Primer seating depth questions.

[bobinpa]

Thanks for all the info both posted here and PMed to me! After sorting through the info and reading on the internet till I'm cross eyed, I've come to my own conclusions.
1. Consistent and uniform primer pocket depth is necessary for consistent and uniform primer depth. Really a no brainer once you think about it.
2. Uniforming primer pockets to create a specific primer depth (like .003 or .006) below the case head may have a slight benefit on target, however, I doubt that I am good enough to shoot the difference, so I'm going to shelf that idea for now.... I may pick it up later.

This all leads me back to where I started. I need a new primer seating tool. After considering the front runner hand held primer seaters, I'm having a hard time making a decision.

I ruled out Sinclair. I don't want to deal with the shims and once I buy the additional 5 shell holders that I need, I'll be at approx $225.00. It's also out of stock...

The 21st Century seems really nice and it's adjustable but once again, they have their own shell holders and I would need 9 of them. The tool plus the shell holders makes the price tag approx $335.00. By the way, why do they spec a different shell holder for a 300 RUM vs a 338 RUM? That brings up a whole different topic....

The PMA is also very nice. It uses shell holders that I already have and it's adjustable (not sure if I need adjustability) but it uses an o-ring to set the adjustment.?.? For $170.00 I would think they could come up with a better system than an o-ring.

The K&M without the gauge is nice as well. It's not adjustable (I don't think), it also uses shell holders that I already have and it's moderately priced at $82.00 but I've read on this forum and others that it can be a little sloppy. However, it can't be as bad as the Lee that I'm used to.

So, is the 21st Century worth the money? Is it necessary? Will the K&M do just fine?

Where should I spend my money??
Thanks again...

 

[BobT]

I have been using a Lee Auto Prime (round tray) for several years and have no complaints so far. I seat until the primer bottoms out in the pocket.

 

[bobinpa]

I have been using a Lee Auto Prime (round tray) for several years and have no complaints so far. I seat until the primer bottoms out in the pocket.

Thanks. If you read my original post, you'll see that I also used a Lee Auto Prime, but mine has failed me. It didn't fully seat primers on my 338 RUM and caused me some headaches...

 

[gmr4]

Thanks for all the info both posted here and PMed to me! After sorting through the info and reading on the internet till I'm cross eyed, I've come to my own conclusions.
1. Consistent and uniform primer pocket depth is necessary for consistent and uniform primer depth. Really a no brainer once you think about it.
2. Uniforming primer pockets to create a specific primer depth (like .003 or .006) below the case head may have a slight benefit on target, however, I doubt that I am good enough to shoot the difference, so I'm going to shelf that idea for now.... I may pick it up later.

This all leads me back to where I started. I need a new primer seating tool. After considering the front runner hand held primer seaters, I'm having a hard time making a decision.

I ruled out Sinclair. I don't want to deal with the shims and once I buy the additional 5 shell holders that I need, I'll be at approx $225.00. It's also out of stock...

The 21st Century seems really nice and it's adjustable but once again, they have their own shell holders and I would need 9 of them. The tool plus the shell holders makes the price tag approx $335.00. By the way, why do they spec a different shell holder for a 300 RUM vs a 338 RUM? That brings up a whole different topic....

The PMA is also very nice. It uses shell holders that I already have and it's adjustable (not sure if I need adjustability) but it uses an o-ring to set the adjustment.?.? For $170.00 I would think they could come up with a better system than an o-ring.

The K&M without the gauge is nice as well. It's not adjustable (I don't think), it also uses shell holders that I already have and it's moderately priced at $82.00 but I've read on this forum and others that it can be a little sloppy. However, it can't be as bad as the Lee that I'm used to.

So, is the 21st Century worth the money? Is it necessary? Will the K&M do just fine?

Where should I spend my money??
Thanks again...

Check out the Poor Mans PCPS Competition Primer Seater. Easy to use has micro adjustment not too pricey. uglyreloading.com and Amazon. Deraco Engineering makes them. I highly recommend the Accuracy One primer measuring tool.. you need a way to measure the pocket depth of the brass and seating depth.

 

[DaveTooley]

I have about 8 priming tools. Sinclair and K&M both get the job done.
Not fashionable these days but I seat to the bottom plus just a bit to be sure the anvil is seated.
I've experienced minute, almost undetectable hang fires when not fully seating the primer.

 

[jpjulian]

I switched to the Derraco PCPS press mounted system last year. I couldn't be happier. My arthritic hands are soooooooo much better off. No more pain & cramping using a hand tool. I really like the click adjustable feature. It is a precision instrument and does a very good job.

 

[Bc'z]

Thanks. If you read my original post, you'll see that I also used a Lee Auto Prime, but mine has failed me. It didn't fully seat primers on my 338 RUM and caused me some headaches...

Did you try and flip the anvil over that pushes the primer punch?
I was having some issues with my Lee and this fixed it.

 

[Jon Turner]

I usta' use the Lee hand tool, for almost 40 years. A couple of years ago I replaced the Lee tool with the Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool. One of the best decisions I've made in a while. It's a lot heavier than the Lee, much more robust than the Lee, and, unlike the Lee, you can adjust the primer seating depth in .001" increments with the little thumb wheel. There's about .030" of adjustment total. It comes with 8 or 9 shell holders that cover 90% of the calibers available. The Lee primer trays will fit it too, in case the one it comes with breaks, or...?
Best part, it's less than a C-note. I think around 65 bux, well worth the price. I really like it--a lot, and much prefer it to the Lee hand tool or bench mounted tool.

Jon

 

[misser]

i have the Derraco PCPS the only thing i dont like about it is i want another one. one for LR primers and one for SR primers. i dont mind changing shell holders but switching from SR primers to LR primers and then back again .no joy

 

[misser]

i ordered another one