Hand held priming tool, which one??

I had a Sinclair, needed an engineering degree to use it.

now have a old RCBS....meh


what are ya'lls choices

Thinking about a 21st century myself

RCBS hand strip primer press for me.

There's always K&M too

Have been using a Lee for over 20 years, still works good. Bought a RCBS, tried and gave it away with a reloading setup I gave a good friend

X2. I have two of the Lee's. The Oldest one is the type you had to insert the primers one at a time but the second model has the little round tray that will allow you to use a box of 100 + primers.
Seems I get a better feel on when the primer actually seats.

Lee AutoPrime...I had a Hornady and I normally like their stuff but the hand primer was crap. I've been happy with the Lee up to this point. If something happened I'd buy another one.

I use Lee, every once in a while it has an issue but normally works ok.

I've used the Lee with the tray, and it's a pretty good tool. It costs less but you have to remember it requires special shell holders that Lee does not just give away. Plus, it has a part (can't recall what it's called, like a main rod) that will wear out and need replacement. I refurbed mine and gave it away and bought the RCBS Universal Hand Primer. It's way more substantial than the Lee tool and has very good feel. No shell holders required either. As good as it is, I'd still like to find a better (affordable) way.

RCBS Universal Hand Primer is what I use.

Bet it's seated 15,000 by now with not a single hickup. I think 50 pieces of brass takes around three minutes to prime.

You Tube is amazing, JG you should start a Video series...

After looking at all 3 on you tube the Lee Ergo and the RCBS Universal look the best. My old arthritic thumb wears out after a seating session. The main reason I went to a Girard Trimmer. My thumb couldn't take the pressure

I know

Using the RCBS, you squeeze with your four fingers instead of your thumb like you do on the Lee.

That's what I need thanks RR

Anytime, budd. Glad to help.

Lee requires a whole new set of shell holders as stated above. There's also more than one version and their parts don't interchange so beware when buying second hand.

I use the RCBS with the tray attached. Works perfectly.

I know... I bought some thinking that they were shell holders. I still have them if someone wants them. I'll make a good deal.

Get the RCBS hand primer with square primer tray (Has Universal shell holder)

Or the round tray one that uses shell holder. Some shell holder will not work properly on this one.

Huh - so I've been holding my Lee 'backwards' (don't use thumb but rather fingers on lever) all these years, and thousands of rounds? Yep, just looked at manual, says use thumb! Never had a bit of hand fatigue even after hundreds of primers in a row, nor any issues with seating feel, etc.
how bout I just put a label on it saying rcbs and just keep using my fingers?

I use the universal RCBS with excellent results as well.

What RR says.

I've been using the Lee with the removable tray for several years.
Every couple years apply a little bit of white Lubri-plate grease on the pivot points,
never a problem.

I have an older Hornady, but planning on replacing it with a 21st Century. K&M is also an option.