Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool - primer tray location

[uncle-buck]

Does the latest version of the Frankford hand priming tool have the primer tray on the side - or in line with the handle? (see photos)

Have not been able to get a straight answer from Midway USA or Battenfield.

Thanks.

 

[#40Fan]

It is different than the first version. That is all I can remember when I seen the two. I bet I could find a youtube video on the first version if I was so inclined.

 

[xswanted]

I have a new one and it’s inline.

 

[uncle-buck]

It is different than the first version. That is all I can remember when I seen the two. I bet I could find a youtube video on the first version if I was so inclined.

I have a new one and it’s inline.

How do you know you didn't receive new old stock?

There was obviously a design change. So far, no one has been able to say authoritatively which is the older design and which is the newer design.

 

[#40Fan]

Here is the old style.

 

[uncle-buck]

Here is the old style.

Thanks.
What makes you believe that's the old style?

Does the new style have the primer tray on the side?

 

[#40Fan]

Yes, the new is on the side. If you read down in the comments, others mention it.

 

[uncle-buck]

Yes, the new is on the side. If you read down in the comments, others mention it.

Thanks.

I only saw one comment indicating there's a newer model.

We'll see how Battenfield responds.

I do believe you are correct though. It makes perfect sense for them to move the tray to the side so that the user doesn't have to be concerned about the case falling out of the shellholder.

 

[BillPa]

The tray on the one I bought last year goes in the back. NOS?
Anywho , two mods I made to mine.
One, I installed a lighter spring for a better feel when seating.

Two, not being a volume restuffer I prefer to load and seat primers one at a time. The problem, as it is the ram drops too far allowing primers to take flight out through the primer tray slot. To "fix" that issue I cut a few pieces of plastic from one of Maw's Flonase blister packs, trimmed them to shape making a "shim" if you will for a slight interference in the body and prevent the handle from homing all it's way allowing ram to stay in the bottom of the shellholder. IIRC they're about +/- .020" thick.

Being a non permanent cheap "fix" in the event I use the tray the "shim" is simply removed.
Bill

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Looks like theyre using that goofy lee tray that the primers have to jump a ledge to feed. Im sure thats why they moved it- gravity

 

[xswanted]

How do you know you didn't receive new old stock?

There was obviously a design change. So far, no one has been able to say authoritatively which is the older design and which is the newer design.

I'm not really sure but I was purchased new a month or so ago. Could be old stock but it works very well. If they moved it I hope it's as good.

 

[Skunce]

I bought mine from Midway seven months ago and it has an inline tray. The photos on Midway show a side tray and an inline tray. By the way Frankfort doesn't sell replacement trays, so be careful how you handle it. I think the Lee folding tray will fit, but I haven't tried one. Overall I really like the tool. I've never flipped a primer over with it and it aligns primers very well with the primer pockets.

 

[Skunce]

View attachment 1052650 Looks like theyre using that goofy lee tray that the primers have to jump a ledge to feed. Im sure thats why they moved it- gravity

I have both and the Frankford works great and the Lee is junk. I've never had the Frankford flip a primer or feed one sideways.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Maybe need to get a blue lid for my 21st century that uses that tray

 

[xswanted]

I bought mine from Midway seven months ago and it has an inline tray. The photos on Midway show a side tray and an inline tray. By the way Frankfort doesn't sell replacement trays, so be careful how you handle it. I think the Lee folding tray will fit, but I haven't tried one. Overall I really like the tool. I've never flipped a primer over with it and it aligns primers very well with the primer pockets.

The tray from an RCBS universal will fit.

 

[Mikemci]

I definitely have their 1st version and the tray is inline with the handle.

 

[uncle-buck]

I definitely have their 1st version and the tray is inline with the handle.

Thanks.
I bet they redesigned it and moved the tray so that the unit could be tilted sideways for primer feeding without the need to hold the case in place to keep it from falling out.

 

[Mikemci]

Thanks.
I bet they redesigned it and moved the tray so that the unit could be tilted sideways for primer feeding without the need to hold the case in place to keep it from falling out.

Yes, the tray on the side will do that.
Until this thread, I didn't know they had changed them.

 

[pirate ammo]

I use a RCBS so it doesn't matter

 

[hikfromstik]

It makes since also because if the primer ignites you'll be holding it sideways away from face. Mine has the tray in front . I really like that it comes with all the shell holders . The spring is a bit firm ,but I think it'll lighten up with use ( only complaint )