Trying out different bench priming tools.

[NF1E]

Like many others that have been at loading for awhile, the pain in the hands, wrists and elbow have become more than I would like. Used hand priming tools for 60 years and am now paying the toll.
Decided to give a few of the suggested bench mounted tools a try. RCBS, Lee, Forster, Lyman, Derraco PCPS not a bench mounted unit but on a press and Primal Rights CPS. Must say, the least expensive, Lyman accu-prime appears to be the smoothest and easiest to use but for the fact primers need to be fed individually. I do have the Lyman Accu-Prime auto feed version on order but hasn't shown up yet. The ease of adjusting the seating depth on 1-3 puts them at the top of the list.

Choices so far after priming 100 cases with each would have to be in my opinion:

1. Lyman accu- prime.
2. Derraco PCPS.
3. Primal Rights CPS.
4. Forster.
5. RCBS.
6. Lee.

 

[NF1E]

Added some anti-slip rubber feet to the InlineFabrication mount I am using for the Primal Rights CPS. Feels like it is bolted to the bench but still portable. This mount has removable top plates so I can put whatever I would like on it in 10 seconds. Whatta Hobby!

 

[DHD]

I have been wanting to try a benchmounted primer tool for some time myself. The Lyman tool was the one I have looked at the most. It was OOS at Midway the last time I felt the itch a couple months ago. Time to look again I suppose.

As far as the Inline Fabrication stuff is concerned, I have two Ultra Mounts and all of my presses and Lubesizers set up for them. I inletted a 1/4" thick 12x12 steel plate to my counter top and then bolted the Ultra Mounts to them. They aren't going to move regardless of what stupid stuff I try to do.

 

[NF1E]

Added Inline Fabrication quick change base plate to my Forster's home position on the right of the bench then added quick change plates for my Rock-Chucker, Forster Co-ax, Lyman Accu-Prime and Primal Rights CPS so any of these can mount either on the Inline Standing base or the base plate bolted to my bench. After all these years it's seems strange doing things right and not have to bolt and unbolt things as they get changed. Got a couple of spare quick change plates for additions. Whatta Hobby!

 

[wkdickinson]

For years I used two Lee "Auto-Primes", but like many since getting old, my thumb joints are worn out. 5-6 years ago I bought a Lee "Auto Bench-Prime" and have been using it exclusively since and like it a lot. I like to seat my primers fully in the primer pocket and even though this has a fairly long handle and a lot of mechanical advantage, you can still feel when they bottom out. It does have some shortcomings though. The most trouble some is that it doesn't feed the primers very smoothly. I did take a small, fine file and clean up some of the "parting-lines" in the feed tube, which helped a lot, but they still often hang-up (which only requires tapping the mounting board on the bench). Overall, a good tool, at a good price.

 

[Squadguy29]

I would rank the RCBS ahead of the Forster. I have an old RCBS I've been using for over 20 years. I bought a Forster about a year ago and tried to like it. It seems very hard to feel the primer seat fully and the case hanging off the side is awkward. Maybe I'm just used to the feel of the RCBS. I will definitely consider a Lyman. I continue to hear great things about it and can't justify the cost of the Primal Rights. It you decide to sell the manual Lyman when you get the automatic let me know.

 

[Conaso]

I have the Derraco PCPS, love it but depth still is affected by rim thickness. Wish I was a machinist, I believe I have a solution on how to go off the base.

 

[Murray Brook]

@NF1E​

Great info. I've been looking at the Lyman unit and after your testing I believe I will get one. My old hands are getting sore also.

 

[TommyD11730]

3D print a handle for the RCBS bench primer. Makes priming more enjoyable... or less hand strain which is the same thing.

 

[hoz53]

Added Inline Fabrication quick change base plate to my Forster's home position on the right of the bench then added quick change plates for my Rock-Chucker, Forster Co-ax, Lyman Accu-Prime and Primal Rights CPS so any of these can mount either on the Inline Standing base or the base plate bolted to my bench. After all these years it's seems strange doing things right and not have to bolt and unbolt things as they get changed. Got a couple of spare quick change plates for additions. Whatta Hobby!

thanks for the info. i use old lee auto primes and an rcbs hand primer. i figure bythe time i load the primers in the tubes i can do it with them as quick and i can feel the primers seat. im at age where it wont be long i imagine until ill need to use another way to though. ill look into the lyman

 

[Downhill]

I like the Forster, however I put it in a bench vise at a slight rear angle. Only gripe would be the limited number of primers the "tube" holds.

 

[rlporter507]

i have the rcbs with the holland attachment, Derraco PCPS, and the Lyman Accu-Prime auto feed version. the lyman is the easiest to use, and the most accurate.
sold the holland attachment, and going to sell the PCPS.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Im happy with the rcbs.

 

[ELR LVR]

I really like the RCBS
Its quick, has a lot of leverage, and is a strong unit that doesnt break for a hand tool
I set a small bucket of brass in my lap and go to town as its a comfortable position that doesn't fatigue my back having to reach up to the bench repeatedly, twsist, grab brass, articulate etc.
After I prime one I drop it into a bucket on the floor between my knees.
everything is done right in my lap with my arms lowered and in a rest position.
Some of this loading for hours stuff helps to find methods to reduce any amount of body fatigue.
it works so well and quickly I dont even use the priming system in my Dillon 650
I pre-prime all my brass with the RCBS

 

[stavey]

If you can find a used Lee ACP press. They were discontinued. They are not rim thickness dependent. Very easy to set your primer depth to whatever you want . New they were only about $100.

 

[rlporter507]

If you can find a used Lee ACP press. They were discontinued. They are not rim thickness dependent. Very easy to set your primer depth to whatever you want . New they were only about $100.

I bought the APP, works the same way, but didnt do well with feeding. I modified the bottom piece to accept the hornady micrometer bullet seater, and could get very accurate seating depth with it. the lyman is just so much easier to use and just as accurate.

 

[KMW 1954]

Lee Auto Prime 2 Press Mounted Priming Tool

The Lee Auto Prime 2 Press Mounted Priming Tool is an essential tool to have for a more sensitive feel while seating primers safely, quickly and...

www.midwayusa.com

Been using one of these for years and will continue to.

 

[stavey]

I bought the APP, works the same way, but didnt do well with feeding. I modified the bottom piece to accept the hornady micrometer bullet seater, and could get very accurate seating depth with it. the lyman is just so much easier to use and just as accurate.

I use a 5/16” fine thread cap screw with a locknut. No issues with variations. That being said . The Lyman looks pretty slick. I’ll have to check one out

 

[PhilC]

Used the RCBS press priming system years ago, meh. Upgraded to Sinclair hand priming tool in early 90s and loved it, but, it's one at a time that doesn't work well for volume. Added a Bench Prime a few years ago and pleased with it, good seating feel, load the tube, rock & roll. Only complaint is the cheesy plastic fingers when loading primer tubes, Dillon are much better.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I really like the RCBS
Its quick, has a lot of leverage, and is a strong unit that doesnt break for a hand tool
I set a small bucket of brass in my lap and go to town as its a comfortable position that doesn't fatigue my back having to reach up to the bench repeatedly, twsist, grab brass, articulate etc.
After I prime one I drop it into a bucket on the floor between my knees.
everything is done right in my lap with my arms lowered and in a rest position.
Some of this loading for hours stuff helps to find methods to reduce any amount of body fatigue.
it works so well and quickly I dont even use the priming system in my Dillon 650
I pre-prime all my brass with the RCBS

I hear you but when I had to prime a bunch of Lapua SRP brass using Remington 71/2 SM primers, I had had enough of hand primers. But they are great if they work for you.