Primer Seating Tool Recommendation

[DaveWhite]

Well, it finally happened, that pot-metal lever on my decade old Lee Autoprime folded in half the other night. The offending part is no longer available due to the new model Autoprime XR having a different configuration.

Using one priming tool for all these years, for many hundreds of varmint (.22-250) loads per year, fairly high volume .45 ACP, and hundreds and hundreds of .308 for both the M1A and the new Palma rifle.

My first thought is to get the Sinclair seater and call it a done deal, but the idea of handling all those primers one at a time seems less than intellegent for the high volume loads. No argument, that is the way I want to go for the Palma loads.

Thinking I might just get the 21st Century seater so as to use the Lee trays from my now useless Autoprime, and think about the Sinclair for a bit longer...

Thoughts?

 

[Bob3700]

Have you considered an RCBS Bench mounted priming tool? It has a primer feed and provides a pretty good feel.

Bob

 

[rayporter]

i used to buy a new lee every 18 months. i might even have parts laying around.
in the 21st century now

 

[DaveWhite]

Thanks All, just ordered the 21st Century Model. Would like to test drive a Sinclair one day, but the idea of individually handling primers does not seem like the best idea, especially where some volume loading is involved.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Been using a Sinclair seater loaned to me by a benchrest shooter. I use his technique of picking the primer up with a pair of tweezers. Works good, not fast. Wow....is that a piece of quality! Went back to my RCBS stuff and it feel like a cheap imitation from China!

 

[DaveWhite]

I think I'll ask Santa to bring me the Sinclair seater for Christmas. Can't justify buying both now, but the quest for fine tools will likely steer me to the Sinclair sooner or later.

 

[Dean Slater]

You will like the Sinclair tool. It will last a lifetime and once you use it a while it isn't that big of a deal putting primers in it one at a time. I have one in my range box and a couple at home and I haven't seen one yet that I would prefer to use.

 

[targa88]

Been using the Hornady priming tool for a number of years without any problems. Maybe not as refined as the Sinclair but it works fine

 

[19zip]

The 21st Century tool looks like a good way to go, but where can I get the Lee round priming trays for it. I don't think Lee makes or sells them anymore do they?

 

[nhm16]

Pretty satisfied with my RCBS Universal tool. Doesn't require special shellholders. About the same price as the 21st Century one.

 

[artbosco]

My first thought is to get the Sinclair seater and call it a done deal, but the idea of handling all those primers one at a time seems less than intelligent for the high volume loads. Thoughts?

Follow your instinct! It's usually been developed through experience.

 

[338Lapua]

So which one is better (Sinclair or K & M with the dial indicator)?

IMHO THE Sinclair tool will out last the RCBS or lee many times over so is worth the extra money and shell holders, the K&M tool is nice to but the dial indicator IMHO is a waste of time as is there Force indicator Measurement on there Arbor Press.. no disrespect to anyone that has one or likes this idea i think its a bit gimmicky.

 

[bozo699]

Lawrence,
I have Johns priming tool as well and I am not bad mouthing it at all, but I absolutely can not keep the priming seating depth adjustment dial adjusted, I can set it and tighten it down till you think it is going to break it and in just a few cases it has moved?? I got so frustrated with it I went back to my Hornady and old Lee autoprimer as I was putting my 1k loads together and wanted the primers all the same depth, I have been going to call John and ask whats going on with it but haven't yet, have you or anyone else had this problem with the 21st Century tool?
Wayne.

 

[338Lapua]

POS

No it’s not a technical term for a pos, K&M make super tool …… but this idea doesn’t achieved anything useful…if it did yes by all means, I like innovative stuff.

But it doesn’t achieve anything that the reloader can use to make better more accurate hand loads. thats why i think its a little Gimmicky.

 

[21shooter]

Hi, Wayne ,I have about 600 units sold now, with about 3 complaints. Please send the priming tool back for a new one. Or a refund. Thanks, John

 

[mikecr]

I think you guys have missed the function of the indicated K&M.
It is the only tool that sets primers to an exact crush.
You cannot do this by feel (or with any other tool).

Whether you can tell a difference depends on a lot of things. But there is nothing 'wrong' or 'gimmicky' with the K&M. It can also function like any other & you don't even have to look at the indicator (to see what you're doing).
Just sayin

 

[bozo699]

Hi, Wayne ,I have about 600 units sold now, with about 3 complaints. Please send the priming tool back for a new one. Or a refund. Thanks, John

John,
I don't want my money back I think your products are great as I have stated many times on here and to you. I should have just called you and planned too as I wanted to tell you how great the tool you built for putting sand in rests is and to ask you what I am probably doing wrong with the primming tool. I am sorry now I even posted it, I did state I wasn't bad mouthing it, and I am NOT! I will call you in the next few days John.
Wayne.

Mikecr,
The 21stCentury primer tool, does have a seating depth adjustment, that is what I have been having trouble with. John took the best of three priming tools and added his own splash for what I believe to be a great tool , I was just cramming for a shoot and didn't have time to try to figure out what wasn't holding on it.
Wayne.

 

[mikecr]

Well now is as good a time as any (while you're focusesd on it) to understand what I'm talking about Wayne.

 

[308ocd]

I used Lee Autoprime for years until the handle broke. Went to RCBS and was satisfied. Thankfully, I didn't throw away the Autoprime because I nearly did. What good could it possibly be? I recently switched to 21st Century using my old round Lee tray. It is far better than either the Lee or RCBS. The seating depth adjustment works perfectly for me. I can't imagine how you could get a much more consistent seating dept. Operation is super smooth and it's nearly impossible to double prime. To the poster that had trouble with seating adjustment, I know John would send you another in a heartbeat. He's a great and innovative guy and takes his quality seriously. Wouldn't even be surprised if he's got one on the way to ya.

 

[DennisH]

Pretty satisfied with my RCBS Universal tool

I just purchased one last night because I am satisfied with the RCBS I have had for two years now.

Now I don't have to switch bushings when loading 6.0x47, 308's, and 338's

You still have to switch the plastic primer guides (large primers/small primers)