Frankford Arsenal priming tool ???

[strat81]

For those of you with arthritis in your hands, skip the hand priming tools and look into the Primal Rights CPS tool. You can set a depth stop or seat by feel with it. Much easier on the hands, shoulders, and elbows.

 

[Petros284]

Maybe eventually I'll pick one up, I'm not a benchrest shooter, and don't know the difference (yet).

Edit: Awww crap, they accept paypal.... maybe I will pick one up and see how I like it, I am still in the return window for the FA one, and have some extra funds in paypal. Wish they still sold a model with a tray ☹ In the product photos the edges look sharp on the lever, thoughts?

The lever is aluminum that is machined with a slight radius on edges. It is tumbled then anodized.

 

[GrandGrendel58]

The lever is aluminum that is machined with a slight radius on edges. It is tumbled then anodized.

I received one of the 21st Century primers last week, it is definitely a thing of beauty, and the edges on the handle are not uncomfortable at all. I am not sure I would prime a bunch of plinking ammo with it, but for accuracy loads for bolt guns sure thing. Some times I like slowing down the process (21st Century), and some times I like to just get it done (that is where the RCBS or FA unit will come in handy depending on how my hands feel that day). Thanks for helping me out in my decision. I know when I was looking around I never really saw a comparison of the FA and 21st Century, so I had to try both, and for others who are also debating between the FA and the 21st Century I give you the following mini comparison. I would say the build quality on the 21st C. is exceptional, really it is everything people say it is, the machining is top notch, there is no play between the shell holder and the priming ram, it is really that good. On the other hand the machining on the FA is just good, it appears to be a well made and heavy priming tool (you could probably knock someone out with it if you had to), the 21st C. is nice light (comparatively). If I were shopping for a priming tool and the time spent priming/money was no option I would go 21st Century all the way (especially if your loading for competition). However, if you are just looking to get priming done quick and don't want to spend a lot on a priming tool/don't want a bench tool, and are not loading for competition, IMO you may as well just get the FA and save a few bucks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

John ought to send me a regular priming tool as many as ive sold for them. Priming one case with my tray model is all it takes for the money to get spent.

 

[tom k]

I have tried every priming tool out there and find the best priming tool the frankford hand priming tool.

 

[Marplot]

It works fine. Be sure, with anything, that your primer pockets are clean.

BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS.

Don't drop the rig, like I did, and broke the nib on the primer tray. I have sent email, left messages and put on 'forever hold' with customer "service." I just ordered a "universal priming tray" from RCBS. Looks the same. Hopeful. But never buy again from Frankford Arsenal.

 

[rsbhunter]

It was ahile back, but I had EXCELLENT customer service !!!!! Things change, so maybe it has deteriorated? I contacted them by email...rsbhunter

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Another 5 year old thread back from the archives! Put a little grease on the working/sliding point and they work smoother and last longer !

Frank

 

[jelenko]

I also had great customer service from them.
I had put over 30K cases through mine and the working point had worn enough even with grease on it that it was having trouble.
They simply said - wow, that's a lot of priming and sent a new one.

 

[Webster]

Have a Frankford priming tool coming to replace one of the original Lee priming tools. I went to prime some 300 RUM cases (once fired and loaded by me) and every primer was proud. Enough that the case wobbled when set on the bench. I double checked the shell holder, retried seating a couple times....no difference...tried 2 different Lee shell holders..no good. Just tried seating some 6.5 Creedmoor cases, worked fine...just curious if anyone maybe has a "why"...also, reviews on the Frankford Arsenal, Thanks, rsbhunter

Have a Frankford priming tool coming to replace one of the original Lee priming tools. I went to prime some 300 RUM cases (once fired and loaded by me) and every primer was proud. Enough that the case wobbled when set on the bench. I double checked the shell holder, retried seating a couple times....no difference...tried 2 different Lee shell holders..no good. Just tried seating some 6.5 Creedmoor cases, worked fine...just curious if anyone maybe has a "why"...also, reviews on the Frankford Arsenal, Thanks, rsbhunter

I used a Lee priming tool for fifty years. With the handle all the way closed the pin should protrude about at least 5 thou above the shell holder. If it protrudes much less it’s a problem. Unscrew the shell holder and check the aluminum part that pushes against the pin for wear. Looks like a small amount of wear on the Al part will mean the pin doesn’t come up enough. Removing some metal off the top of the main body is the only fix I can think of. Most of the handle movement just brings the pin up to the opening on the shell holder. With the handle all the way open the pin is about 1/8” below the shell holder pin opening. . You have to move the handle a long way before the pin reaches the top of the hole in the shell holder.

 

[Just Say Moe]

It works fine. Be sure, with anything, that your primer pockets are clean.

BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS.

Don't drop the rig, like I did, and broke the nib on the primer tray. I have sent email, left messages and put on 'forever hold' with customer "service." I just ordered a "universal priming tray" from RCBS. Looks the same. Hopeful. But never buy again from Frankford Arsenal.

I did the same thing a while ago. They answered the phone and I had another one in a few days.... maybe they were closed for inventory?