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best priming tool

I used a RCBS hand priming tool for 20 plus years, and it works just fine. I have been curious when I read some articles on priming seating depth since my RCBS does not have that seating depth adjustment for seating primers. I just seat them all the way in. When measuring my loaded .308, 6.5 Creed, 7 and 300 Magnums, the depths are .003", .005", .007" deep with about half a thousand variance in between.

Does seating depth for primers have any effect on accuracy?

What is the best hand priming tool with the seating depth adjustments?

Any opinions is appreciated.
 
I used to use an RCBS hand unit. That is until it broke. I called RCBS about whether you could use the hand unit for the .338LM case. I was assured that you could. Well....it lasted about 30 cases before the pot metal internals gave up the ghost. Unfortunately, I had a competition the next day and I was stuck.

My Co-Ax press has a priming tool incorporated into it. It came to my rescue that evening. I now prime all calibres (except for the BMG case) on my Forester press. I find that the feel you get when seating primers is second to none. Although you have to remember not to cam over, or you'll most likely ruin the rim of the case.
 
Seat the primers until they come to a firm stop. Primer pockets will vary in depth somewhat unless you uniform them, so the seating depth below flush will also vary some. As powerful as the need is to have precise measurements, this is best left to feel IMHO.
 
I used a RCBS hand priming tool for 20 plus years, and it works just fine. I have been curious when I read some articles on priming seating depth since my RCBS does not have that seating depth adjustment for seating primers. I just seat them all the way in. When measuring my loaded .308, 6.5 Creed, 7 and 300 Magnums, the depths are .003", .005", .007" deep with about half a thousand variance in between.

Does seating depth for primers have any effect on accuracy?

What is the best hand priming tool with the seating depth adjustments?

Any opinions is appreciated.

Here you go! Ask the consensus of members here and they will agree on this one!
http://www.xxicsi.com/super-precision-click-head-br-priming-tool.html

Thanks!

Pete
 
I used a RCBS hand priming tool for 20 plus years, and it works just fine. I have been curious when I read some articles on priming seating depth since my RCBS does not have that seating depth adjustment for seating primers. I just seat them all the way in. When measuring my loaded .308, 6.5 Creed, 7 and 300 Magnums, the depths are .003", .005", .007" deep with about half a thousand variance in between.

Does seating depth for primers have any effect on accuracy?

What is the best hand priming tool with the seating depth adjustments?

Any opinions is appreciated.

Tackdriv3r,

Ask yourself, "With the method I have been using (seating the primer till it stops against the primer pocket base), have I ever had a misfire due to a primer not going off?" If the answer is "none", then you are doing it the proper way.

Primers are designed to be seated until the cup rim stops against the primer pocket base. If the primer is not seated this way some of the energy from the firing pin will be used to "complete the seating procedure". The remaining energy may not be sufficient to set off the primer. Try firing this round again and it will probably go off because the primer is now properly seated.

Manufacturers who make primer seating tools that provide adjustments are just trying to separate you from your money.

I use the RCBS automatic priming tool.

Hey, just my opinion.
 
The BEST is a ram powered primer die such as RCBS markets.
I have one, it never varies and is a complete pain in the ass and slow to operate with a single insertion of a primer for each load.
That brings us into hand powered primer tools. I use a Lyman only because that is the one I picked up. Others here are more well versed than I am on the hand models.
 
21st Century. I use the first generation one, the new ones have even smaller adjustable clicks. Fit and finish is great, smooth movements and feel is sensitive.
 
I use the Primal Right CPS. But I’m super picky about actual seating depth from the base of the brass. I realize this may not represent everyone but we’ve done enough primer seating depth tests to know it makes a difference for us.
 
personally don't want a seating depth adjustment

i want a priming tool i can feel the primer bottom out. that is what is important to me. i use the Sinclair.

if you are ocd and uniform primer pockets you might be able to have a uniform seating depth. personally i buy lapua brass and don't touch the primer pocket or flash hole.
The Sinclair priming tool is adjustable. If you want to change the feel of seating your primer, back out the set screw and remove the pin. Twist the assembly slightly in or out and add a couple of drops of lock-tite.
Ben
 
My RCBS priming attachment with the tube works quite well.
I prime 50 cases carefully and fully seated ,although I've never timed myself it seems just a few minutes.
 
I use the Sinclair priming tool just as Ben does and it does a very good job with great feel but if I were to replace it I would get the 21st Century as it is much easier to set up and the all stainless version looks very nice. I have used my friends and they are sweeeeet. :)
 
I have used Lee, RCBS, Sinclair and the the 21st Century and many others over the years and all have worked as advertised. Nowadays for form, fit and function I prefer the 21st Century. I like doing business with John there as well. He's very generous with his time and knowledge.
 
Seat the primers until they come to a firm stop. Primer pockets will vary in depth somewhat unless you uniform them, so the seating depth below flush will also vary some. As powerful as the need is to have precise measurements, this is best left to feel IMHO.
If uniforming them at a certain depth, let's say .003", will it differ in accuracy from a .007" depth? Just a thought that crossed my mind.
 
If uniforming them at a certain depth, let's say .003", will it differ in accuracy from a .007" depth? Just a thought that crossed my mind.
calhoonprimers02.png

I'm the wrong one to ask. How much do your cup heights vary? How much does your rim thickness vary? How much variation in the anvils? In my opinion seating to a specific depth below flush is false precision, even if you have uniformed your pockets. I seat them until they stop and rub my finger across them to make sure they are at least a "leetle" below flush. (I've been wrong before however;))
 

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