federal primers and lee primer feed system

[bongfoo]

i was reading and noticed that there is a warning against using federal primers in a LEE pro 1000 priming system. can anyone explain the reasoning for this?

[XDRoX]

Because Federal primers are much softer than the other brands. Lee doesn't want one going off.

[johnny1290]

What he said.

FWIW, I've used thousands and not had a problem. I also don't manhandle anything the way I used to. When first starting I used CCI and managed to seat primers every which way, but luckily no detonation.

[Bill Steele]

In addition to the softer cup, Federal primers also use a type of primer material that is a little more volatile. I have loaded a lot of Federal primers with on press and handheld Lee equipment and never had one go off (which can set off the whole tray), but you have to figure enough have gone up that they just put the admonishment in for liability control.

[OCD41911]

I have seen pictures of a Lee Pro primer tray blown apart and the operator riddled with plastic scrapnel using Federal primers. Go to: http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=176709 Also a description of how it happened.

[stilly]

Doesn't Lee now sell a blast shield for this also?

Yeah, I think they do according to a guy who asked the same thing about federal primers:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-510430.html

I see FSreloading has one for the LoadMaster...

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-lm-explosion-shield-90363.html

[sdkevin]

All the reason more for a hand prime, you feel it and you see it's right.

[CalTeacher]

I load exclusively with federal primers for my match ammo with my pro 1000. Never a hitch. As with any other press, pay attention and stop if something feels wrong and you'll avoid most major catastrophes.