Any thoughts on what hand held priming tool might be easiest to squeeze?

[Turpentine]

This is really a timely post, I was just speaking to a couple of friends the other day about this subject. I’ve been using an old Lee hand primer that just works great, never missed a beat for me. However, I’m getting old and it’s getting hard to use. I was looking at the RCBS bench mount, but was concerned about not having any “feel” when priming. Do you have an “feel” with this unit?

Yes sir you do. You won’t have any problem with not seating your primers
firmly enough either. It’s not as much feel as you get with a squeeze/hand primer but it’s plenty.

 

[jpx2rk]

Lee Ram Prime Priming Unit Single Stage Press

The Lee Ram Prime Priming Unit allows the reloader to prime on the up-stroke for a more sensitive feel and increased leverage. Included are easy to...

www.midwayusa.com

Lee Breech Lock Press Ram Prime Priming Unit

The Lee Ram Prime Priming Unit allows the reloader to prime on the up-stroke for a more sensitive feel and increased leverage. Included are easy to...

www.midwayusa.com

These work very well IMO, but you do have to handle/place each primer into the cup on the tool. Very easy to set up and remove from the press.

 

[justpassinthru]

RCBS bench tool is working fine for me. I'm using Dillon tubes, had to drill more holes for the pin so it would go deeper and seems there was something else, but don't remember what it was.

 

[Shooter13]

From the ones I’ve used 21st century is very smooth and has the best leverage.

This is what I use and use my thumb but lever is large enough to use 4 fingers. Good luck and Happy Birthday!

 

[AzMandella]

This is smooth and hardly any effort . Uses Redding shell holders and is adjustable and consistant for primer depth .

PMA Ball Bearing Drive Priming Tool (308/BR Family)

The highest quality, most innovative reloading tools and shooting supplies for precision riflemen. Unparalleled customer service. Shop Now - PMA Tool

www.pmatool.com

 

[DukeDuke]

Co-Ax® Primer Seater with E-Z-Just Shell Holder Jaws – Forster Products

Co-Ax® Primer Seater with E-Z-Just Shell Holder Jaws $ 184.00 Original price was: $184.00. $ 138.00 Current price is: $138.00. Co-Ax® Primer S

www.forsterproducts.com

 

[PhilC]

RCSB bench primer for me except when I feel like using my 30yr old Sinclair hand priming tool, still marvel at its quality.

 

[Turpentine]

I

Glad you had on eye protection. We tend to get pretty comfortable loading ammo. It can happen in the blink of a eye.

I set targets and work with remote fired clay traps every day. Have been hit once or twice. I had that primer blow up and I’ve had a 12 volt battery on a skeet machine explode in my face when I connected it. With most priming tools if one does pop, the brass channels the flash. Where is that brass pointing? I don’t have to remind me to put glasses on in the morning.

 

[justinp61]

I have a very old lee hand primer that you have to insert each primer into by hand. Earlier this year I bought the Frankfort Arsenal hand primer. It's adjustable, operates smooth and feeds primers well.

 

[markm87]

I know you said hand primer but I‘ve been using this for years. It might work for ya.

Automatic Priming Tool | RCBS

Buy Automatic Priming Tool at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

I'm close to buying one of these. My Sinclair hand priming tool is getting old. A few guys have recommended the RCBS.

 

[Tesoro]

From the ones I’ve used 21st century is very smooth and has the best leverage.

I have 2 of these. IMO the tops. But I would love to see these made with an alum body. They are all ss and overly heavy. The squeeze if very easy for seating.

 

[Ccrider]

If all else fails, get a Coax Press. From a leverage standpoint, I doubt you will find anything easier to prime with.

 

[6.5 forever]

Not to take this off track. My 70 year old hands thank me almost daily for switching from hand held priming to a bench mount tool.

 

[Warz]

Somehow I woke up old. (Three weeks to eighty.) I have a screw in each wrist and severe wrist arthritis. I have been using
strip fed RCBS hand priming tools for years and years but now with new cases I use both hands and still almostcan't seat a primer,
not to mention the pain. Any suggestions are welcome. I know I can seat with a press or one of the bench mounted lever
tools but would like to stay with a hand primer.

Thanks for your ideas.

same boat as you with hands....but my old school LEE hand Primer (one with the round primer tray) still works best for me. Been using 35+ years.
warz

 

[dannyjbiggs]

Aaaaahhhhhhh. What a bunch of pussies! Just seat 'em in with your teeth! I used to really admire some of the crusty old NCO's in my Army unit in the '60ies. They NEVER used a "crimping tool" to attach blasting caps to time fuse...no...they crimped them on with their teeth!

 

[Wottchitt]

I agree. For years I used the Lee "Hand Prime", I had/have 2 of them. But like the OP I'm getting older and my hands hurt. So about a year ago I bought a Lee "Auto Bench Priming Tool". It has some shortcomings (primers don't alway feed smoothly), but overall I am extremely pleased. Very little effort, yet great feel when the primer bottoms out. Plus they are only about $50.

I have always used both hands with my Lee Auto-Prime.

 

[Fire Dog]

From the ones I’ve used 21st century is very smooth and has the best leverage.

Far and away the best hand held primer tool is the 21st Century one...
Micro adjustment to seating depth one click is .001"
Smooth operation, solid SS steel.
Even arthritic fingers and wrist can still manage... {:~)

 

[wkdickinson]

I have always used both hands with my Lee Auto-Prime.

Me too, but even that has gotten more difficult.

 

[dcali]

They're all going to be about the same. The only way to reduce the force on the handle is to make it longer, or make it move further. Neither of those is going to vary much between hand models. That said, my 21st century is made a lot better than the abomination that is the RCBS model, and it has a lot less friction. But we're not talking about a huge difference. There's no magic bullet. If a hand held model won't do it for you, try a bench mounted unit.

 

[Murray Brook]

Used one of these for years as @jpx2rk mentioned. Certainly no strength needed to operate this. Lee Ram Prime