Hand primer tool choices - help me decide

[BruinGuy]

I'm a recent convert to reloading; I've been priming on my single-stage press. I really like the idea of doing this step in the comfort of my home (rather than out in the cold garage), so I'm looking into the hand priming devices. I can't really tell from looking at them which is easiest to use, most reliable, safest, sturdiest, pros and cons, etc etc.

I'd like to know what everyone's opinions are here on the following devices:

RCBS Hand Priming Tool
Lee Auto Prime XR
Hornady Handheld Priming Tool

and one that looks just like the Hornady but is much cheaper, the "Smartreloader SR916"

Any feedback, advice, or tips on which one to get would be appreciated.

[koehn,jim]

I have and use a the lee auto prime. It takes a bit of getting used to but works good for me.

[general_disarray]

go with the RCBS, then you can use the same shell holders for the press

[ocabj]

I still use the Lee Auto Prime with the circular tray and if the current one's handle / lever is just like the one I have, you'll want to buy extra levers because they're made out of some cheap aluminum casting and will break after 10000+ uses.

[TacticalPlinker]

I have the Hornady hand-priming-tool that came with my Lock-N-Load kit. One thing I like about it, is they include two primer trays...

The black tray is for use with Hornady shellholders. The green tray is for use with RCBS shellholders. I think the green tray works with other brands too (Lee, Lyman, etc.)

[foxtrotuniformlima]

Money no object ? Sinclair Hand Priming Tool @ $ 120 is pretty nice.

I have a Lee and it gets the job done but I'm only good for about 200 cases and then my hands get tired.

In between ? http://www.kmshooting.com

[Bug Guy]

anyone try the forster ?...looks like a beast

[Raptor1Ronin]

RCBS

[RandyD]

I bought a Lee Handheld Priming Tool in the late 70's. I used it to prime tens of thousands of rounds. I just sold it to a member on this site. I upgraded to a 21st Century Handheld Priming Tool. It is the same as the Lee except the parts are all machined from stainless steel http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/Priming_Tool.php You won't go wrong with the Lee, but if you enjoy quality, go with 21st Century.

[nimbus]

I use an RCBS universal. No problems at all.

[anyracoon]

I,ve been using a RCBS for almost 20 years and have not broke it yet!

[pdq_wizzard]

after going through 2 Lee had primers I bought the RCBS and never looked back

[OCD41911]

go with the RCBS, then you can use the same shell holders for the press

+1 The RCBS is easy to use.

[Bill Steele]

I too had a couple of the Lee units break on me, I have been using the RCBS Universal for a while now, much higher quality unit, no need for shell holders.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

go with the RCBS, then you can use the same shell holders for the press

Don't do this! It's awful... I have one.

I had to call RCBS to have them send me another rod because the original was too short and let the primers hang out of the bottom. Plus, the primers don't line up right all the time, which jams the unit, and sometimes, it "double stacks" the primers and you have to disassemble the unit to get the partially-seated case off. The handle gets stuck in the pulled position and then slams back when you let it go, spraying primers everywhere. Ergonomically, the Lee device points away from you when priming; the RCBS unit is pointing right at your face.

As a general rule, I love RCBS products... (just not that one)