Using the RCBS Universal Hand Priming tool leaves depressions in primers.

[Jim K III]

Whether using the small or large primer seating plug, I notice that shallow depressions are left in the primers when I use the Universal Hand Priming tool.

Universal Hand Priming Tool | RCBS

Buy Universal Hand Priming Tool at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

I've noticed this while installing primers in 30-06, 9mm, and now some 38-Special cases. I end up using the primer tool on a Rock Chucker single-stage to install the primers.

See the photo:

The top two cases' primers were installed using the primer tool on the Rock Chucker.
The bottom two cases were primed using the RCBS Universal Hand Priming tool. Notice the slight circular depressions. I'm using the small primer seating plug for the 38-Specials.

It's like the seating plug isn't centered on the primer when it pushes it in - although the setup is such that there isn't any slop in the seating plug and the guide. Or, it looks like the case bottom isn't seating all the way into the tool shell holder, yet I've checked that and all seems well.

Functionally and safety-wise, are the depressions a problem? They seem to be only .0001-.0002" deep - not very much at all.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

Tolerances stacking up. They'll be fine to shoot. Also looks like you may be squeezing way too hard.

 

[sparkyv]

I see nothing of concern. Send 'em.

 

[Jim K III]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[bigpower491]

Make sure the flatside of the puch is facing up

 

[IWAC]

I have used the RCBS and Lee hand priming tools for years...never a problem...yet!

 

[doubleh]

I started with Lee. The cartridge holders became unavailabe so I now keep two RCBS models hanging above my bench. I have never had a dented primer with any of them. You might be squeezing too hard,

 

[Another_Kelley]

Another thing to check, if you let debris/lube and or grits build up against the inner side walls of the shell holder, where the rim sits, it won't allow the punch to center on the case's pocket, and you'll get very similar half-moon shaped stamps to the ones you have pictured.

 

[Walkalong]

Once my old RCBS hand primer got a lot of miles on it, the small seater punch started doing the same thing, irritates me, but they all go bang.

 

[hdwhit]

I've used an original RCBS priming tool since 1979. It dents every primer like that. None of those primers has failed me.

 

[Bronco72]

I agree with that maybe your squeezing to hard !

 

[Blue68f100]

Whether using the small or large primer seating plug, I notice that shallow depressions are left in the primers when I use the Universal Hand Priming tool.

Universal Hand Priming Tool | RCBS

Buy Universal Hand Priming Tool at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

I've noticed this while installing primers in 30-06, 9mm, and now some 38-Special cases. I end up using the primer tool on a Rock Chucker single-stage to install the primers.

See the photo:

The top two cases' primers were installed using the primer tool on the Rock Chucker.
The bottom two cases were primed using the RCBS Universal Hand Priming tool. Notice the slight circular depressions. I'm using the small primer seating plug for the 38-Specials.

It's like the seating plug isn't centered on the primer when it pushes it in - although the setup is such that there isn't any slop in the seating plug and the guide. Or, it looks like the case bottom isn't seating all the way into the tool shell holder, yet I've checked that and all seems well.

Functionally and safety-wise, are the depressions a problem? They seem to be only .0001-.0002" deep - not very much at all.

The one on the bottom right indicates the base was not fully seated into the shell holder to be centered. If you look closely you will see a crease on the edge of the primer pocket. Something to be aware of when your putting the cartridge in to the shell holder.

 

[dh1633pm]

I thought you were using the wrong seating plug, but you said you were not. I have two of their tools, one setup for small and one setup for large. Never had that issue in many years. Will check closely next time I use it.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Never had that issue either.

 

[murf]

I use the old Lee hand priming tool.

You cannot squeeze too hard to damage the primer or case head. Squeeze too little and you will not seat the primer fully into the pocket. Consistency tells me to seat ever primer as hard as I can.

I also rotate the case in the shell holder about 120 degrees an squeeze twice more every time. For me, the primer seated fully into the pocket (rifle or pistol) is paramount.

luck,

murf

 

[JCSC]

I usually get that it I have a really stubborn primer. I normally don’t have any issues

 

[Shovel]

My RCBS and Dillon primer seating rods had tiddies left by the cutoff tool during manufacture. Stoned them flat because it annoyed me, never any loading or performance issues.