Lee Priming Tool

[pccraig]

I use the Lee hand priming tool, but I just can't seem to find a safe, comfortable way to hold it.

Does anyone else experience "ergonomic" issues with the Lee ?

Are there any other tools that "feel" differentlly ?

 

[Black_Talon]

Take a look at the RCBS and the new Hornady tool.

 

[kennedy]

I love mine, use your fingers to pull the handle.

 

[GSDFAN]

Lee Pimer

I don't know if I can convey how I hold the primer tool and I'm to lazy to go downstairs to the reloading room and take a picture. The best way I can describe it is: hold tool horizontally with lever on top
grasp right hand (or left) with thumb parallel with lever and fingers wrapped around.....ah heck this isn't working out, I'll go take a picture. I fully agree with you, there is no good way to hold this thing!

I no longer use the hand primer if I'm using my turret press. If your situation allows, try adding the Auto Prime or Safety Prime attachment depending on which press you have. This sure does speed things up and avoids the pesky hand cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome!

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Had the lee, didn't like it because my thumb would get numb.

Switched to the RCBS universal hand primer (square tray). Works much better with whole hand. Just better designed & build all the way around.

Just got a second one so I can keep one set up for large, the other for small primers.

Andy

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I hold mine just like the pick in GSDFANs post. Never had any thumb fatigue problems.

 

[flynlr]

i don't really think about it. i just squeeze away . usually while watching TV
I have primed around 30k rounds this way its more of a feel thing for me.

 

[paperpuncher49]

I have two of them, one set up for small primers and the other for large. I agree it is not the most ergonomic......I push with my thumb. I like the RCBS old style (round tray, non-universal) better but it is a real pain to change shell holders. Had a couple of RCBS universal (square tray) but there is a design flaw in that there is a small gap between the head and the pins which hold the spring which apply pressure to the jaws of the shell holder and the springs kept popping off of both of them. I have come to the conclusion that the perfect hand priming tool remains to be made. Lee, although I really avoid their products, is on the right track. If they would only use stronger materials and reshape the body and lever theirs would probably be close to perfect. My opinion, anyway.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Agreed, hear hear!

Paper Puncher 49--You said

I have come to the conclusion that the perfect hand priming tool remains to be made. Lee...is on the right track. If they would only use stronger materials and reshape the body and lever theirs would probably be close to perfect.

(Emphasis added.)

Agree with you completely!!! Have broken the shellholder rim on one Lee Auto-Prime, and the thumb lever on another. (Blankety blank pot metal!! :banghead: ) The saving grace is that Lee replaced both broken parts quickly and with no argument--there's no moss on their customer service! I continue to use my Auto-Primes (I also have 2, one for small and one for large primers) and expect them to be in use until someone comes up with something markedly better.

 

[moxie]

Agree with comments above. I have 2, one for large and one for small primers. I push with my thumb which hurts a bit if I'm doing a big campaign. Yes, sometimes the "white metal" parts break but Lee replaces them no problem, and in the last few years the parts seem better. I've got an RCBS too but, in my opinion, nothing beats the "feel" of the Lee. Have to be careful not to get 2 primers in battery. That's a mess. And yes, I find doing priming in front of the TV is the way to go.

 

[ForneyRider]

Yea, it is a bit uncomfortable. However, it is easy to use, easy to setup and gives great feedback when seating the primers. I can prime 50 cases in a couple minutes. I do 50 at a time to keep from cramping.

I use the primer on the Pro 1000 press for the pistol.

I use the hand primer for rifle.

Not sure I like the Lee prime on press setup where you are pushing the little plastic thing in.

I watched the video on the Dillon 550 on youtube. I think I like the Lee setup better.

Nice to have so many options. If I wanted, I could take the dies out of the Pro 1000 and prime the rifle cases on there. That would be fast.