All weapon aficionados appreciate the importance of efficiently reloading cases, and how much of a financial relief these tools afford. If you’re new at this, then the concept of priming may be foreign to you.
In case you’re stocking up on your equipment, then you should consider adding this to the list of things to purchase.
Simply put, primers are devices that are responsible for launching the missiles out of the barrel.
While pre-primed shells are available for ready purchasing, it is a lot cheaper to simply re-prime used cartridges. And this is where the best priming tool comes in rescue!
Adding a hand priming tool to your reloading machinery will give you more options and streamline your reloading process. So, dive in if you want to increase your productivity, reload better ammunition, and maintain a great working pace.
Priming Tools Comparison
Last update on 2024-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Priming Tools Review in 2023
With so many models out there, it may prove a bit difficult to decide on the finest option available. Here is our shortlist to help you with that decision;
1. Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool
One of the best priming tools out there, this apparatus is uniquely tailored to ensure that you don’t trample your primer. This top of the range model features a dial which allows precise seat depth regulation of up to a thousandth of an inch.
As a result, the automated tray ensures that you’ll get perfectly aligned primers, all level with each other. Once you position the dial well, you’ll be good to go, with only minimal pressure needed to control it.
An additional safety measure to ensure that your primer isn’t harmed is the hard stop feature, which halts it before reaching the dial. Its compatibility with universal shell holders makes a handy tool to have in your arsenal. It consists of a dozen shell holders adaptable with the most common grades.
Along with the tool itself, is an impressively sturdy storage case that protects your device while also affording accessibility of the machines. Speaking about durable materials, the quality of the tool itself is rigid die-cast zinc that withstands all sorts of pressure without buckling.
Once you purchase it, you know you won’t be worrying about getting a new one for a long time.
The tray can seat multiple primers at once, with great versatility for both large and small-sized ones.
And as if that’s not impressive enough, the ease in switching between them is incredibly flexible, owing to the handy thumb release.
Furthermore, your primers will be maintained in the right orientation by the presence of the side ridges on the tray.
There’s no limit to the innovation this great tool presents, with a safety gate now included to help isolate the primer. You’ll be afforded the flexibility to prime anywhere and anytime you want with its portable design.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Best Retro Rifles
2. RCBS 90201 Universal Hand Priming Tool
If you aim to achieve maximum precision with an utmost sensitive primer, then look no further than this marvelous machine. Owing to the featured all-inclusive shell plate, you can now work a diverse range of cases with a single shell holder.
Minimal effort is required to adjust the unit to make it suitable for use with large and small primers.
Antagonistic ridges enable impeccable precision when lining the primers up to the case. Consequently, you won’t have to worry about any miscalculations when seating your primer.
The shaft is crafted for maximum comfort and efficiency, and with its ergonomic design you can prime round after round.
Another great feature is the detachable tray that accommodates a wide range of primers in a great fit. Once the cover is snuggly snapped on, you can enjoy smoothly reloading with no hazard. To also take the stress off your reloading process, this tool is furnished with an expansive tray settles a hundred primers at once.
Finally, an included safety gate isolates the functioning primer from the rest that aren’t in use and guarantees that no accidents occur. Focusing on a single primer at a time ensures that there isn’t untimely engagement and an explosion of the other primers.
With this precision-engineered reloading tool, you’ll be guaranteed of safe and efficient priming to make reloading easier.
PROS
CONS
3. Lee Precision 90600
In line with the quality priming units typical of this brand, these products take it to the next level, giving you a complete priming terminal. Unlike the other portable primers we’ve mentioned before, this is a great mounting unit that you can easily attach to a work surface.
There aren’t any shell holders included; however, you’ll still be able to work very well with separately purchased ones. With this unit, you’ll be exposed to a wonderful primer that permits adjustments in three different orientations, open, locked, and feed.
In the open position, you can load new primers onto the tray. The locked state secures the tray on the primers and stores the rest away. And finally, the feed state enables the use of a single primer while separating it from the surplus.
Cheap shell holders may be used as auto-primers, eliminating the need to change the shell holder continually. For added ease of use, this great model has a symmetrical design that affords effortless left and right-hand use. It also features versatile priming assemblies that take all primer sizes.
The material from which it is made is a clear, durable polyester to afford you a clear view of the journey takes by the primer from the storage pocket. Additionally, the mounting holes are ideally spaced and can be fixed directly onto your working surface.
PROS
CONS
Related Review: Depriming tools Guide
4. Lee Precision 90230 New Auto
This revolutionary tool is a refurbished adaptation of the reputable prototype with the same reliable body and improved components. It has been devised in a way that makes it compatible with all varieties of primers.
Also featured is the exclusive “elevator pin,” isolating the individual primer from the plate to minimize the chances of the tray’s degradation. To afford you all the power, the style is handheld and incorporates no shell holder.
If you loved the classic version, then you’re in for a treat with their impressive new designs. Things like the indestructible comfort trajectory crowbar now featured, and the spacious trays that can receive all kinds of boxes make it even more appealing.
Part of the impressive structure is the large triangular plate that accommodates all types of primer boxes. It also has slide-on covers for large or small primers. This is excellent if you’ll be working with a range of primers because then you won’t need to buy different sizes.
You can be guaranteed you’ll be getting a high-quality product as it’s made from durable materials that withstand the pressures you’ll be exerting while you work. The tray is intricately designed to avoid possible explosions by separating surplus primers from the one in use for your safety.
A favorite among hunters, it provides excellent comfort while loading, allowing you to work repeatedly without tiring.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: EOTech Holographic Sight Review
5. Lyman Products E-ZEE
This handy tool is very conducive because of its adaptability to universal shell holders. That way, you won’t have to purchase different sized ones on the side. Additionally, it permits fluid switchovers between different primer sizes to make your job as easy as possible.
Not one, but two impressive primer trays are included, each with its own in-built primer punch assembly of various sizes incorporated. For added comfort and ease of use, it has a convenient ergonomic design that allows you to load efficiently without tiring.
To use it, simply detach the snap-in-place lock collar and then place the appropriate primer tray size and subsequent shell holder as required. Then, once the lock collar is secured in position, the change-over process will be complete.
You’ll be glad to know that the elemental primer tray and primer punch assembly are all substantial so that you won’t be losing any tiny parts. This takes the stress off from having to replace missing parts constantly.
A gate included in the tray helps prevent accidents from occurring by separating primers and ensuring no explosions occur. Finally, the primer also poses as a flipper to align primers. That way, your primers will be held securely while you mount, making the process easier.
PROS
CONS
Suggested Guide: Holosun 507C
A Definitive Buyers Guide to Pick the Best Hand Priming Tool
Before we let you go and purchase a primer for yourself, we thought it is essential to let you know what to look for. What features define the best hand priming tool for reloading? From our experience, here are a few of the critical things to keep an eye out for:
Hazard Elimination
Above all else, finding a product that is safe to use should be your priority. Loading is a tricky operation as you’ll be handling volatile missiles, so you need a primer that helps alleviate this hazard. Search for priming tools that isolate the priming process from the rest of the tray to avoid tray detonations.
On top of everything, invest in getting ear and eye-protective gear to insulate you from the loud sound and ensuring explosions.
How Ergonomic It Is?
Any primer that requires you to push down the lever with your thumb is a red flag, as this is difficult to use. If you lack grasp strength, you can opt for non-portable models that attach to a ledge that permits you to engage your arm. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to look around.
Your priming tool needs to be ergonomic so that you can maximize your working process and not exhaust yourself. The best for you will be one that affords you a steady grip and has a lengthy practical stroking movement.
Price
Obviously, the affordability of the tool will play a significant role in your final decision. Generally, ones on the pricier end tend to be of better quality, so if you have extra cash to spare, it’s always advisable to get those. However, various types are available at all price ranges for you to choose from.
Accessories Included – Shell Holders
Several models include shell holders in their packaging, so double-check that the one you’re getting has one, so you don’t have to buy separately. These are cheap; however, you may struggle to find the appropriate size, so if you can, avoid buying on the side.
An even higher bonus is acquiring a priming tool with a universal shell holder. That way, virtually all sizes are already incorporated, so you won’t need to get extra ones. Be aware, though, that these extend the priming since you have to remove the cases individually after priming.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, if the primers do not have a universal shell holder, you will have to get the shell holders specific to the brand and size of the tool.
Overall both tools get the job done, so just find one you’re most comfortable with. Portable hand primers afford you the flexibility to prime virtually anywhere you want, unlike the fixed primers. The advantage mounted hand primers have, however, is that they provide stability, as they’ll be anchored on a steady surface.
There are specific models in which you can set the desired seating depth, ensuring that you won’t break any primers. If, by any chance, you have a hand primer in which you cannot set any seating depth, you will have to feel for yourself.
Once you think the primer set, you will have to release it. Because of this, many primers will surely be at a different depth than others.
If the press is the same brand as the hand primer, you should be able to use the corresponding shell holder.
Wrapping Up
Because ultimately, the decision for what the best priming tool is will be determined by personal choice, we advise you to search for one that you’re most comfortable with. As you’re the one who’ll be working with it, your choice must fulfill all your needs superbly.