Recommend a good priming tool

[WestKYShooter]

Hello all, I am fairly new to reloading, mostly loading for long range/ precision rifle, and have been using my Forster Co-Ax press to prime with. I have had some trouble using it: some go in easy, some are very difficult to press in, and some shave off a sliver of brass, which in turn leaves a dent on the following primer. After talking to a few folks about these issues, I've come to believe that I need a different system for priming. One friend recommended a RCBS auto bench primer, but I am limited on bench space, and have also read where it can be better to use something that I can "feel" better with/ something more sensitive.

I want something that will be very consistent, as long range precision is my goal. What do you guys use and recommend? Thanks

 

[BoydAllen]

I am a big believer in seating primers by feel using a hand tool. They all seat primers. That being said, my 21st Century tool is a work if art. http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/21st-century-stainless-primer-seating-tool/

 

[Terry Altom]

I'd have to agree with Boyd. I've got a Sinclair and it works very well, but my 21st Century seater is a keeper for life.

 

[Sniper338]

^^^

21st century. Buy it and the shell holders you need and dont look back.

 

[Mtstalker]

The new Frankford Arsenal Platinum is pretty sweet i did have one hiccup with it but i called and in 2 days i had the correct part. And it does stop like a brick wall when you hit the depth you have selected, the wheel does click as you turn each click is roughly .001".

 

[captn t]

21 st. Century ex. Best I've ever used. Easy to change from small to large primer size and you can feel when primer has bottomed out!!
Captn T

 

[JimPag]

Without a doubt. The 21st Century is the Rolls Royce of hand priming tools. Anything else is just 2nd rate.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Search is your friend: http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/hand-priming-tools.3912529

 

[LHSmith]

Beware- not all "hand" priming tools will allow you to "feel" the primer seating. If you cannot operate the tool with only light to moderate thumb pressure ( PMA, Sinclair, old Lee Auto Prime) you will be better off with a bench tool like RCBS Auto Prime. Hand priming tools that require by ergonomics the entire hand be used to seat the primer will not give consistent results.

 

[boltfluter]

I have had great results with my K&M hand held priming tool. All steel and a very good value for the money.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[HTSmith]

Don't get me wrong--I appreciate finely crafted, precise tools--but it is hard to beat the old Lee AutoPrime assuming it is used carefully and consistently.

 

[280man]

http://bullets.com/products/Precision-Priming-Press/BE1151

I've been using this one for a few years now. I really like it. Very precise even seating every time and no hand cramps.

 

[JAM-MAN]

See my earlier post on priming and the Co-ax. You will likely find you need to realign the primer seater. Mine works consistently and accurately when set up correctly. The design with the floating primer is very consistent. Do you prep your primer pockets? Unless you are really fast on seating the primers, it's easy to feel the pressure with the short handle. My ES is typicall less than 10 fps and SD single digit. My shooting, not so much.

 

[GrocMax]

I used to dislike the Co-Ax press primer system, its beginning to grow on me though. Alignment is critical. They now have an alignment tool or you can make your own.

 

[danny]

Don't get me wrong--I appreciate finely crafted, precise tools--but it is hard to beat the old Lee AutoPrime assuming it is used carefully and consistently.

I like my hand held AutoPrime. There is less than a zero chance that I would use one of the tools that force you to handle each and every primer no matter how nice the tool's quality.

Danny

 

[R.Morehouse]

For loading at home it is usually the RCBS with the Holland upgrade. Pretty precise tool if your pockets are uniform. I only shoot Lapua brass in the 2 calibers i load for most.

 

[copperking81]

I had a lot of problems with the Co-Ax primer seater too. There's just too much leverage in that system.

After reading the reviews on the 21st Century priming tool, I picked one up. I love it and haven't looked back since getting it.

 

[WestKYShooter]

I like my hand held AutoPrime. There is less than a zero chance that I would use one of the tools that force you to handle each and every primer no matter how nice the tool's quality.

Danny

That's the main drawback that I see.... handling every primer. Also, the price. There are several priming tools out there that hold lots of primers and cost less than half the price of the 21st Century.

However, I'm also a believer in BOCO. Buy Once, Cry Once. So, that's what led me here seeking advice.

I was hoping to get more suggestions for a cheaper priming system, but I should have known good things don't usually come cheap.

 

[dickn52]

21st Century...+1 or whatever it is by now.

 

[danny]

I had a lot of problems with the Co-Ax primer seater too. There's just too much leverage in that system.

After reading the reviews on the 21st Century priming tool, I picked one up. I love it and haven't looked back since getting it.

My problems with the Co-Ax priming station are that you have to handle every single primer, and, as far as I can tell from my limited use, it seats the primer to a specified depth based on the set tooling dimensions, and not to bottom out in whatever primer pocket depth you have (by feel). With the Co-Ax's set depth, that could result in a primer not seated quite enough, just right, or too deep, crushing the primer and possibly making it highly sensitive. Priming by feel is a better option, in my opinion.

Danny