seat in the pocket.
The fact that the tool uses the same shell holder as your single stage press means you won't be caught without the ability to prime a new cartridge and have to wait until you buy one that only fits a priming tool.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
Good day,
2nd bolt fluter. Still have three Lee's, since I broke the last two, but I've tried all the rest and the K&M is the best bang for the buck. You probably won't find one second hand, but they do show up here occasionally.
HTH,
DocB
Good day,
2nd bolt fluter. Still have three Lee's, since I broke the last two, but I've tried all the rest and the K&M is the best bang for the buck. You probably won't find one second hand, but they do show up here occasionally.
HTH,
DocB
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
I use both the inexpensive lee as well as the RCBS, I have loaded a few thousand rounds with both and never had a problem with either one, I didn't know there was so many options, I may upgrade soon but not due to failures or issues with them.
I use both the inexpensive lee as well as the RCBS, I have loaded a few thousand rounds with both and never had a problem with either one, I didn't know there was so many options, I may upgrade soon but not due to failures or issues with them.
Re: priming tool suggestions for a newB
<span style="font-style: italic">"Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool."</span>
You didn't and we knew that; you simply repeated what you've been told. We're just telling you that we believe what you was told is unjustified.
It appears those who have broken the levers on Lee's Autoprime tools must use Tim Taylor's mechanical assembly solution; when something won't go together easily, Tim likes to use "more power!" But that's really NOT a good solution to difficulty, it's much better to stop and check out WHY things aren't working normally than to lean on something like that obviously thin lever. Most of the time the problem is a sideways primer OR a crimped GI primer pocket and both have to be corrected before continuing anyway. And I just can't imagine putting enough finger pressure on that little Lee finger lever to bust the "dog bone" (toggle link) without checking for what's wrong; seems some people REALLY NEED a solid steel handpriming tool!
So far as someone setting off a primer with a kernel of media in the pocket goes, it's hard to see that being a legitimate priming tool "defect" no matter who made the tool.
Lee's modified (short) primer shell holders are simplier/quicker to exchange than others I've seen that use press shell holders. That makes the shell holder types a personal preference issue rather than a real mechanical advantage or disadvantage but I like working with Lee's very simple primer shell holders much better!
I'm a 'test everything (carefully) for myself' guy. Thus, I've loaded thousands of the Federal primers I prefer in both of my two Lee "pot metal" AutoPrimes (large and small) without incident over the last 25 or so years. So, I doubt Lee's Federal caution is linked to any serious safety problem. But ... YMMV.
<span style="font-style: italic">"Didn't mean to diss the Lee, it's just that he said he had a couple incidents of primers going off with that particular tool."</span>
You didn't and we knew that; you simply repeated what you've been told. We're just telling you that we believe what you was told is unjustified.
It appears those who have broken the levers on Lee's Autoprime tools must use Tim Taylor's mechanical assembly solution; when something won't go together easily, Tim likes to use "more power!" But that's really NOT a good solution to difficulty, it's much better to stop and check out WHY things aren't working normally than to lean on something like that obviously thin lever. Most of the time the problem is a sideways primer OR a crimped GI primer pocket and both have to be corrected before continuing anyway. And I just can't imagine putting enough finger pressure on that little Lee finger lever to bust the "dog bone" (toggle link) without checking for what's wrong; seems some people REALLY NEED a solid steel handpriming tool!
So far as someone setting off a primer with a kernel of media in the pocket goes, it's hard to see that being a legitimate priming tool "defect" no matter who made the tool.
Lee's modified (short) primer shell holders are simplier/quicker to exchange than others I've seen that use press shell holders. That makes the shell holder types a personal preference issue rather than a real mechanical advantage or disadvantage but I like working with Lee's very simple primer shell holders much better!
I'm a 'test everything (carefully) for myself' guy. Thus, I've loaded thousands of the Federal primers I prefer in both of my two Lee "pot metal" AutoPrimes (large and small) without incident over the last 25 or so years. So, I doubt Lee's Federal caution is linked to any serious safety problem. But ... YMMV.
