Lee Auto Prime

[Pinecone]

My old original Lee Auto Prime broke today.

The top started to separate around the edge.

I remember hearing that the Ergo models are not so great. How about the XR? Or look for an original one?

Also, anybody know what the body of the original ones is made of? Is it weldable?

Of course, I am going to call Lee and see if they can do anything. The box says they will repair or replace for 1/2 the current price. But they don't make this one any longer.

 

[P7id10t]

The new ones suck, especially if your grip is not that strong or your hand large.
IMO it has trouble aligning the primer to the case. I could only get my index and middle finger to be useful on it. Out of 20 primers fed, I would invariably crush 1 or 2. Got rid of the thing.
If they won't fix it, I use and recommend the RCBS classic.

 

[johncx0]

Don't buy the new style. I had same breakage, not weldable. Tried new style, put back in box, found old style on EBay.
I saw an ad for another brand that looked like the original recently. Sorry...Don't remember brand (green)?

 

[wilecoyote]

can be Lee can sell you the needed spare parts,(the main body,in your case) even if the complete item is out of production_ I've ever been lucky, with the Lee customer's service,even about the tiniest spares_ call them

 

[bobke]

Have broken every Lee Auto Prime in exactly the same manner. Don't think you can fix the cheap casting, it's a throw away. Am trying an RCBS auto hand prime tool now-don't care for the long reach, but it does a good job of seating and has leverage, but I almost have to adjust hand position to get there. Kind of a PITA, but works. The Lee tool has been my favorite for good feel, but they will break, eventually. Hadn't been able to source the newer version locally, so RCBS it is, for now.

 

[former naval person]

Yeah...order a few spares. They are made of zinc casting alloy, so will melt away under heat. I had a few break years ago, but the replacement I am on now has more than 7 years of operation on it.

 

[Pinecone]

Thanks. I see in another thread that 21st Century has a nice one (but a LOT more expensive) that uses the Lee trays.

I think I might pick up one of the square tray ones. As the round trays don't fit the Federal primer trays too well.

BTW, you can solder pot metal (zinc) using Solder It products. I will probably try to fix it, but also call Lee for spares.

Solder-It Pot Metal Paste

 

[Pinecone]

Found this on the Lee site.

The original Auto Prime with the round primer trays was discontinued in October 2010, and service parts are no longer available. The only option that we have available at this time would be to send us the original Auto Prime, and we can offer you the new Auto Prime XR or Ergo-Prime at half price. These are priming tools that replaced the original Auto Prime. The new tools have a stronger lever, no primer brand restriction, has square trays for ease in dumping in primers, and will work with your existing Auto Primer shell holders.

The cost of the Auto Prime XR is $12.49 + $6.00 shipping = $18.49, or the cost of the Ergo-Prime is $22.50 + $6.00 shipping = $28.50.

Please send the Auto Prime to us with a note stating you would like to exchange it for the new Auto Prime XR or Ergo-Prime, your complete billing and shipping address, payment and a daytime phone number.

Lee Precision

4275 Highway U

Hartford, WI 53027

 

[DocB]

K&M Priming Tool

Pinecone,

Take a look at the K&M, uses the same shell holders, made of steel, adjustable primer seating depth and a couple of features and options I didn't mention. For around $50, not a bad deal, more information: K&M Shooting - Primer Deluxe K&M Shooting Primer Seater. I haven't tried to embed a link in the new version, hope this works

 

[cav has been]

That K&M is really a nice looking priming tool but it appears you must single feed primers. Too sllooowwww in my opinion. Check Flea-bay as well as the local gunshows for Lee replacement parts.

 

[DocB]

cav,

I can do 300 cases or more an hour with it, so it's not that slow. Works way more consistently than the Dillon 550b primer system.

HTH,
DocB

 

[Pinecone]

I went with the 21st Century one using my current round trays.

The K&M is nice, but I would rather not handle the primers, as I know I will drop them.