RCBS Hand Priming Tool

Product #: 329291
| Manufacturer #: 90200
Status: Available
   Should Ship Today
Quantity

Priming cases with a hand priming tool can save valuable time. The RCBS Hand Priming Tool features a patented safety mechanism which separates the seating operation from the primer supply - Virtually eliminating the possibility of tray detonation. Large and small primer plugs are included and the RCBS Hand Priming Tool can hold 100 primers in the primer tray eliminating down time refilling the tool. RCBS shell holders are compatible but are NOT INCLUDED.

Notes:

  • Safety glasses (not included) should be worn when using any priming tool

    For more information on the Hand Priming Tool, please click the link below to view the instructions:
    Instructions

    • Application Charts & Information

    Overall Rating:
    3.4 out of 5
    Used this Product?Rate It
    5 stars
    Ken Andersen of Ankeny, IA
    Date posted: 1/28/2008
    I just broke another Lee Auto Prime tool. :| To sum it all up, the RCBS is 5 times the tool at 2.5 times the price as the Lee. The only advantage to the Lee is the tray is slightly better. If your hands hurt when priming with the Lee, the RCBS is worth every penny. The RCBS is faster too. :-)
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    7 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    5 stars
    Thomas Little of Cedar City, UT
    Date posted: 12/1/2007
    I have one of these that I received as a Christmas gift seven or eight years ago. I have used it to prime many thousands of cases since. Have even used it for large Berdan rifle primers (had to shim apart the plastic halves with a couple sheets of paper). This device has been flawless. It will take Lee, Hornady, Lyman, RCBS and Redding shell holders. Anyone who cannot make a go of it with this device shouldn't be handloading. Handloading, in and of itself, is for those who are at least slightly mechanically inclined. If you are challenged by elementary problem solving and simple mechanical devices, don't buy this item.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    John Saffran of Burlington, WI
    Date posted: 11/12/2007
    It took a little while to get used to this product. You have to keep the green plastic hopper nearly vertical while using. Also you have to let the hand lever return all the way to the starting position. I occasionally shake the unit gently. I like the feel while it seats the primer. Overall I'm pleased with this product. I'm going to buy another one for my rifles.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Jim Sweet of Rush, CO
    Date posted: 2/13/2008
    Replaced the (child's toy quality) "Lee Auto Primer" with this RCBS, best move I could have made. Extremely pleased with the smooth performance and consistency of the RCBS. For my .223 Rem, it has consistently set primer depths to .009"-.010", I think most can live with those numbers. Comfortable and easy to set up. Some have complained about the pin falling out or the tray cover getting loose but I personally don't prime my cases up-side-down... just me. I highly recommend this tool.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Mike Pitts of Pensacola, Fl
    Date posted: 5/12/2006
    This is a great tool! I had used it for several years and thought I had lost it in Hurricane Ivan and would have to replace it. Luckily it survived. One thing I like about it is you can "feel" when the primer is properly seated.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    6 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    G S of El Segundo, CA
    Date posted: 5/24/2006
    This is a very well made tool. I have had no problems with jamming or feeding primers. Works very smooth A++
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    craig bennett of stillwater, ok
    Date posted: 2/26/2008
    I really like this hand held primer. The only problem I ran into with it is, that it doesn't like to use the Pre 1980 RCBS shell holders, but with a pocket knife that is easily fixed. The primer tool works very well and I would sugest it to all who need a primer tool. It is not hard on the hand or fingers like some of the lee hand priming tools that I have used in the past.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    5 stars
    Mario Ruiz of El Paso, tx
    Date posted: 1/15/2007
    Best priming tool for the money. Consistent, easy to use, saves tons of time!! Don't have to be mechanically inclined to assemble.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    6 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    larry wilson of cleveland, tx
    Date posted: 6/8/2007
    i have used one of these hand primeing tools for many years and as with all rcbs loading equipment no problems at all. a great product at a good price. my thanks to midway once again.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    2 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    John B of McKinney, TX
    Date posted: 5/8/2007
    Excellent tool. Had mine 6 months and primed over 1500 cases of all types. I was apprehensive at first, due to several poor reviews here, but never experienced any problems (yet). Large primers feed best, small primers sometimes require a jiggle of the priming tray to get them to feed, but I had never had any experiences like some of the 1 and 2 star reviewers described. I have used the Lee priming tool and consider the feel of this RCBS product to be superior. With the Lee, I never was quite sure if I had actually seated the primer or not. This tool is quite smooth and has a good feel when operating it. You can easily tell when the primer is seated. I encountered a single poor seating during my first batch of brass primed with this product, but after I got the hang of it, it has been great. Take care when changing shellholders to keep tension on the unit so that it does not slip. You will have to realign the internal parts. Highly recommended.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    5 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    bob williams of hawthorne, nv
    Date posted: 9/13/2007
    I have two of these one for large and small primers. I don't use many small primers but have no complaints on either tool. It takes just a little time to get used to, but I would not consider going back to any other priming method. If the primer rod pops out while you are changing shell holders it is no big deal to put it back. This is really a great tool.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    5 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    J H of SA, TX
    Date posted: 10/16/2006
    Well made, quality product. Easy to use. Way better than the Lee alternative. Don't skimp, buy RCBS.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    5 stars
    Rick Franklin of Gresham, OR
    Date posted: 10/21/2006
    Purchased one from Sportsman's Warehouse. My unit came with two of the same side plastic shell holder/primer feeds for the small primer option; not the opposite sides as required. I took it back to Sportsman's and all of the packages had the same problem (both in Bend and Portland). Open the box and make sure your selection has the proper plastic feeds. I have now obtained the right parts and the machine works exceptionally well. I hand prime my hunting loads (.300 win mag and up) on a single feed unit but may change to the current model. It will save me the issues involved in handling primers with my fingers. I bought this to prime Ruger 204 cases with the small rifle primer. My other single feed model would not do this. At least not with the parts that I have and certainly not as efficiently. After playing with the unit, I got it to work flawlessly. I am not required to touch the primers; I simply dump them into the pan and shake them upright. I also have a Hornady primer seater. It works well but, sorry Mr. Hornady, not as well as the RCBS model. The big difference is that the "on deck" primer in the Hornady model seems to want to catch on the piston. This requires one to shake this primer out of the way and to confirm there is only one primer in battery. I am not certain why this is not an issue in the RCBS model, but I have not experienced a catch or interference with the "on deck" primer. I hesitate to mention the downside of the Hornady model because (a) Hornady has always been quality stuff; and (b) I may not be using the right technique. In any case, Hornady will still get my bullet money for the 32 and 40 grain 20 caliber. Make sure you use the right end of the seating rod. One is flat and the other rounded. Using the rounded on to seat the primer is a very poor idea.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    11 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Steve Knaus of Rollinsville, CO
    Date posted: 9/28/2007
    Works very well. A lot faster than using the press to load primers. I am surprised at the reviews below, because mine works great with no issues at all. You can prime a lot of brass in a short amount of time with this tool. I highly recommend.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    3 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Brian Dudenbostel of Ellis Grove, IL
    Date posted: 8/19/2005
    I have had my RCBS primer tool for probably 10-12 now. I was just browsing the reviews here, and suprised at some of the 1 and 2 star ratings... I'm wondering if any of these people have ever really used the RCBS tool or if they are just employees of Lee Precision. My RCBS priming tool handles 100% of my priming chores, and I have had absolutely no problems with it. I used to shoot handgun silhouette competition, so you can be assured that my unit has seen a LOT of use. I agree with one of the other reviewers... If you can't operate this unit, you shouldn't be reloading unsupervised.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    40 found it helpful |
    9 did not
    5 stars
    ken h of pc, hi
    Date posted: 9/28/2005
    Very good tool. Have not had any problems with it. Easy to use
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    11 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    5 stars
    TIM LAUB of NEW RICHMOND, OH
    Date posted: 9/21/2009
    Simply put the Best and easiest, hand priming tool out there. Sorry about you one and two star guys, guess I got a good one.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Jon Nuckles of Green River, WY
    Date posted: 2/10/2007
    I have used this tool since the 1980's. I started with a Lee system but the RCBS product is by far a superior system for reliability. This is the system for quick, easy, setting of primers with confidence. I have been reloading since the 1970's and I have never had a primer detonation with this system.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    3 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    5 stars
    Robert Cooley of Apache junction, AZ
    Date posted: 8/18/2005
    Of all the different ways to seat primers, this is my "go to" tool. Forget the RAM prime or primer tube options. Just detach the primer tray and place the green portion upside down over your primer box, then invert them together. No muss, no fuss. Shake to get all primers anvil side up, then put on the clear cover. Watch for primers at the center of the tray, for these may be inverted when putting on the cover. The cover contains a support post at the center, and this post may invert a nearby primer. Once the lid is on firmly, the primers cannot invert or turn on their sides. My tray & cover is a nice, tight fit on the tool. If you look at the picture, you see the open side of the shellholder facing away from the tray. This is incorrect. Turn the shellholder 180 degrees so that the open part of the shellholder is facing the tray. Now, when you tilt the tool to the left to let gravity feed the primers into the tool, the case is supported. This makes for true one-handed operation. Just point the case away from your face and squeeze the handles. The directon of the shellholder opening has nothing to do with preventing or minimizing primer detonation effects. The only problems I have experienced with this tool is when I have it apart to change shellholders. If the tool opens too far, it is difficult to get the piston aligned with the push rod. Often, when I open a new box of 100 primers for the first time, there are one or more anvil side up. I missed one of these and seated a primer upside down. With slow and steady pressure from a decapping die, I was able to remove the primer without incident. Also, you can turn the clear cover on the tray counter-clockwise to close the primer feed path. You can then remove the tray and store it with primers in it, if desired. You could purchase extra trays and label them as to large/small rifle/pistol if desired. I have not experienced any of the problems that other reviewers mentioned. My tray has NEVER fallen out of the tool, and the tray lid has NEVER came off accidently. I like to sit in my easy chair in the living room and prime cases while watching TV. I was able to prime 400 cases one evening and except for the one inverted primer (my fault), had no problems. This is a great tool, and it's built to last. Plus, RCBS stands behind it.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    124 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Vincent Phillips of Des Moines, IA
    Date posted: 12/24/2009
    I purchased this product to replace a Lee Auto-Prime that would not consistently seat the primers below the surface. The RCBS works wonderfully! It ALWAYS seats the primers below the surface to within .002 of each other. I've tried it on 3 different primers and it works great on all 3. Yes, my hand gets a bit sore after priming 50 cases but so what! I'll take that with consistently and quickly installed primers over the Lee any day.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    DAVID PORTERFIELD of LE MARS, IA
    Date posted: 8/17/2009
    Does a very good job lost the small primer parts called RCBS to buy one they told me not to worry about it they would just send one great company
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Daniel Espinosa of Lorena, TX
    Date posted: 1/18/2006
    I got one of these for Christmas. I have been using a Lee for many years but it always hurts my hand and thumb after only a couple hundred primers so I decide to try the RCBS. So far I LOVE it! Much smoother and faster than the Lee. Takes less force. Also with the full hand grip it doesn't hurt me much at all. I primed 975 45 ACP cases in two nights without much pain, and good seating of all primers. The feel is much better than the Lee. You do have to be careful when changing the feeder so that it doesn't fly apart. And you do have to watch that the rod doesn't fall out and get lost. Two minor problems. I would recommend this tool over the Lee, to anybody that wants a quality easy to use primer.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    20 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Ken Hudak of Marietta, GA
    Date posted: 4/26/2006
    I have been using this RCBS Hand Priming Tool for a couple years now. I had previously used a Lee Auto Prime exclusively since my press does not have any provision for priming. This tool took a bit of getting used to, but after about 500 rounds, I was very comfortable with it. The only complaint I have is that the handle, being die cast aluminum, had a very rough surface area at the die parting line. I actually got blisters on the web of my hand from using it. I thought about sending it back to RCBS, but decided to try and fix it myself. I used a mill file first and then some emery paper to smooth out the rough areas. This worked great! No more blisters. I can now do several hundred handgun cases at a sitting and not get sore thumbs or fingers. Give this a try!
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    22 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    5 stars
    Robert E Key of Wadley, AL
    Date posted: 1/8/2006
    In my opinion, this is the best priming tool around. I started out with one that I was using for large rifle primers and it worked great. I purchased another one for small rifle primers and it also worked great. Thanks RCBS.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    6 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    5 stars
    Charles Sala of Pittsburgh, PA
    Date posted: 5/27/2008
    The negative comments concerning the spring jumping out etc when converting the set up between large and small size primers are true but the device is a pleasure to use. The easiest and most full proof priming device I have ever used.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    6 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    5 stars
    Devon K. of Lawrence, Ks
    Date posted: 5/5/2009
    I've had this tool since the early 90's. I've never had a problem with it and have primed literally thousands of cases with it. None of the parts have ever bent, broken, or fallen out. If it ever needs to be replaced, I will replace it with another RCBS hand priming tool.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    Michael chaecher of Willow Springs, NC
    Date posted: 2/3/2010
    This is a great Hand Primer. I went from the Hornady primer which would always flip primers and double stack them. TO this and have not had a major problem yet. The only thing I have noticed and the reason I took one star was as my primer doesn’t return to the start position with out pushing it with my finger to drop the next primer.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    David Ambrose of poway, CA
    Date posted: 12/29/2005
    There's a lot to like about this tool, but RCBS needs to address some major shortcomongs. I'm giving this unit four stars because of its performance on small primers. Large primers feed well, seat well, and haven't given me any problems. I used to use the Lee hand priming tool, and I like the RCBS tool's better mechanical advantage, and ergonomic grip. Small primers are a problem though. They jam in the tray throat and at the priming anvil. All the shaking required to get the primers to feed properly wiggles the tray loose, though I didn't try the rubber band idea. It's vital that your shellholder sit flat on the plastic anvil guide. It's also difficult to get the link seated to the plunger when you let the handle get away from you. Overall, this is a nice tool but I'm switching back to my Lee hand priming tool for small primers.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    8 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    Chip Griffin of Denton, TX
    Date posted: 8/9/2005
    This is a well made unit that works well. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that the small primer rod was too long and dented the primers if pushed too hard. It is easy to feel when the primer is seated and stop squeezing the handle, or file the rod down. Here are simple fixes for some of the other complaints. The safety gate assembly will catch on the plastic primer feed, IF IT IS BENT. The primer rod will stick IF IT IS DIRTY. Both of these can also cause primer feed problems. In short, take care of the unit. It is made to last a very long time IF IT IS NOT ABUSED. Keeping the primer pocket clean will keep the rod from getting dirty and stuck.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    5 found it helpful |
    4 did not
    4 stars
    Nick Van of West Coast, CA
    Date posted: 1/17/2007
    Works for me. Just like everything in reloading, you have to fiddle with it on occasion....
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    4 stars
    Dave Dennis of Indianapolis, IN
    Date posted: 6/26/2009
    Overall works pretty well for me. The primers don't always feed nicely but a little shaking gets them in place. The older shellholders can be used if you open up the taper underneath them.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    John Benfield of Williamston, SC
    Date posted: 7/15/2008
    None of these things are great, but I remember when I had to use the press only to prime everything !! For the price, this is good. One is not forced to buy Auto-Prime shellholders. I have 4-Large and small pistol, and large and small rifle. John
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    Arthur Reynolds of Lexington, KY
    Date posted: 10/15/2009
    Like a lot of the other guys posting here, I used the Lee autoprime tool before getting my RCBS. The lee was a real thumb-buster to use, and this tool gets away from that. The only problem I've had is using the older RCBS shell holders. The chamfer of the base being wrong. THIS MAY BE FIXED by taking a Dremel and stone and porting the old shell holder's base slightly.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    John Morris of San Jose, CA
    Date posted: 5/9/2007
    Many of the poor review comments are correct.. This tool is NOT for the clumsy or impatient.. It's true the old shell holders won't fit -- BUT RCBS REPLACED 3 of my 35 year old shell holders for FREE. Changing shell holders or primer size from small to large - does involve a juggling act with too many loose parts for the impatient or clumsy.. BUT - Once you LEARN the technique to set up and use - this tool is a DREAM. I love it, and have never had a detonation or ruined primer.. The feel is excellent. I used the tool enough to break the sheet metal barrier bar, but RCBS replaced it for FREE as usual with RCBS. This design could improve - but I'm not smart enough to tell RCBS, how! Folks having problems with using any RCBS tool should call or email the Reloading Experts at RCBS for IMMEDIATE and generous assistance.. It is their after sale support that made RCBS the success they've become.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    3 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    4 stars
    Ray Duncan of Knoxville, TN
    Date posted: 5/20/2008
    I am pleased with the overall performance of the product. It is a good value and it works with the shell holders from the RCBS press.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    3 stars
    Bruce H of Issaquah, WA
    Date posted: 12/12/2009
    First, this product does work. And it works pretty good. Gives good feel for seating primers and may be safer than press mounted devices. BUT. The tray lid easily gets loose and the primers go flying. Fix that with a couple of metal leaf paper clips. The seating rod will fall out easily. Changing shell plates is a chore, but that’s OK.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    3 stars
    Scott Keller of Beaver dam, WI
    Date posted: 1/10/2009
    I just purchased this tool to replace one that was 5 years old. I would give the old one 5 stars but the new one just is not the same quality. The plastic parts fit loosely and the safety bar is a cheesy bent piece of metal compared to the old one that had nice machined parts. I have also had problems with CCI armory primers not seating all the way. This tool beats everything else I have tried for off press priming. On the press the Lee press mounted auto prime is awesome.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    3 stars
    Eric Dougas of Sparta, MO
    Date posted: 9/18/2008
    Used this one for the first time on small pistol primers. What I ran into was the primers not feeding smoothly, or not entering the chamber at all. Some surgery with a pocket knife smoothed things a bit, but I noticed the safety feature has to snap back fully to make sure the chamber is fully opened, or your primer stops halfway in. I purchased this because I had used a borrowed Lee for a while and got tired of a sore thumb. With this one, I found myself using my thumb a lot--the handle and safety feature seem to hang quite a bit. Maybe with some use it will smooth out. It still beats priming on the press, though. I'm hoping the more I get used to it, the more I'll like it.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    3 stars
    Brian DeLong of Canal Winchester, OH
    Date posted: 2/4/2007
    I've been reloading for about 18 years and I had a Lee hand priming tool that I started with that had seen better days. Based on my very good experiences with RCBS customer service I thought I'd give their priming tool a try. The Lee by far is easier to use and more reliable. The only time I ever had a detonation while seating a primer was with the RCBS. Don't get me wrong RCBS is a class act but they need to work on this one. I do not work for Lee or any other reloading manufacturer by the way.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    3 stars
    Bill Warton of Oakland, CA
    Date posted: 8/6/2007
    Have used mine for about 5 years. Works great for large pistol, small pistol tends to jam. Rod tends to be misaligned and this prevents primer from pushing up. Assembly can be challenging, but after a few dozen times it's ok. Linkage alignment on reassembly was a pain till I realized I could take a wire and pull the linkage arm back and it's in. Little oil on parts smoothes it up a lot. Been thinking about putting a little chamfer on plastic hole where rod goes through to improve alignment. Was first hand primer so have no opinion on others, but beats setting up press.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    3 stars
    ROBERT GRIMM of NEWBURGH, IN
    Date posted: 1/20/2010
    The lid doesn't want to stay on the tray. Have spilled the primers several times.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    2 stars
    bob weatherly of thomasville, al
    Date posted: 6/8/2003
    not easy to use- hangs up. Plastic sleeve gets damaged easily.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    27 found it helpful |
    12 did not
    2 stars
    Lee Miller of Shawnee mission, KS
    Date posted: 1/27/2004
    The only thing that keeps it from getting a one is the safety factor built in with primer block. Very slow to change over. Lid keeps coming off. Lee is the best I have used so far.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    108 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    2 stars
    Kevin R of Annapolis, MD
    Date posted: 3/19/2005
    In theory, this priming tool is a great concept. There is a barrier that separates the primer being loaded from the other primers in the tray. This should prevent a chain detonation if a misaligned primer is crushed during insertion into the primer pocket. It also is designed to use the shell holders from your press so the you don't have to purchase holders specific to the priming tool. The unfortunate reality is, that to slide the shell holder in or out of the tool you have to remove the metal barrier bar. Then you pull out one of the plastic housings made for either a small or large primer. The pieces are color coded, but split in half. They have a tendency to separate and fall to the floor every time you extract them. The other problem is the piston that forces the primer up. There are two of them, a large and small one for each primer type. You just drop them down into the handle. If you tip the tool over as I do so I can place it over a sleeve of primers so that I can turn the tool and tray over at the same time so the primers drop open end up into the tray, the piston falls out. The piston has one flat end and a rounded one. They warn in the instructions that if you insert it with the round end up, it may detonate the primer. When you're picking it up all the time, you may just drop it back in with the round end up! I was really hopeful that this tool would work well, as I like the "feel" of a hand priming tool. But in all honesty I dread ever time I have to fiddle with it.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    177 found it helpful |
    4 did not
    2 stars
    NATHAN STRAIT of LEXINGTON, IL
    Date posted: 1/13/2010
    ok I guess but the rod that seats the primer falls out if you turn the thing upside down and the tray cover is always falling off, I will stick with the lee auto primes
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    0 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    2 stars
    Shane Scott of Copperas Cove, TX
    Date posted: 5/12/2006
    I used one for a year with mixed results. Sometimes it worked okay, sometimes it didn't. The priming rod was too loose, causing the primer to often be pushed more on one side. The difficult operation of the tool caused me to easily crush primers. I sent it back to RCBS and they exchanged it for another product.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    6 did not
    2 stars
    Anthony Ustica of Dayton, Nv
    Date posted: 10/21/2006
    After wearing out two Lee Auto Prime tools, I thought I'd try a RCBS hand priming tool. Usually, RCBS stuff is well made and engineered. Not this time. This unit would not reliably accept my older RCBS shell holders and I had trouble changing from small to large primer sizes. Add to that, the primer rod being loose and falling out all the time. Looks like I need to go back to the Lee Auto Prime. The Lee's cost less as well.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    14 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    2 stars
    L.R. Wilson of Midland, TX
    Date posted: 8/23/2006
    The only positive thing I can say about this tool is that it has excellent "feel" when seating primers. I've never been able to get the primer tray to actually feed a primer due to shoddy workmanship in all plastic parts. I use it now to seat primers one at a time. Even then, the linkage jams quite often, necessitating partial disassembly of the tool. Surely there is a better way to prime my cases!
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    9 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    1 stars
    Mike Hale of SLC, UT
    Date posted: 5/9/2007
    I have many rcbs products, and have had good performance from them all. that's why I was so disapointed in this product. The plastic parts don't fit together. They are rough and have to be sanded before they can be used. The feed could be designed better. The top to the primer holder doesn't stay in place. In short, spend you money on another brand.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    1 stars
    michael hughes of conroe, tx
    Date posted: 6/30/2005
    primer tray will fall out spilling primers all over, the primer seating punch does not fall back down all the time to allow for another primer to be ready. maybe this is why they went to strips?
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    115 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    1 stars
    Terry Evans of Fort Lewis, WA
    Date posted: 3/24/2005
    Might as well have the single primer seater. The two piece plastic inserts don't fit right even with RCBS shellholder I bought because all the other reviews said it was a good idea. Had to shave and file everything just to get it to go together. Primer safety arm drags on plastic insert requiring pressure to raise and lower piston, Tray is flimsy and barely stays in plastic insert. Primers barely feed from tray. The only reason it gets a 1 is because it has infinitely better feel than using the press seater. Only use it now one primer at a time.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    138 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    1 stars
    S. Davis of Galesburg, Il
    Date posted: 2/6/2007
    Do not buy this item if your RCBS shellholders are older models, because they will not fit into the plastic primer feed. I only learned this from RCBS Tech Assistance after the purchase and return of the item. Also, changing the primer feed and shellholder is extremely awkward. Buyer beware!
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    2 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    1 stars
    Brian O'Connor of Grants Pass, OR
    Date posted: 2/17/2007
    I've never written a review of anything before, but I just have to have my say. I had to replace my old style RCBS hand primer -- the one that used the standard RockChucker plug, sleeve and spring -- because its handle broke. I didn't mind inserting the primers one at a time, I loved its feel and wanted nothing more than its twin. When I couldn't find one, I decided on this one, even after I'd read the negative reviews of it. I'm a pretty patient guy, and I figured I'd just work around all the problems that other reviewers have mentioned. But this has been a really frustrating tool. Things do drop on the floor, especially the rod that seats the primer. But what really frustrates me is what happens when you try to change shellholder sizes. After the barrier bar is removed, and you've opened the handle too far (which I found hard not to do -- I only have two hands), a spring and a plunger thing (different from the seating rod) can drop out. Trying to reassemble the thing was frustrating in the extreme, especially trying to fit a little hinge joint back together in the tool, and then reinserting the barrier bar in its slot. I'd almost get it, then fail. And I did that repeatedly. I now dread having to replace shell holders, and there's no way I'm willing to buy two more just so that each case size has it's own complete tool. I don't think the feel of this tool is as good as the previous model, and I liked being able to adjust its sprung/sleeve/plunger to just the feel I liked. Unlike some of the reviewers, I don't have a big problem with the primer holder, or having to tilt the tool to slide primers into place before seating them. But, like another reviewer said, the rod that seats the primers does have a flat and a rounded end, and RCBS says it's dangerous if you try to seat the primer with the rounded end rather than the flat one. You can identify the different ends, but the difference is rather subtle and RCBS should have marked on the rod which was which. I'm not sure what I'm going to do . . . I guess I'll work with this for awhile and if I get frustrated enough, I'll just take it to the range, place it at 200 yards, and see if I can't take it out with a FailSafe. Then I'd try something else.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    45 found it helpful |
    4 did not
    1 stars
    mark mckenna of walnut creek, ca
    Date posted: 11/18/2004
    If you like to spend your time looking for springs and parts that jump out from poorly designed equipment this tool is for you. From the time you discover the nylon primer feed is too big to allow RCBS shell holder to fit, till poorly fitting primer tray cover allows primers to invert and misfeed, till entire tray falls off spilling primers everywhere, double feeds jams, etc. I've been reloading for 28 years and this tool is a hazard.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    161 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    1 stars
    Peter Bird of Hillsboro, OR
    Date posted: 5/12/2004
    Purchased this hand held priming tool, as the Lee Auto-prime lever bent twice, and I was fed up with the cheap zinc lever. The RCBS seems well made, but in reality its a poor design. Yea, it uses the std RCBS shellholders, instead of the Lee shellholders, but big deal. To feed the primers into the area where the shellholders are, you must tip the Priming tool up in the direction that raises the primer tray. This causes the case you've just put into the shellholder to fall out, unless you hold the brass with your hand, or immediately start squeezing the lever before you start tipping the RCBS Priming tool. Both actions are counter productive. First, who wants to hold the case and start squeezing the lever and putting pressure on the primer with your fingers right there, and second, you have to use gravity to feed the primers, so one way or the other, you have to tip the tool tray up. So, tip the tray up, insert empty brass, and either hold the case as you squeeze, or lever the case, remove your hand, and start squeezing, and repeat. What a pain in the hand. I suppose, after awhile you would get very adept at the rotation, squeeze, release, etc.. maneuver, but WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE TO? Lee's design is perfect, though very poorly executed with sub-standard quality materials. I also noticed that alot of the primers that I put in with the RCBS hand priming tool are slightly flatted, and this should not be. I've never had a pre-flatted primer with the Lee. RCBS you really fell on your face on this one. My recommendation is, Get the Lee, buy a couple of extra levers for the $1.98 each, keep it lubed correctly, and try not to squeeze it too hard. The Lee is just head and shoulders above the RCBS in easy of use, feel, and being a well thought out priming tool.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    144 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    1 stars
    Johnny Katt of Tinkertown, AK
    Date posted: 11/15/2006
    First RCBS product I don't like too. Jams! Gate bent! Shell holders go in real tight. Feels left handed but it will only fit in the right.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    30 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    1 stars
    R Hopkins of Marionville, MO
    Date posted: 7/30/2006
    First off I am not a fan of Lee Auto Prime either. The RCBS hand priming tool was to replace a 70's vintage Lee, but it is the most aggravating piece of reloading equipment I have. After discovering my 70's vintage RCBS shell holders would not fit due to the chamfer on the bottom being more narrow than current shell holders and fighting the ram after it falls away from the plunger each time you change a shell holder I am still looking for a good tray fed hand priming tool.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    7 found it helpful |
    3 did not
    1 stars
    George Miller of Grass Valley, CA
    Date posted: 3/30/2008
    Owned this tool for years, become very familiar with it having primed just about everything available to the typical handloader and I'm still not happy with its operation so I'm looking for something else now. It requires a fair amount of disassembly to change shell holders telling me it's a considerably less than ideal configuration. The "feel" is mediocre, at best. The large primers (rifle and pistol) don't present any problems but the smaller primers seldom seat satisfactorily, ending up with marks being left from the seating rod. I have punched many, many small primers in both rifle and pistol cases and it's always the same, about 50% of the seated primers are marked. I have used less force but that only left an unseated primer. As stated by a previous user, the seating rods will fall out if the tool is turned over too far. The small primers also have a problem feeding correctly. Poor general design and, in my opinion, those interested in a priming tool such as this should look elsewhere. RCBS should be ashamed.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    1 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    1 stars
    Larry Leesch of San Antonio, Tx
    Date posted: 5/18/2006
    I find it hard to believe RCBS put their name on this tool. First, the plastic cartridge that holds the shell holder in the tool is in 2 pieces, you have to hold them together and put the shell holder on it, then slide it in the tool......while you are holding the spring loaded handle otherwise the entire thing falls apart and then you have to realign all the handle, piston and spring and put it back together so you can start over. Now comes the best part, do you have old shell holders? Well, they don't fit as the chamfer at the bottom of the shell holder isn't large enough to accommodate the plastic cartridge and have enough clearance to go into the tool. RCBS will cheerfully replace the shell holder at no cost to you providing you have the time to wait because you send yours in and they send new ones back, in that order. I would strongly suggest the Lee Auto Prime. You have to buy the shell holders but it is a much better piece of equipment and far easier to use.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    23 found it helpful |
    1 did not
    1 stars
    Tom Liddle of Imperial, MO
    Date posted: 1/2/2006
    I bought this tool to replace a Lee Auto-Prime and it's the only RCBS branded item I've ever been dissatisfied with. It frequently jams and feeds primers sideways. The primer tray is not integral with the tool and it will slowly work its way out of position, causing a jam. The tray lid is not firmly held in place at the edges, like the Lee tool and, if it lifts out of position, primers can be fed into the tool sideways. The knurled screw holding the safety gate in place can loosen and allow the tool handle to move beyond its intended range of motion and jam there. RCBS admits to having designed a certain amount of "inconvenience" into the tool in order to insure that it is used as intended, and I judge that they were wildly successful in that regard. My Lee Auto-Prime is coming back out of retirement.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    37 found it helpful |
    4 did not
    1 stars
    Ted Kuracz of Windsor Locks, CT
    Date posted: 9/28/2007
    It works ok with large pistol primers, but small pistol primers require a bit of Kentucky Windage. Small rifle primers require even more finesse than small pistol primers. (The primers don't line up reliably with the pocket). I have been using this tool for a few years now, and I just don't have the patience anymore. I am ordering the cheap Lee equivalent like the one I used before I bought this one. The Lee has its issues too, but it aligns the primer with the pocket much better. My press, dies, powder scale and powder measure are all RCBS - EXCELLENT STUFF!! But this tool is another story.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    4 found it helpful |
    2 did not
    1 stars
    bill wheeler of tampa, fl
    Date posted: 9/29/2007
    I read the mixed reviews and tried one anyway. I returned it. The primer tray lid doesn't clip on. Several times while using the tool, the lid looked like it was getting loose and might come off and spill primers every where. I lubed the internal parts like the directions said to and the tool didn't stay functioning smoothly. I don't like the way you have to change shell holders. The priming ram falls out if the tool is tipped and you have to be careful which end of the ram is up because the rounded end might detonate primers. In use the tool is quite clacky, I would say clunky but the noise it makes when the primers don't quite feed right is more of a clack. I tried to like it, but it's a bad design that shouldn't have been released. I have used the Lee tool as far back as the '70s and it is far superior. The only downside is you are only supposed to put 20 large primers in the tray at a time. This is only a minor inconvenience for safety. I just found this out. I guess I was in danger of detonating some primers all the times I used it in the 70's and 80's priming thousands and thousands of rounds.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    3 found it helpful |
    4 did not
    1 stars
    William Clontz of Athens, TN
    Date posted: 9/26/2006
    The only piece of RCBS equipment I've been unhappy with. It has never fed primers large or small. The plastic inserts have to be hammered in and out even it there isn't a shell holder installed. I've never used a Lee Auto Prime, but I'm ready to throw this thing away.
    Was this review helpful?
    Yes |
    23 found it helpful |
    0 did not
    Have a question? Visit GunTec Dictionary Need a gunsmith? Visit Gunsmith Locator
    NOTE: Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
    We reserve the right to correct typographic, photographic and/or descriptive errors.
    WEBSRVR13