Cartridge stuck in RCBS bench priming tool

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gifbohane

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When I am priming 9mm perhaps 3 out of a hundred primers get stuck sideways or unevenly in the primer pocket. At this point the new primer is wedged between the shell holder and the tool and I cannot remove the cartridge from RCBS tool, it is stuck there. I cannot find a way to remove them without just muscleing the both the shell holder and the cartridge out of the tool which destroys the case. I try ramming the primer into the pocket with the tool by rotating it and re-pressing it up into the pocket. Nothing.

Anyone have this problem ..a solution?
 
I have had that happen before.... I used a punch that fits through the flash hole, and gently pushed it back out.
It was a little nervewracking, but it didnt take much force, and all went well
 
An occasional one is understandable, but 3 out a 100 on a regular basis would indicate to me either operator error or tool malfunction. Mine uses the APS strips and I’ve not had the problem you have. I’d call RCBS and see if their techs have any suggestions.
 
on my hand held RCBS primer tool, if the trays lid isnt 100% tight, the occasional primer will slip through sideways, or even upside down.
Just keep an eye on it.

watch the primer, confirm it's true, then insert the brass.
 
The tube fed RCBS bench mounted priming tool should have come with two primer rams, one for small primers and one for large primers. Make sure you are using the correct one.

Also, I think there are two size primer tubes as well but I do not use a tube fed priming system so it has been a while since I look at them.

The RCBS bench mounted priming tool that uses the APS strips has plastic sleeves that fit inside the shell holder hole to reduce the size of the hole. It helps guide the primer up into the primer pocket.

With my APS strip priming tool, I raise the primer to just below the base of the shell holder before I put the case in the shell holder. I can see if the primer has been turned before trying to seat it. Once you get your timing down, it does not take any more time than putting the case in the shell holder at the bottom of the stroke.
 
I have the same bench primer.

When I have had issues (very seldom) it's been caused by the primer ram coming unscrewed a little bit. As it unscrews the ram height increases. I also added a rubber band to augment the spring that returns the primer arm to the rest position. I found it keeps my from "bumping" it when moving the arm forward to drop a primer.
 
If your priming tool uses the replaceable shell holders, then you need a new shell holder. Originally I think some shell holder brands were cut on the loose side to accommodate both 40 & 9.
 
I have the same bench primer.

When I have had issues (very seldom) it's been caused by the primer ram coming unscrewed a little bit. As it unscrews the ram height increases. I also added a rubber band to augment the spring that returns the primer arm to the rest position. I found it keeps my from "bumping" it when moving the arm forward to drop a primer.


+1 l put blue loctite on mine. Problem solved. I also use a rubber band to stop the tube bouncing, never caused a problem, just irritating. I really like my bench primer.
 
If your priming tool uses the replaceable shell holders, then you need a new shell holder. Originally I think some shell holder brands were cut on the loose side to accommodate both 40 & 9.
Wobbly - My RCBS bench mounted primer uses the RCBS shellholder for the RCBS press (9MM)
 
If your priming tool uses the replaceable shell holders, then you need a new shell holder. Originally I think some shell holder brands were cut on the loose side to accommodate both 40 & 9.

I got the same bench primer. It uses "universal" shell holders. That is, the shell holders from Lee, RCBS, Lyman and a couple of others will all fit. The only problem is that each manufacturer uses their own numbering system. That's why good reloading manuals have a "Shell Holder Cross Reference" table.

So if your RCBS shell holder is giving you trouble, try one from another maker. It may fit tighter around the shell and do a better job of holding it in place.

Here's an on-line cross reference chart.
 
Last edited:
gifbohane said:
Anyone have this problem ..a solution?

I don't really see how you managed to do what you've done … and three times every hundred. I've had an RCBS automatic bench priming tool for more than 10 years and have never had any issues with it other than the rubber handle cover wearing out due to use i.e. thousands upon thousands of primers run through it. I bought a piece of heavy duty heat shrink tubing with the glue inside and made a new cover for the handle which works great. I love that priming tool. I use the lock out rod from my Dillon 550 in the primer tube and the extra mass slows down the velocity of the primer tube considerably so it's not banging around. I used to use a rubber band but the rod works better for me. I hope you find a permanent solution to this issue.
 
MEH---Thank you!

MXI- My long rod with the handle that presses the ram up to seat the primer has 3/8 of and inch or more of sideways slop. It is loose. I have tried driving the big nut that holds the handle further in, but it will not move to tighten. I have tried putting a washer under the nut and nothing has improved. I am not even sure that this is the source of my problem. The RCBS units that I see on the internet to not confirm or deny that they have this slop in them. I have been procrastinating videoing the action and sending it to RCBS for advice. Going to do it tomorrow?
 
The main handle on my unit has very little play at the large pivot bolt but the extension that pushes the seater up and cams the primer tube moves left to right about .100". The end of the handle moves left to right about 1/2". Is this what you're talking about?
 
My long rod with the handle that presses the ram up to seat the
primer has 3/8 of and inch or more of sideways slop. It is loose.
That's normal. Not-to-worry.

The other thing that causes fits is:
(A) Using the large primer rod with small primers.
(B) Loose plug in the rod (See below:
Note Step-1 is only if the rod/shellholder/case are stuck together.
Step-2 is normally all it takes )

RCBSAuto-Primer.jpg
 
MXI Exactly! The play on the handle is how you described it and I am gathering that that is OK.

MEH - I suspect that I have item "A" and I do not use the "large" rod. I dug out what I thought might be it but I am having a hard time differentiating the large and the small rod. They both measure the same and I know that I bought a second rod. Any thoughts on how I can see if I have the wrong rod?

I am very grateful for the help that I am getting from you guys>
 
Referring to the photo below, there are two primer tube sizes and two primer rod sizes. The I.D. of the large primer tube is .219" and the I.D. of the small primer tube is .187". The O.D. of the large primer rod is .209" and the O.D. of the small primer rod is .177".

primer_tube_rod.jpg
 
Every now and then, for a variety of reasons, I will push the lever down when there isn't a primer loaded. This causes the plug to get jammed into the unprimed primer pocket.

I keep an extra decapping pin around, that and a small hammer to push the plug out of the primer pocket.
 
Every now and then, for a variety of reasons, I will push the lever down when there isn't a primer loaded. This causes the plug to get jammed into the unprimed primer pocket.

I keep an extra decapping pin around, that and a small hammer to push the plug out of the primer pocket.

Ive done that too. Very annoying :)
 
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