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  • #1

    Hand priming

    Recently started reloading pistol (have been doing rifle for a while now), I use my single stage for the rifle and a progressive for the pistol. I typically process all my brass (decap, size, trim, clean, inspect) and then bag it up for reloading at a later date. Priming the rifle stuff on the single stage as I load is no problem (Lee single stage with the auto-prime feeder) but gets cumbersome on the progressive (Lee Classic 4 hole) so I usually prime a bunch of pistol brass on the single stage and then load it up using the progressive.

    I would like to add the additional step of priming during my brass processing step so that the bagged up cases are ready to go when I get time to reload. Instead of standing at the bench priming, I would prefer to sit in front of the TV with a cold brew and use a hand priming tool. My question to anybody hand priming: Is it really any faster than priming on a press (with a good primer feeder) or is it just more convenient? I'm looking at the RCBS Universal hand primer....thoughts?

    Thanks in advance for any comments!
    Beer is like porn, you can buy it but it's more fun to make your own

    I have to bend over too far

    I get a boner.

    bareback every couple of days, GTG. Bareback, brokeback, same $hit!

    I joined a support group to help me deal with my social anxiety but I just can't seem to work up the nerve to go to a meeting......
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  • #2
    I only hand prime for feeling with super magnums and other calibers as I see fit but otherwise for volume there is no way you can beat an automatic case feeder and primer (progressive) even if this is the only step you do after washing the brass including primer pockets.
    It is an up and down motion and your hand will not get tired. With the primer feeder your hand gets tired after a while and with volume you can count on cramping. The key with the progressive press is to have a reliable priming system. This means a progressive press with a priming tube that you need to pickup (easy) and then dump into the tube feeder. Even a small piggy back RCBS will do that for you. Hornady , RCBS and Dillon progressive presses are
    super reliable at this.
    But if it is something you can setup every day and lets say you do lets say 200 and stop when you get tired and resume next day with another batch that
    might fit your routine better than going down to the man cave. you have to consider what is convenience based on your circumstances.
    You have to consider every movement you do is one step not just the stages. So if you have to pickup a piece of brass, fit it in the shell holder, then press
    the primer and take it out that is 3 steps there. In a progressive with a reliable case feeder this is one step lever up and lever down.
    So only you can decide. With all that said a good hand priming system is a must have even if it is just for those specialty cartridges or when loose primer pockets are suspected.
    Last edited by Meketrefe; 03-27-2015, 10:05 AM.
    It is a shame when people demanding tolerance, have no tolerance
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    • #3
      I reloaded 10's of 1000's of 45 ACP for training (230 gr FMJ; full power) and bullseye (200 gr SWC; mouse fart loads) using a Dillon 550B for all operations. Priming was done at the resize/deprime station on the downstroke. Although I would get the occasional "flipped" primer (more common with CCI) the operation was always smooth. I never cleaned the primer pockets, and never had seating problems. The Dillon replacement "roller" handle for the 550B and the "strong mount" provided an amount of "feel" that was not expected.

      This doesn't apply to rifle brass priming for precision shooting. For that I used the RCBS hand-held tool.
      Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges - Cornelius Tacitus

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Meketrefe View Post
        It is an up and down motion and your hand will not get tired.
        I found this hilarious, but accurate.
        Athiest. Because... science
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        • #5
          Originally posted by 24Pink14Stink View Post

          I found this hilarious, but accurate.
          Can't believe I missed that!! And my mind resides in the gutter!!
          Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges - Cornelius Tacitus

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          • #6
            Well, I don't have a Dillon, I do have a GF, and I've got a right forearm like Popeye (developed prior to the GF). Anyhoo, I picked up an RCBS universal hand primer today and I believe it was a good choice. I primed a few hundred rounds in no time with it and my hand didn't get tired (see comment about Popeye above).
            Beer is like porn, you can buy it but it's more fun to make your own

            I have to bend over too far

            I get a boner.

            bareback every couple of days, GTG. Bareback, brokeback, same $hit!

            I joined a support group to help me deal with my social anxiety but I just can't seem to work up the nerve to go to a meeting......
            • 1 like

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            • #7
              I switched over to the RCBS APS system. I use the bench mounted primer for rifles and the 45 ACP small pistol primers. I use the aps system on the pro 2000 to prime all of the rest.

              I have 4 of the Lee hand primer systems, 2 of the old round style and 2 of the newer square style.

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