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Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

RotARy15

RotARy15

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Nov 17, 2011
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Dallas, Texas
#1
Trying to seat Remington 9.5's into virgin Winchester brass with my Hornady AP.

Priming is an absolute nightmare. Can't get the primers to seat far enough if flush at all.

The press is working correctly, plenty of travel left in the primer ram, shell plate is tight and sub plate isn't rocking. All brass has been completely prepped; reamed, uniformed, cleaned.

I really think it is just requiring more force than I have which is flat out absurd. I'm not a small guy. I can see the handle for the press deforming. I've primed 50-60 rounds today and I'm out of energy.

I've had similar difficulties with CCI BR4 into Winchester .223 brass but nothing this bad. Every single attempt results in a primer protruding .002. When I'm lucky I get them flush.

Do hand priming tools have some better mechanical advantage?
 
#2
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I have been using a Lee hand primer I bought back is the early 90's.
For all of my large bore rifle reloads. I like the "feel" that it has setting the primers. You know if it is right when you do it. Plus I do not have to be at my bench to do my priming. My Lee was not expeince when I got it but it has held up well over the years and thousands of rounds primed.
Short story is yes I like it much better than the primer on my rock chucker.
my two cents
 
#3
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

"Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks."

Those of us who use hand primers think so. Those who prefer to prime on a press disagree. ??
 
#5
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

There must be an adjustment system on your seater plug under the shell plate holder. Or an adj screw-bolt for the amount of down travel of the shell plate holder when you push the handle forward.
 
#6
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

So would you say that it requires less force overall? I'm interested in how it would be easier. On the press, I have a foot long bar to use...

I guess I'll have to try it. Doing it this way just isn't cutting it.
 
#7
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There must be an adjustment system on your seater plug under the shell plate holder. Or an adj screw-bolt for the amount of down travel of the shell plate holder when you push the handle forward. </div></div>

Well I know it isn't a travel issue. I have been able to get most of the primers down to -.002 sometimes they go to -.004. Right now I can only do about 5 of them before I have to take a break. The handle is hurting my hand and I just don't have the strength to do more at a time.

Makes me feel like a little bitch. But looking at this bar bending, I'm sure it isn't my fault.
 
#8
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Since you said this is virgin brass I would suggest a pocket reamer. It may make seating the primers easier and give more consistency. I have a old rcbs hand primer that has worked well for 20 years.

good luck
 
#11
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I had the same problem with a RCBS Pro 2000 press.
I can guarantee you guys the handle pressue will crush primers and brass. You have way more leverage than a hand primer.
 
#12
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

You should have a bunch more pressure with the 'press' than the hand priming tool. If not the engineers that designed your press suck...even more than other engineers. IT sounds like there is a problem with the pocket or the primer.

They go in easy and flush every time with my Lee hand primer. Changing the shell holder takes approximately 10 seconds so not sure that even factors in...
 
#13
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

The bench mounted RCBS primer tool is my favorite now that Mr. Arthritis has set in. Mine is WAY old...before the auto-automatic feed. I keep it even tho the Dillon works well...it will give the .001 to .002 below the head that Dillon has a problem with. JMHO
 
#14
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: briggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree. Ream/uniform the pockets and try the press again. If still stiff then go hand primer </div></div>

Third vote. The last few bags of Winchester brass I bought had tight primer pockets. They all needed to be reamed so the primers seated smooth and correct.

I bought the Sinclair tool.
 
#15
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I have used a powered reamer on the brass. I mentioned this in the first post.

It is part of the Lyman Case Prep Center. Could it be that this reamer is undersized?
 
#16
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I have just encountered the same problem..

I have been using my Lyman press to prime for several years now.

Well, I just started priming 7wsm Winchester brass and am not able to seat the primers all the way, this is after full prep of the primer pockets..
Just this evening I stopped at my local sporting goods store and bought a RCBS hand primer, this thing works like a dream, I'm now a convert to hand priming...

Probably the only way I'm going to prime my brass now....
 
#17
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have just encountered the same problem..

I have been using my Lyman press to prime for several years now.

Well, I just started priming 7wsm Winchester brass and am not able to seat the primers all the way, this is after full prep of the primer pockets..
Just this evening I stopped at my local sporting goods store and bought a RCBS hand primer, this thing works like a dream, I'm now a convert to hand priming...

Probably the only way I'm going to prime my brass now.... </div></div>

So you're actually able to seat easier with it?
 
#18
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

With out a doubt....

Trust me, seating is believing
wink.gif
 
#19
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With out a doubt....

Trust me, seating is believing
wink.gif
</div></div>

lol
 
#21
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I have both the Lee hand primer and the Sinclair hand primer. I much rather the Sinclair for rifle priming than the Lee or the press. The Lee works great for pistol brass.
 
#22
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I would of never thought to try a hand primer if not for talking with a friend about it last night, he is loading the same cartridge and was using hand primer with no problem...
 
#24
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did you read my pm? </div></div>

Yes I did. That nut is actually the primer punch itself. It doesn't adjust anything. Even if it did, overall travel is not the problem.
 
#25
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Sorry I could not help. I would myself call it under travel.
You said you prepped your brass, primer pocket included.
A call to Hornady in the morning might give some insight.
A bent press handle?
Take care,
Miles
 
#27
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I can't quit yet.
I actually took the time to download the user's manual for your press. On page 10, and again on page 12 there is a picture of your priming seating plug. It has a nut on the bottom of it, loosen it, hold the nut with your left hand, with your right hand screw the inner threaded part counter clockwise some, retighten the nut and try it again. If it is not right, repeat it again.
A hand held primer will work better than what you are using, becuase it is set properly.
If you have to seat your primers with a hand held primer, you might as well ditch your progressive press.
You said it didn't work with the small primer setup very well, but more problems were encountered with the large primer setup.
It is not your brass.
If I'm wrong I will issue a public apology, even though I have not even been rude. Given the fact I've wasted 90 minutes of my time chasing this thread.
 
#28
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't quit yet.
I actually took the time to download the user's manual for your press. On page 10, and again on page 12 there is a picture of your priming seating plug. It has a nut on the bottom of it, loosen it, hold the nut with your left hand, with your right hand screw the inner threaded part counter clockwise some, retighten the nut and try it again. If it is not right, repeat it again.
A hand held primer will work better than what you are using, becuase it is set properly.
If you have to seat your primers with a hand held primer, you might as well ditch your progressive press.
You said it didn't work with the small primer setup very well, but more problems were encountered with the large primer setup.
It is not your brass.
If I'm wrong I will issue a public apology, even though I have not even been rude. Given the fact I've wasted 90 minutes of my time chasing this thread. </div></div>

Thanks for the time and effort.
 
#29
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Ok. The press definitely has enough travel. It however, either has very poor mechanical advantage or the case/primer combo is extremely tight. I have noticed that the Rem 9.5 primers are taller than most others. But I doubt it requires this much force to compress the anvil to the cup.

I just used all my remaining energy to seat a primer and it went straight to -.004. The amount of force necessary to do this is alarming. I have no doubt it will eventually destroy the press.

After a small break, I'm going to seat a few of the same primers into a once fired FGMM case and see if it is easier.

EDIT: It is the case/primer combo. FC cases took the primers perfectly. Now what to do about it?

I used the same pocket prep tools on both types of brass and both types of brass were actually cut, so I know that both are the same width and depth. What gives?
 
#30
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I prefer hand priming for rifles. I have used the Lee and Dillon models. I use a single stage press for most applications so as far a batching goes, it makes sense for me, but I also find you get more consistent seating, will less effort.

I will say for mass loading handgun ammo on a progressive press, I use the auto prime. It works well for that application, but then I dont worry so much about tolerances and 100% consistency. Then again, I havent had many issues seating on the 40s&w and 45acp rounds I have been loading.
 
#31
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

It's what i've always used when i load at my friends but i would much rather have the RCBS priming station.
 
#32
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same problem with a RCBS Pro 2000 press.
I can guarantee you guys the handle pressue will crush primers and brass. You have way more leverage than a hand primer. </div></div>

I have to agree with milo-2 the amount of pressure that a handle operated press applies, is far greater than any handheld priming system could match.

Have you tried a different type of primer to see if they work any better?
If nothing changes go through your manual again and check your settings then contact the maker of your press and ask for help/advice.
I hope this helps
 
#33
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Meant to add...if you really have that much of an issue seating the primer...have you tried using a reamer/cleaner to uniform the primer pocket and see if those seat better?
 
#34
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Meant to add...if you really have that much of an issue seating the primer...have you tried using a reamer/cleaner to uniform the primer pocket and see if those seat better? </div></div>

Check OP.

Good news everyone! I found something that Hornady One Shot Case Lube is good for!

Primer Lube...
crazy.gif
Works perfectly. Fuck me.

I hope these primers are the main problem. Because I'd much rather ditch these than ditch brass.
 
#35
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Viper308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same problem with a RCBS Pro 2000 press.
I can guarantee you guys the handle pressue will crush primers and brass. You have way more leverage than a hand primer. </div></div>

I have to agree with milo-2 the amount of pressure that a handle operated press applies, is far greater than any handheld priming system could match.

Have you tried a different type of primer to see if they work any better?
If nothing changes go through your manual again and check your settings then contact the maker of your press and ask for help/advice.
I hope this helps </div></div>

One would think that a bench mounted press would have the more leverage... And I agree that it should..

But I was having the same trouble that the OP was having seating primers on Winchester brass.. I know how to uniform primer pockets and did it... The only thing I changed was to go to a hand primer and the primers now seat with little effort.. I was dumb founded after seating the first couple and tried the press again, No joy!!!!
The one thing I didn't try was lubing the primer pockets, I'm not sure I want to go through that extra step, (I already have too many steps)..
 
#36
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I'm glad you got it figured out. I am sorry for being so persistent in thinking it was your press settings.

Wow, putting that much pressure on a primer is kind of scary to say the least. I guess my only encounter that would be similar was trying to prime crimped brass before swagging the pocket. And that was ugly, smashed and crushed primers, I'm glad I finaly sought help before a wreck happened. That was way before internet forums were around.
Hopefully a primer change for you will solve it all, having to hand prime, then load in a prgressive would be a pain.
Maybe I've learned something here, after my primer pockets get loose, I can switch to Remington's and get another firing or two out my cases.
I use hand held primers too, I have 4 RCBS ones, and a bench mounted APS seating tool. Press priming isn't for me, I even hacksawed the priming attachment off my T-7 because I thought it was an obstacle.
 
#37
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

When I'm loading for .308 or .223 I use the press like a single stage anyway. So putting one at a time is normal for me.

I trickle charge powder and batch load so the cases come on and off the press anyway. The progressive part is mainly for pistol and 55gr plinking .223 loads.
 
#38
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Anyone using the RCBS APS strip system? I've been using it for years and find it to be quick and easy for anything from .22H up to .338LM.
 
#39
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Jagged,
I have used it, but when the crunch was on, they were nearly impossible to find, so I kind of gave up on it.
And the handheld aps one is quite a bit stiffer to use than a regular one.
I do have the strip loader, never used it though. Anymore I just use the strips to prime a few cases so I don't have to break up a tray of 100 primers.
The 1000rd box I pulled some from yesterday had a price tag of $16.99, kinda makes you want cry.
 
#40
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

I bought the strip loader too and just refill the strips when they run low, it is a bit of a faff though although I'd not consider using anything else.

$16.99? Wow that was cheap! In the UK we're now paying about about $58 / 1000 (not in the strips either!)
 
#42
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

Wow. Just picked up an RCBS Universal Hand Primer tool.

It gets the job done. Requires a high amount of force but nothing extreme. It seats straight to .003 every time. I'm impressed.

A simple hand tool has more force than an entire press. Who would have guessed?
 
#44
Re: Are hand priming tools easier to use? Press sucks.

The reason you can apply more force with the hand tool is that it has all of it's mechanical advantage at the range of the stroke where the primer is being seated.

The press primes at the bottom of the ram stroke, where you have very little mechanical advantage. I have a LNL AP also, and large primers (Wolf, mostly) in tight pockets requires more force than I want to put on the handle. It's actually pretty nice when everything is the right size, because I can feel where the primer is seating, but irritating when things are too tight.

For mixed pistol brass, I sort out all the military and S&B brass and hand prime them for a separate batch.

I haven't noticed that Winchester .223 brass is harder to prime, but any "tight" primer pockets don't seem to get any easier to prime with my Hornady primer pocket reamer. That goes for large and small pocket reamers. Maybe some other manufacturer makes correctly sized reamers? Maybe I'm doing it wrong?
 
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