The "NEW" Lee hand primer tool

[FNSafari]

is anyone using the new redesigned Lee hand priming tool and if so how does it compare function wise with the old style? I had 2 of the old style and simply hated the sloppiness, the tendency for two primers to slide down the opening on top of the seating ram. I love the design and speed of use once you load the primer reservoir but was always leery of it safety wise. Thanks

 

[Bill Norris]

The new design functions o k but it does tend to hang up or jam quite a bit. It is also tough on old hands as well. The bench primer works much better for me.

 

[expiper]

if Lee is listening !!??...they should go back to the "old" style ,,,,I would buy 2 or 3 immediately ,,,,Roger

 

[JMA]

I have an older Lee and it is ok not what great tool but did the job adequately.
Bought a new one a couple years ago to have one dedicated to small rifle primers what a pos.
Ended up tossing it.

Also as Bill Norris said tough on old hands got a bench mounted one, not looking back.

 

[LHSmith]

I still use the same old style ones I started with 20 years ago when loading at the range. I modified the tray by epoxying a t-nut in the tray bottom and a hole in the top tray for a threaded knob( copied this idea from Al Weaver). This prevented the sloppiness by controlling the gap between tray top and bottom.. Also I periodically put bolt grease on the cam inside the handle.

 

[Damon555]

The new ones are junk. I had the older model last me many years....When that broke I picked up the so called "updated" version......Needless to say the Lee is relegated to backup duty while the sparkly, new RCBC gets used a lot!

 

[LHSmith]

I like the way RCBS works also. But the Lees are more compact for a range box, and cheap enough to buy several to dedicate to various calibers without changing the parts when switching primer size. The Lee also uses the less expensive Lee shellholders, while the RCBS uses the standard press type shell holders.
For loading at home I finally settled on the RCBS auto prime even for match loading.

 

[jelenko]

The elevator mechanism in the new one is an invention of the Devil.

 

[Medic505]

Lee went out of their way to ruin a product that worked really well. I bought a "new and improved" version and promptly gave it away. POS. I use a Forester and it works very well.

 

[venatic]

I have a collection of the old style Lee’s that I rob parts from to keep a couple running. The “new” style is not worth having.
Been using the Frankford Arsenal and it’s OK.

 

[hambone1971]

RCBS hand primer worth every penny then some. HB

 

[dantiff2]

I spoke with LEE customer service back in April of last year about the "new" hand priming unit. There doesn't seem to be any focus or worry about the customer complaints. As long as the lawyers are happy and you bought one, they got what they wanted. Even though most people went out and bought another brand after finding out that you didn't like the new LEE model.. Here's a snapshot of what they told me:

 

[Edward]

Not a hand primer but does anyone have any experience with the new Lee ACP Automatic case primer

 

[LHSmith]

Reminds me of the feud between Speer and Lee a few years back. Speer bullets had little post-it notes in each box (as well as full page ads in gun rags) stating Not to use LEE factory crimp die on their bullets.
According to Lee: Tests demonstrate that even bullets with no cannelure will shoot more accurately if crimped in place with the Lee Factory Crimp Die.
So, I don't put a lot of faith into Lee's advertising claims.

 

[FNSafari]

I spoke with LEE customer service back in April of last year about the "new" hand priming unit. There doesn't seem to be any focus or worry about the customer complaints. As long as the lawyers are happy and you bought one, they got what they wanted. Even though most people went out and bought another brand after finding out that you didn't like the new LEE model.. Here's a snapshot of what they told me:

View attachment 1235630

Thanks for the comments. To believe Lee would actually re-engineer this to be a smooth working and safe device is, I guess, too much for them to handle. Most of their products are spot on, except this one new or old style.

 

[jpx2rk]

I've gotten to where I prime on the LEE single stage press, and just use the old skool Lee hand primers for that rogue "high" primer that comes along every once in a while. Priming on the press doesn't leave my hands hurting from just a few rounds loaded, and haven't notice any difference in my groups. Don't shoot competitively, but still like/prefer small groups.

 

[mikld]

I have one of the "Ergo" hand primers and have had no double feeds, and no upside down primers (just me??). Ninety percent of primers used so far were CCI small pistol...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You get what you pay for, and this is especially true with any lee product.

 

[Knotwild]

Bought two, broke one in anger, left the other in the box - hated them.

 

[Joe Maisto]

You get what you pay for, and this is especially true with any lee product.

In the BR matches, I know of only one that uses a lee. With at least several first class hand primers on the market, I can't imagine why he would choose that. One of the slickest hand primers I have seen was by Bill Gebhardt. I used a Sinclair, but K&M also built a dandy, as well as at least two others.