Primer seating

I use the Lee hand primer with great results and is very easy to use.

Schnyd112 said:

I have been back and forth on primer seating. With large rifle primers it wasn't ever a big deal to pick them up, set them in the press and seat. I never had any problems.

Now I have moved to small rifle primers and they are harder to pick up without touching the reactive bits. i would also like a little more feel to seating them. I am currently priming in an Rcbs partner press.

What do you use and how do you like it?

I am looking for a handheld, maybe even something similar to the k&m tool with a dial to indicate seating depth.

Click to expand...

21st Century has a Primer Seating Tool. Actually a piece of art. It has a micrometer on it that seats at ..00125. This thing is a beauty and to compare it to any other primer tool would be a travesty. Little on the expensive side, but once you see it, you'll agree that it's worth every penny. Also able to seat Large and Small Primers. You can watch the video on it on YouTube. Just type 21st Century Primer Tool in the search.

+1 for the 21c with Lee primer tray attachment. It is awesome tool

jvr said:

+1 for the 21c with Lee primer tray attachment. It is awesome tool

Click to expand...

I think that 21C and Lee is an oxymoron! I sent that plastic wonder right back to 21C and told him to invent his own matching quality auto feeder and to tell people to use 2 fingers in the interim!

Call me a load snob I dont care!

I haven't handled a primer in years. I started using a Lee hand primer and still use it 25+ years later. I also have an RCBS. So one is set for small rifle and one for large. The SR is good for .222, .223 and .204 which I run and only needs the occasional change when I load my hornet. The large is for 22/250, 243 and 308 so I could use the shell holders for my loading dies as it only takes a minute to change them. But really I only have had to buy 1 extra for the RCBS that will load all three LR.
I have never had any issues with either and they have loaded a LOT of ammo.

I use a Forster co-ax and love it. It works great and you won't have any problems using it. I've been using one for 10 years and it's never missed a beat.

Schnyd112 said:

I have been back and forth on primer seating. With large rifle primers it wasn't ever a big deal to pick them up, set them in the press and seat. I never had any problems.

Now I have moved to small rifle primers and they are harder to pick up without touching the reactive bits. i would also like a little more feel to seating them. I am currently priming in an Rcbs partner press.

What do you use and how do you like it?

I am looking for a handheld, maybe even something similar to the k&m tool with a dial to indicate seating depth.

Click to expand...

I use the Lee Benchtop Auto Prime. Loads up to 100 primers in a see through holder that has internal fingers to shake the primers to anvil side up and locks into place. Only drawback is you must use a primer shell holder not the normal press sizing and seating type.
It's great for feeling the primer seat into the case pocket.
I have a problem with the hand held primers with arthritic and week hands.

I use the Frankfort Arsenal and like it.
Gives a good manual feel and it has an adjustable stop to control seating depth.
I recently made a swaging anvil for it to open up crimped .223 primer pockets.
I'd buy it again. It comes with a set of case holders.

Schnyd112 said:

What do you use and how do you like it?
I am looking for a handheld, maybe even something similar to the k&m tool with a dial to indicate seating depth.

Click to expand...

21st Century shooting makes a seater that utilizes the Lee trays but allows you to adjust seating depth in increments of .001". Love it.
(Didn't see the previous post about the tool.)

Tesoro said:

I think that 21C and Lee is an oxymoron! I sent that plastic wonder right back to 21C and told him to invent his own matching quality auto feeder and to tell people to use 2 fingers in the interim!

Call me a load snob I dont care!

Click to expand...

I did have an issue one of the Lee plastic parts failing. 21st Century send a N/C replacement, and I have been using it now for a few years without issue. I load about 1,500 rounds a year...