An observation if I may; as I watched the bench priming portion it seemed to me that the LEE engineers were counting on a bit of "vibration" during the operation of these devices to help them work and feed so maybe if you let fly the handle rather than riding it back up it would help it function more reliably.
Johnny, I bought the Lee Autoprime last year but broke the handle on it priming 6.5 Grendel. My buddy sent me 500 ,7.62 x 39 new cases that I turned into Grendel cases. It was really crappy brass. But I fixed it. Then I bought the Lee bench primer tool. I just finished 1200 ,223's and 1100 last year. The bench top primer is the bomb! FASTER AND EASIER than anything else. Will buy another one once I wear this one out. I enjoy your videos and have spent hours watching them and understand that you are a fellow Kentuckian. I used your 6.5 Grendel loads for mine using 120 grain Gold Dots with 25 grains of AR COMP. You were getting half inch groups and that's why I chose it. Thanks Johnny
@@phillipperkins4366 Why?? Why would you spend twice on the unit that' can't even handle 3k primer seatings? Get RCBS unit, 2nd close would be Franklin Arsenal but even though its metal the shell holders are roughly made. Lee actually has nice shell holders which are interchangeable.
Me... has zero interest in the lee hand primers. Also me: watches video anyway because of Johnny's silky voice and the algorithm... but mostly Johnny's voice.
You're a sick individual but I bumped you up a notch because you are a Howa shooter. Bought my first Howa barreled action in 1986 (wholesale) in .308 Winchester for approx $165...then their heavy barreled .223 for just over $200. Purchased my new .308 Win a year or so ago and love it just as much as my first one! I need to glass bed it but I've been lazy. Wanna start a club? LOL Fontana huh? Yer just up the road!
@John Beige it needs the hard vibration to shake the primers out of the neck of the primer holder. It just likes being slapped around a bit it's kinda cathart
Using Bench Prime wrong. I had this exact issue and after nearly throwing it out I read the instructions. At the top of the stroke you MUST lift the handle everytime. Ive had zero issues since.
Been using the auto prime as my sole priming tool for a while. Couple things to help you out. First, never trust the LOCK position, lost a few primers because it was just below lock and lid came open. I tend to switch it straight to on and put the hand tool on the tray, then turn the whole unit over. Second, to make it easier to put primers in, leave the sleeve on the primer tray, turn them upside down, and then slide out the tray to dump in one line(10) at a time. A lot easier than trying to dump the whole tray at once. Great video as usual.
I like your review. I've used the bench priming tool for a few years and after my initial frustration, I found it the best tool I've ever used once I got my technique right. If you move the lever upwards after each downward stroke, it feeds perfectly fine. All you need to do is give the tray a flick every so often to make sure the feed shute stays full. Now I know this, I can prime 100 cases straight without a single issue. I just love this tool and once you've worked out the knack on how to get it to work reliably, it won't let you down. In my estimation, best value for money reloading tool on the market.
Excellent advice. I did this with my bench prime and it worked perfectly. I also doubled checked the instructions fron Lee, and they say to do the same thing. Lift the lever up each time.
I bought a new Lee hand prime because my old pot metal round tray has too many miles and I'm worried it will give out. I can't get around to liking the new one and the old one is still limping along. I have a Frankford one in my cart at Midway, but I'm too cheap to pull the trigger. I only have a few thousand primers left and I'm almost worried I won't ever get any more.
My Auto Bench is my goto priming tool. It helps if you pull the handle fully forward when cycling instead of letting it go, kind of like you do when you throw powder (double taps). This actuates the feed mechanism at the top of the stroke. Honestly, I've loaded thousands of rounds and this tool is by far, the easiest to use, most consistant and reliable, and for me, the one that is easiest on the hands. Not being a wuss, just get cramped up after using the hand tools for a spell. p.s. Love your vids Johnny... hope to see you revisit 300 Blk again at some point.
Hey Johnny! I have this tool, and the best solution I have found for keeping primers feeding into the shell holder is by just letting handle fly back up after seating the primer. I think the jolt the tool gets from letting the handle fly back up keeps the primers settling down into the shell holder.
Why Johnny, why would you load up so much 223? It is such a comforting feeling to have so much ammo on hand in today’s market! Thanks for the video man as always good and informative.
I bought a lee auto-prime XR $23.95. after few years of use, the edge of the lid broke off, so the lid wouldn't hold the primers in the right position. I put a rubberband around the lid to fix it.
The Lee autoprime was the most frustrating implement of torture that Lee has ever devised. I got so ticked off with mine that I threw the feckless thing over board after the umpteens primer turned over on me .... I now use the Farnfort Arsenal hand primer and could not be happier. Just watching this video made me develop a twitch much like Chief inspector Charles LaRousse Dreyfus.
@@scottbarrett4753 Its a device designed on a Friday to torture the unsuspecting hand loader. I suspect it is an attempt to further gun control by putting us off our passion.
I almost quit handloading all together when I first started because of that damned auto prime. It was so ungodly frustrating to try to use without jamming every 3-5 cases, I about said this handloading garbage just isn't worth the frustration. Then I tried an RCBS hand primer and the Lee immediately went in the garbage. Love Lee for their dies... the priming tools I'll never touch again.
If you look at the 30:00 mark, the milky plastic piece is bending up. Put an o-ring on it. I have one of the first hand primes shown in the beginning and they didn't come with o-rings. I had to figure that one out on my own. Also, releasing the handles on both primers faster helps a lot with sticking issues. I only seem to have issues with the small primer mechanism where they get flipped around a lot. Large works perfectly.
After watching this video and seeing the O ring I put an O ring on mine and the feed issues went away. You could see the plate lifting up before that. I do however still have to watch that the primers fall into the shoot as they will hang up in the tray.
I love my lee bench primer. I just watch the "neck" of the tray and make sure it has primers in it and if not i just tap the tray a couple of times and it works great
I have the old hand primer with the round trays. It has been working great for about 30 years. If it ever breaks I won't buy any of these new ones unless they change the design of the trays. I have these new type trays on my loadmaster and they suck.
Johnny. , the little table top lee priming tool works great. The hopper little jamming problem, this is what I do. I keep a wooden pencil in my hand, when iam priming , after I prime a case, while moving the lever to get ready for the next shell case I will tap the hopper a little with the pencil. Making little vibrations on the hopper , more on the bottom area of the hopper, even alitttle on the bottom throat area! Seems to work great for me! I have 3 maybe 4 other priming tools but like this one the best. No sore hands what so ever. Can do 1000 cases , no sore hands or fingers, on my 66 yr. old arthritis hands! I really enjoy your videos & wisdom! Tks. Ever so much. My GOD BLESS AMERICA, in these troubled times! Tks. From Joe Bush , northern Saskatchewan Canada.
Hey Johnny, had nothing but problems with the bench prime! Those plastic parts did not hold up.kept getting double primers jamming it up,must have ordered 3 small primer replacement sets !
Sounds like you were using too much force. In the beginning I crushed 1 of the plastic cartridges but learn it does not need much force. Plenty of leverage built in.
@@OhioGunRunner Well... Try priming some Sellier & Bellot brass. You WILL need to apply quite a lot of force to seat the primers (any brand, even the S&B ones) in their slightly undersized/tight primer pockets... Personally, I like the Lee Ram prime system much better. Nothing will wear out or break and there is much more "feel" when seating the primer. I'm on my third or fourth plastic SP cartridge for the Bench Prime too, I'll only use it if I know the primer pockets won't be tight (eg CBC or Geco 9 mm Luger brass).
Yeah, the Lee primer tray is temperamental, especially with small primers. Like you mentioned previously and what's on my mind when I use my Lee gear is "if Lee Products would just up their costs to make their products a little better, they'd still be low cost and more better?!".
I bought the Frankford Arsenal platinum series priming tool last year. Its VERY robust and you can even change the seating depth. Like it better than even my RCBS. I wish i had all the money ive wasted on Lee stuff (minus pistol dies) tryin to get them to work right. Just save your money and buy a better product. Youll thank yourself because the money you save initially, it isnt worth the headache. And usually youll end up buying the better product later on anyways, so you didnt save any money.
I use the bench prime exclusively. My two tricks to get it to feed smoothly is to flick the tray every few rounds and lift the handle after pressing it down to prime. Those two tricks let me prime brass quickly and easily. Hope that helps.
I've been using the old-style Lee hand priming tool for over 45 years, (on my second one now) and they have very rarely had problems. I now have the bench model but haven't used it very much. I do find that keeping the primer tray mostly full alleviates the feeding problems. It's the weight of the primers above the lower ones that keeps the primers flowing into the narrow feeding chute. Another tip is to vibrate the primer tray when you see a gap in it as the primers are getting near the divider at the start of the feed chute. Just my 2 cents worth. Nice video so thanks for taking the time to show us your experience with Lees priming tools!
Yes you do have to tap the tray on occasion with the bench prime which is not bad if you are priming 500 or more cases at a time. For the comfort of the Bench Prime. I can live with it.
I have the Bench prime as well, the primer feed issues with mine is caused by the shuttle riding up on it's pusher and falling in to a grove. Essentially because it's missing that black o-ring the old ones have. Want to guess how I fixed it?
2 things I have found to improve on the bench prime operation. Mount it to a block of wood not rigidly mounted to your bench or your quich change plate. A little bit of movement helps the feeding. The other thing I did was I use the old black round primer feeders that Lee used to use. Was able to pick up 2 at a gun show for $5. Guy had a bunch of odd ball parts. I love the bench prime. It’s my go to every time.
Johnny, the feeding problem is because that piece of plastic where that o ring is on the hand primer model keeps that plastic from raising up. Push it down and it will feed.
I have the same primer flipping and double feed issues with the RCBS hand primers. I find that the universal sucks at gripping .223, but is great for 9mm. The feed mechanism might need a bit of gentle massaging. My old Lee safety primers were fussy, but worked great after a bit of internal filing. I upgraded to the new style safety primers after accidentally breaking the bracket, and they work far better than the old ones did out of the box. It's amazing how close to right Lee can come without quite getting things right sometimes.
I have been using Lee's bench tool for years without the issues you are having. It took me awhile to figure it out. You have the tool to solidly mounted. Take it off that base. Mount it too a 2 inch by 8 inch of 3/4 inch oak. When in use as you insert a case drop that hand down to use one finger on the wood to hold to tool. Using your other hand at the very end of the handle to seat the primer. Once the primer is seated, just slide your hand off the handle. This let's the handle return with a bump. This jars the tool enough to let primer feed better.
I have primed a couple of thousand brass with the Bench Tool. I have found that I have to tap the primer tray every 3-5 primers. I have also noticed that it will flip primers if you don't keep an eye on it. Also, do not use it when it is really cold. I have broke several of the Small cartridges.
Try the one with the o ring in the bench top model you can see at 30:46 when you run it the plastic on the back where the o ring lifts and that maybe cause it to not drop the primer because the stroke is interupted
I own the Lee Ergo and have the same feeding issues you're having. I think most of it is due to the cheap plastic construction and loose tolerances. I've even had 2 of them break off the bottom of the guides (the split clear plastic pieces behind where yours has the o-ring). With the Ergo, you use your index and middle fingers to pull the lever instead of your thumb, but it also takes quite a bit of effort. And as far as primer seating depth, I generally just bottom them out in the pockets when loading 223.
Yah, nope. I'll stick to my RCBS hand primer. Way too much plastic there and just hate those Lee feed trays. Federal Primers... 10X the space to store Federal primers over any other brand. Just imagine the space you need to keep 15-20 thousand of those on hand compared to the normal size brick... Drives me up a wall, I won't buy them again.
@@oscarbear7498 the APS is the strip feeding one. I still have it, but I've changed over to the tube style for ease of primer filling. The APS has kinda hinky feeding sometimes.
As far as the bench primer not feeding reliably, I have noticed that plastic thing where the little gasket is missing from it rises upward as you seat a primer. If the o-ring were there, it might keep it down and keep it more reliable. I'm not a reloader so maybe someone who knows might know better.
I have never hand primed a case. My first press was the hornady lnl progressive. Have enjoyed priming on it with no issues. Except when i found out the hard way federal 223 brass has crimped primers that was a fun day. 😆
I had the same issue with my Lee hand Primer. After attempting a long loading session in .223 I got so mad I chunked it across the shop and it exploded into a million tiny pieces. My RCBS universal priming tool would have taken the impact like a champ lol.
I broke my first bench prime, the lip broke around the shell holder after about 10,000 rounds. What I learned is it has no cam over like the hand primer so you have to be careful with how much force you use.
They do get tired, broken 3 heads off the old round tray ones. Took a lot of rounds to happen, but, they do fatigue. I bought spares at gun shows for a few yrs just to keep them running.
I have two of the original round head Lee Auto Prime hand tools that I've had for over twenty years one set up for large primer and one for small. A little lube on the moving parts once a year and they have always ran smooth. I use everyone primers never had any issues and I use lots of various size Federal primers.
I'm beginning to think that there isn't a perfect priming solution. After buying the Lyman All-American 8 press, I got so frustrated with that priming system (so did you?), I went back to using my 18 year old Lee hand primer (with the round tray), and completely removed the Lyman priming system from the press. If it wasn't for the shortages, I'd probably get the RCBS bench prime. But with my luck, it would probably also be a waste of money. Good review, Johnny 👍🇺🇸
Johnny great video 👍 glade see u back on here with a video. You saying going go big this year with UA-cam?? Yea primers that runing joke their so expensive. Place charge 150 + for 1000. People crazy for them like ammo. Even 22lr selling for crazy mark ups. New reloading. Just want find couple lbs of powder in 100 or so primers maybe 200 I'll be ok for little while.
I have the Bench Prime. I would say, I like, but not love it. As Johnny mentioned, it completely run out of gas at the end of the stroke. And I feel like I am using way to much pressure. Causing me to always have the fear of Primer Detonations. (Never had one though) Flicking the Lever back up helps the feeding issue, but doesn't eliminate it. In most of the Lee Priming Products, you would see a Primer Tray Agitate Feature, for example, on the progressive presses. And I hear a similar action on the Hand Primer, too. (It has a very unique sound) Not too sure why it is absent on the Bench Prime. I don't mind Tapping the Tray once in a while, and the primers don't come out sideways for the Bench Prime, which is excellent. For Small Primer, the Tray needs to be at the Lock Position, but down very close to the Open Position. Otherwise, it is likely to leak. It's unfortunate, but I don't have high expectations on simple plastic parts.
Wish I could load that much ammo, can’t find components I think I see what caused the feeding issues on the bench prime, where the O ring is on the hand prime the plastic part on the bench prime flexes (I hope that makes sense)
LOLZ... if you set of just the primer, just any kind... you know that it does not care of any packaging or size of primer(small, large or magnum)...!! they are alot more powerful than people think..... this is not a kids capgun kablowee...
Ever since LEE changed the primer tray from the round tray with tab lock lid to the triangle shaped tray, I have had issues as well. I purchased the new hand priming tool believing "new and improved" might be the way to go. I have been marginally disappointed. I am a tinkerer, so I will keep working on the issues I run into with the newer LEE primer tools. My original LEE hand primer will malfunction, but rarely more than about 1 in 500. Wish my LoadMaster was that reliable. Priming on my Rock Chucker press, I have never had a single malfunction in 41 years. That primer feed system has been bullet proof for me. It is just so difficult to use on my lap while watching some late night TV.
I would love to buy the Lee bench prime tool but the plastic primer feeding trays seem to be so problematic! Sadly I will pay 3-4 times more for the huge RCBS instead. I wish Lee would just fix their primer tray/feeder things. Its so close but missing the final 10% that would make the tool great. I've been using the Frankford hand tool and its the usual half assed Chinese quality and crappy machining and loose tolerances but it works for now. Maybe Lee will fix their bench prime someday , I hope.
Man with as much issue as you have I will stay away. I will stick with my RCBS hand primer for small primers and use my Rock Chucker for the large. As for .223 and 300BO thats done on the Dillon!
Smooth move! I use Red and Tacky also! My favorite, but, it's hell to remove from your hands unless you take a paper towel or rag and wipe it off, then go to Dawn Dish soap to thoroughly remove from your skin...... And that smell....... Great grease!
I know I'm a little late to the party but I made a video for you with a simple "fix" for the issue we both are having. Check it out on my channel. Love your videos btw!
Hi. I'm a new subscriber, this video and the video of the k31 was something I was looking for. And you explain very good what I need to know. This took from Lee I was inclined to buy in Amazon but now i don't know if I should buy. I have a k31 and my GP 11 ammo is almost over and the person I always buy doesn't sell anymore! So I don't know if I should learn and buy equipment to do my own ammo or try ammo already ready. My main question is how much I most I'm going expended to buy all the correct tools for reloading my own ammo. Thank you for the attention
I'm trying to not dog on Lee, I do like the value price on their stuff. Factory crimp die is awsome. Powder thru dies are great. I was priming on my breech lock press. But...those stupid primer flip trays suck!!!! Mine all leak primers. Fixed it buy getting a Dillon 550 and using the breech lock for a dirty press.
I have the Franklin tool. It too can need bit of handle ballistics to feed, but from your video, I won't be "upgrading" to the Lee bench primer. Thanks for the warning.
I use this tool as well. It took some education. I've found with NATO brass that the crimp needs be given a very clean consistent trim to get the same priming results as standard .223 Remington. Swaging does not give me the same results. Post-swage brass is challenging to prime and you'll absolutely damage the brass attempting to seat fully, IF you're not careful.
I bought the bench prime unit. It is a piece of trash. The super slim aluminum primer excluder/blocker bends very easily. I've had to take the unit apart, straighten the primer excluder/blocker and reassemble. No matter how slow, how gentle, how delicate you use this thing, it simply doesn't work like it should. Shame on Lee for marketing this crap to us. If you like cussing, farting around trying to re-engineer the damn thing, and not getting any reloading done, Lee priming tools are for you!
Bench Prime : I noticed on large primers with #2 holder, the white plastic feed bar was climbing over or blocked by the shell holder and sticking, I ground small flat spot on the shell holder where it would contact the feed bar, no more problems with large primers. Small primers almost zero issues. I to have to tap the handle once or twice in 100 primers and tap the tray once or twice. Still more reliable that almost any on press priming system, and way faster than any other hand method. And much easier on arthritic old hands than the silly hand held ones of any make.
Man, I came real close to cheaping out and buying one of those Lee priming tools, im glad I didn't after watching this video... I ordered the Primal Rights CPS tool and she's on the big brown truck. I hope I like it...
LEE bench prime, no more hand cramps. I've primed about 8K of cases with only the occasional sideways primer. Only have to tap it lightly every so often to keep the primers flowing and it is much faster than my old RCBS unit.
Johnny If your FA M press pulls the shell plate screws out I have a fix for it. Mine did that 20 cases in on 444 Marlin full length resize each case lubed. I have pictures but can't seem to see how to load them here. I did see other people had same problem. The screws are not tight from factory but also undersized for the stress. Clemmie, NASA Machinist 👍
I think Federal was the initial defendant in the primer box explosion issue that happened maybe 25 yrs ago. I think they kind of went overkill on the packaging safety, but I think that is why the individual primer spacing is so big in the federal packaging, compared to Rem and CCI. Strictly a liability claim result I believe.
I've used the Lee bench primers for thousands of primers. Have to load 50 primers at a time instead of 100. Don't be gentle with the handle, let it snap back in place, jiggling the tray. The small plastic feeder part has broken numerous times. You really have to watch for primers that flip or get caught partially sideways. Like most Lee products, they are decent, not great.
RCBS sells their primer trays separately. With just a little sanding they can be made to fit Lee equipment. I much prefer the RCBS trays. Instructions have a warning not to short cycle the handle on the bench prime. Perhaps I just got lucky but my bench prime works like a dream.
Yep, same issues I ran in to using bench mounted version. In less than 150 primes the primer got in to a space it shouldn't be and plastic part broke! I got it replaced and sold this piece of junk. I am ashamed this is made in USA because it feels like it was made cheaply in China. Maybe some of you guys remember but Lee actually had a hand primer that had excellent primer tray that would flip the primers really well and instead they chose to switch to this cheesy crappy tray.
I use the rcbs hand squeezer, the one that uses shell holders instead of the universal. Doesn't seem to over prime. The feed tray needs a shake every so often. And if you don't quite get a crimp ironed out all the way its a little anemic on power to push through them. Honesty my biggest complaint with it is the fact it's almost an entire disassembly to change shell holders
Agree with the disassembly required to change shell holders, what a pain. Especially when the handle would jam often after reassembly. So I bought the RCBS universal hand primer and found that for .223, the universal clamps (in place of the shell holder) don't always self center exactly and prevented the primer from entering the shell without having to jiggle the shell. So I just dedicated the old style RCBS hand primer for .223 and the universal primer for all others.
I still have the old round tray Lee hand primer worked great, it’s now my backup, use RCBS bench primer and mounted it to my Lee press plate system, can switch for plat to press in a minute
@@edwardboggs5711 the RCBS bench primer is probably what ill move to although it seems like it has unnessisary movements, is overly complicated and a too... flaily. like I said, thats probably what ill get but I'd really just like a better version of this lee bench primer. Im not sure that i have anything lee that hasn't started to fail. except my decapping die.
After your downstroke (primed) just release the handle from the down position ,don't lift it back up. The vibration should keep them primers moooooving lol ??
I own the Lee Auto Bench Prime tool and I have had very good success with it. I do have a few notes on it. 1 I agree I'm not a fan of the triangle shaped flip trays. I understand why Lee made them the shape they did but that does not mean they are nice to use. I think Lee should go back to the round ones or make a square one with a lid and a slider for on/off. 2. In my case the tool has worked flawlessly with CCI primers. I've used Federal and Winchester and with both of those primes you have to pay attention that the primers didn't flip sideways in the chute when loading. 3. The picture on Lee of a guy pulling down on the lever is misleading. You don't have to pull down on the lever with much force at all, and I only use two fingers when actuating the arm. Overall the tool has not given me any issues with durability. I have about 3,000 primed 9mm cases on it and can prime 100 cases in a little over 7 minutes. This is taking my time and checking the head stamp as I go to make sure I don't get a crimped primer pocket mixed in with my brass. That's another thing, this tool does have enough force to jam a primer into a crimped primer pocket. I highly suggest not doing that as it will flatten the primer and could accidently set it off. As stated if you feel extreme resistance stop and look at what is causing the issue.
I know its been a couple year and I know this has nothing to do with this video but have you done load data for 6.5 creedmoor nosler 129gr accubond long range and h4350 powder
Explody never heard that. Btw I only use the bench prime works great. Never had any explosions even with Federal primers regardless if size. Good video and I see the same problems. Nothing bad for the cost. Just learn how to deal with it.
I stopped using Federal primers for several reasons. One of them was due to problems with primer feed on my Dillon RL550B. I went to CCI primers and have never had a primer problem related to primer feeding since!
Am I supposed to get excited about a decades old feud between Lee and Federal? 50+ years reloading I've never had an issue with Federal primers. Thanks for the vid.
Funny how dated info carries on. At one time Federal was suspect for sympathetic detonations, so instead of being unable to ship primers they redesigned packaging and went way over the top. Still packaged that way, also Fed thinks they look important that way. Others didn't care, package as minimally as they can. Lee's axe to grind was like 'unsafe at any speed' about a car...
Lock feature doesn’t keep the primers from falling out in my experience. Have the issue of the primers falling out when trying to install in my loadmaster.
Remove the O-ring(just cut it off) that the handle bumps into on the upstroke so the handle can come all the way to the top of the stroke. Make sure you do full strokes up & down with the handle... (you where turning lose of the handle after you set the primer... it was working perfect when you was just running primers through it keeping your hand on it doing full up & down strokes) The lee folding trays suck you have to tap them once in awhile to keep them feeding..... I use the older lee round trays on mine and have recently started using an RCBS tray that's used on the rcbs hand primer, you have to to a little filing on the tab of the tray so it'll slide in the lee gizmo but its been feeding great...
Never had up-side-down primers when using this and Large Rifle. But with my grendel i have had 2 cases where i got upside down primers (and subsequent click in the field, no damage done). Its just that the tool is universal that makes it less suited for the small primers, as they tend to have more room to rotate on their axis wich large cant. Im looking for a tool to use on small rifle that works better.
this tool works great with CCI and federal primers but remington and some others have a variable thickness of up to .0006 and will jamb the feed path, I ruined several adapters before I figured this out. please try with other primers.
Live on Twitch every Tue at 7PM Eastern! www.twitch.tv/johnnysreloadingbench
An observation if I may; as I watched the bench priming portion it seemed to me that the LEE engineers were counting on a bit of "vibration" during the operation of these devices to help them work and feed so maybe if you let fly the handle rather than riding it back up it would help it function more reliably.
Johnny, I bought the Lee Autoprime last year but broke the handle on it priming 6.5 Grendel. My buddy sent me 500 ,7.62 x 39 new cases that I turned into Grendel cases. It was really crappy brass. But I fixed it. Then I bought the Lee bench primer tool. I just finished 1200 ,223's and 1100 last year. The bench top primer is the bomb! FASTER AND EASIER than anything else. Will buy another one once I wear this one out. I enjoy your videos and have spent hours watching them and understand that you are a fellow Kentuckian. I used your 6.5 Grendel loads for mine using 120 grain Gold Dots with 25 grains of AR COMP. You were getting half inch groups and that's why I chose it. Thanks Johnny
Johnny, that o ring that is missing on the bench primer tool holds down that plastic piece which will allow it to feed.
@@phillipperkins4366 Why?? Why would you spend twice on the unit that' can't even handle 3k primer seatings? Get RCBS unit, 2nd close would be Franklin Arsenal but even though its metal the shell holders are roughly made. Lee actually has nice shell holders which are interchangeable.
@@DimaProk I didn't say it was worn out. But that plastic piece that feeds the primers will be the first part that fails. For sure
Me... has zero interest in the lee hand primers.
Also me: watches video anyway because of Johnny's silky voice and the algorithm... but mostly Johnny's voice.
Those greasy hands and that silky voice keep me coming back
you should hear my wife talking about priming things, okay, thats for my ears only
You're a sick individual but I bumped you up a notch because you are a Howa shooter. Bought my first Howa barreled action in 1986 (wholesale) in .308 Winchester for approx $165...then their heavy barreled .223 for just over $200. Purchased my new .308 Win a year or so ago and love it just as much as my first one! I need to glass bed it but I've been lazy. Wanna start a club? LOL
Fontana huh? Yer just up the road!
To correct the bench prime I push the handle down and let it fling back up every primer and it runs flawlessly. It doesn't like a gentle hand.
@John Beige it needs the hard vibration to shake the primers out of the neck of the primer holder. It just likes being slapped around a bit it's kinda cathart
I much prefer the old Lee primer trays. The round ones. They're worth their weight in gold.
Do the old trays work with these tools?
@@novicereloader I have one I sanded I slight bit and it works great .
@@novicereloader I liked the old square ones but i dont have any left.
@@williamgreene5488 thanks for the info.
Modify one of the RCBS green trays
Using Bench Prime wrong. I had this exact issue and after nearly throwing it out I read the instructions. At the top of the stroke you MUST lift the handle everytime. Ive had zero issues since.
Been using the auto prime as my sole priming tool for a while. Couple things to help you out. First, never trust the LOCK position, lost a few primers because it was just below lock and lid came open. I tend to switch it straight to on and put the hand tool on the tray, then turn the whole unit over. Second, to make it easier to put primers in, leave the sleeve on the primer tray, turn them upside down, and then slide out the tray to dump in one line(10) at a time. A lot easier than trying to dump the whole tray at once. Great video as usual.
I like your review. I've used the bench priming tool for a few years and after my initial frustration, I found it the best tool I've ever used once I got my technique right. If you move the lever upwards after each downward stroke, it feeds perfectly fine. All you need to do is give the tray a flick every so often to make sure the feed shute stays full. Now I know this, I can prime 100 cases straight without a single issue. I just love this tool and once you've worked out the knack on how to get it to work reliably, it won't let you down. In my estimation, best value for money reloading tool on the market.
Excellent advice. I did this with my bench prime and it worked perfectly. I also doubled checked the instructions fron Lee, and they say to do the same thing. Lift the lever up each time.
I still use the old round lee hand primer works great
Nothing wrong with driving a classic!
I bought a new Lee hand prime because my old pot metal round tray has too many miles and I'm worried it will give out. I can't get around to liking the new one and the old one is still limping along. I have a Frankford one in my cart at Midway, but I'm too cheap to pull the trigger. I only have a few thousand primers left and I'm almost worried I won't ever get any more.
I had both and like most lee products they broke, lee is the kel tec of reloading...
But damn I’m love their crimp dies!!!!
Did you call Lee they have a awesome customer service and warranty. Not sure they deserve the Keltec slam
I'm just here for the primer jokes
33:48
The jokes are like the primers, there is none.
My Auto Bench is my goto priming tool. It helps if you pull the handle fully forward when cycling instead of letting it go, kind of like you do when you throw powder (double taps). This actuates the feed mechanism at the top of the stroke. Honestly, I've loaded thousands of rounds and this tool is by far, the easiest to use, most consistant and reliable, and for me, the one that is easiest on the hands. Not being a wuss, just get cramped up after using the hand tools for a spell. p.s. Love your vids Johnny... hope to see you revisit 300 Blk again at some point.
Hey Johnny! I have this tool, and the best solution I have found for keeping primers feeding into the shell holder is by just letting handle fly back up after seating the primer. I think the jolt the tool gets from letting the handle fly back up keeps the primers settling down into the shell holder.
The literature that comes with the tool says to not ride the handle up as well.
The RCBS Auto Priming Tool is super easy to use and feeds perfectly. It’s really a flawless tool.
I got a Frankford Armory & it's the same-smooth, easy, nice case w/12(?) shellholders & it's solid as can be w/o the plastic. Around 40 bucks now too.
Why Johnny, why would you load up so much 223? It is such a comforting feeling to have so much ammo on hand in today’s market! Thanks for the video man as always good and informative.
I bought a lee auto-prime XR $23.95. after few years of use, the edge of the lid broke off, so the lid wouldn't hold the primers in the right position. I put a rubberband around the lid to fix it.
The Lee autoprime was the most frustrating implement of torture that Lee has ever devised. I got so ticked off with mine that I threw the feckless thing over board after the umpteens primer turned over on me .... I now use the Farnfort Arsenal hand primer and could not be happier. Just watching this video made me develop a twitch much like Chief inspector Charles LaRousse Dreyfus.
Mine blows....out the plastic around the seating plunger.
@@scottbarrett4753 Its a device designed on a Friday to torture the unsuspecting hand loader. I suspect it is an attempt to further gun control by putting us off our passion.
I almost quit handloading all together when I first started because of that damned auto prime. It was so ungodly frustrating to try to use without jamming every 3-5 cases, I about said this handloading garbage just isn't worth the frustration. Then I tried an RCBS hand primer and the Lee immediately went in the garbage. Love Lee for their dies... the priming tools I'll never touch again.
Pink Panther reference, nice
@@DisgustedGenXr Don't just stand there, help me find my nose!
If you look at the 30:00 mark, the milky plastic piece is bending up. Put an o-ring on it. I have one of the first hand primes shown in the beginning and they didn't come with o-rings. I had to figure that one out on my own. Also, releasing the handles on both primers faster helps a lot with sticking issues. I only seem to have issues with the small primer mechanism where they get flipped around a lot. Large works perfectly.
After watching this video and seeing the O ring I put an O ring on mine and the feed issues went away. You could see the plate lifting up before that. I do however still have to watch that the primers fall into the shoot as they will hang up in the tray.
I saw the milky plastic rise too and was going to suggest ring..😂
I like the RCBS hand priming tool much better.
Good to see more videos coming out
Much more coming soon!
I love my lee bench primer. I just watch the "neck" of the tray and make sure it has primers in it and if not i just tap the tray a couple of times and it works great
I have the old hand primer with the round trays. It has been working great for about 30 years. If it ever breaks I won't buy any of these new ones unless they change the design of the trays. I have these new type trays on my loadmaster and they suck.
Johnny. , the little table top lee priming tool works great. The hopper little jamming problem, this is what I do. I keep a wooden pencil in my hand, when iam priming , after I prime a case, while moving the lever to get ready for the next shell case I will tap the hopper a little with the pencil. Making little vibrations on the hopper , more on the bottom area of the hopper, even alitttle on the bottom throat area! Seems to work great for me! I have 3 maybe 4 other priming tools but like this one the best. No sore hands what so ever. Can do 1000 cases , no sore hands or fingers, on my 66 yr. old arthritis hands! I really enjoy your videos & wisdom! Tks. Ever so much. My GOD BLESS AMERICA, in these troubled times! Tks. From Joe Bush , northern Saskatchewan Canada.
Hey Johnny, had nothing but problems with the bench prime! Those plastic parts did not hold up.kept getting double primers jamming it up,must have ordered 3 small primer replacement sets !
Sounds like you were using too much force. In the beginning I crushed 1 of the plastic cartridges but learn it does not need much force. Plenty of leverage built in.
@@OhioGunRunner Well... Try priming some Sellier & Bellot brass. You WILL need to apply quite a lot of force to seat the primers (any brand, even the S&B ones) in their slightly undersized/tight primer pockets...
Personally, I like the Lee Ram prime system much better. Nothing will wear out or break and there is much more "feel" when seating the primer. I'm on my third or fourth plastic SP cartridge for the Bench Prime too, I'll only use it if I know the primer pockets won't be tight (eg CBC or Geco 9 mm Luger brass).
I use a RCBS hand primer now
"This tool is on the verge of being amazing" JRB 2021
Yeah, the Lee primer tray is temperamental, especially with small primers. Like you mentioned previously and what's on my mind when I use my Lee gear is "if Lee Products would just up their costs to make their products a little better, they'd still be low cost and more better?!".
I bought the Frankford Arsenal platinum series priming tool last year. Its VERY robust and you can even change the seating depth. Like it better than even my RCBS. I wish i had all the money ive wasted on Lee stuff (minus pistol dies) tryin to get them to work right. Just save your money and buy a better product. Youll thank yourself because the money you save initially, it isnt worth the headache. And usually youll end up buying the better product later on anyways, so you didnt save any money.
I’ve had both. They are rubbish! Rather spend a bit more and buy the RCBS Automatic Bench Priming Tool.
I use the bench prime exclusively. My two tricks to get it to feed smoothly is to flick the tray every few rounds and lift the handle after pressing it down to prime. Those two tricks let me prime brass quickly and easily. Hope that helps.
I quite like my Frankfort Arsenal handpriming tool. Tossed the Lee hand primer
I've been using the old-style Lee hand priming tool for over 45 years, (on my second one now) and they have very rarely had problems. I now have the bench model but haven't used it very much. I do find that keeping the primer tray mostly full alleviates the feeding problems. It's the weight of the primers above the lower ones that keeps the primers flowing into the narrow feeding chute. Another tip is to vibrate the primer tray when you see a gap in it as the primers are getting near the divider at the start of the feed chute.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Nice video so thanks for taking the time to show us your experience with Lees priming tools!
Yes you do have to tap the tray on occasion with the bench prime which is not bad if you are priming 500 or more cases at a time. For the comfort of the Bench Prime. I can live with it.
I have the Bench prime as well, the primer feed issues with mine is caused by the shuttle riding up on it's pusher and falling in to a grove. Essentially because it's missing that black o-ring the old ones have. Want to guess how I fixed it?
Why did you switch from your Frankford Arsenal priming tool to this?
2 things I have found to improve on the bench prime operation. Mount it to a block of wood not rigidly mounted to your bench or your quich change plate. A little bit of movement helps the feeding. The other thing I did was I use the old black round primer feeders that Lee used to use. Was able to pick up 2 at a gun show for $5. Guy had a bunch of odd ball parts. I love the bench prime. It’s my go to every time.
Flexing with all those primes again!
I was thinking that exactly!
Johnny nobody likes a show off lol!
Johnny, the feeding problem is because that piece of plastic where that o ring is on the hand primer model keeps that plastic from raising up. Push it down and it will feed.
Primers are like crack now!
Hi :)
Just a hunch but I think Lee made it to where it wouldn't feed Federal primers.
I have the same primer flipping and double feed issues with the RCBS hand primers. I find that the universal sucks at gripping .223, but is great for 9mm.
The feed mechanism might need a bit of gentle massaging. My old Lee safety primers were fussy, but worked great after a bit of internal filing. I upgraded to the new style safety primers after accidentally breaking the bracket, and they work far better than the old ones did out of the box. It's amazing how close to right Lee can come without quite getting things right sometimes.
Couldn't pick a less relevant topic. Haha these will be out of production before primers hit the market again.
33:48
I have been using Lee's bench tool for years without the issues you are having. It took me awhile to figure it out. You have the tool to solidly mounted. Take it off that base. Mount it too a 2 inch by 8 inch of 3/4 inch oak. When in use as you insert a case drop that hand down to use one finger on the wood to hold to tool. Using your other hand at the very end of the handle to seat the primer. Once the primer is seated, just slide your hand off the handle. This let's the handle return with a bump. This jars the tool enough to let primer feed better.
I have primed a couple of thousand brass with the Bench Tool. I have found that I have to tap the primer tray every 3-5 primers. I have also noticed that it will flip primers if you don't keep an eye on it. Also, do not use it when it is really cold. I have broke several of the Small cartridges.
Try the one with the o ring in the bench top model you can see at 30:46 when you run it the plastic on the back where the o ring lifts and that maybe cause it to not drop the primer because the stroke is interupted
I own the Lee Ergo and have the same feeding issues you're having. I think most of it is due to the cheap plastic construction and loose tolerances. I've even had 2 of them break off the bottom of the guides (the split clear plastic pieces behind where yours has the o-ring). With the Ergo, you use your index and middle fingers to pull the lever instead of your thumb, but it also takes quite a bit of effort. And as far as primer seating depth, I generally just bottom them out in the pockets when loading 223.
I had feeding issues. If you push up on the handle it seems to help with them for the most part.
Yah, nope. I'll stick to my RCBS hand primer. Way too much plastic there and just hate those Lee feed trays.
Federal Primers... 10X the space to store Federal primers over any other brand. Just imagine the space you need to keep 15-20 thousand of those on hand compared to the normal size brick... Drives me up a wall, I won't buy them again.
30:16 try puting the black rubber on it that might fix it
try letting the handle go after priming to let it jiggle itself.
Algorithm. This vid was. Entertaining, inspirational, educational, informative and enjoyable.
Thanks. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I really like my RCBS APS bench mounted.
Doesn't the long feeding tube bouncing around drive u mad?
@@oscarbear7498 the APS is the strip feeding one. I still have it, but I've changed over to the tube style for ease of primer filling. The APS has kinda hinky feeding sometimes.
@@pandemicprecision4603 I saw it was discontinued 😵
As far as the bench primer not feeding reliably, I have noticed that plastic thing where the little gasket is missing from it rises upward as you seat a primer. If the o-ring were there, it might keep it down and keep it more reliable. I'm not a reloader so maybe someone who knows might know better.
If your not a reloader...why you here? This video much be like watching paint dry xD
I have never hand primed a case. My first press was the hornady lnl progressive. Have enjoyed priming on it with no issues. Except when i found out the hard way federal 223 brass has crimped primers that was a fun day. 😆
I had the same issue with my Lee hand Primer. After attempting a long loading session in .223 I got so mad I chunked it across the shop and it exploded into a million tiny pieces. My RCBS universal priming tool would have taken the impact like a champ lol.
At around 30:34 the piece that has the o-ring on the hand primer seems to be camming up.. maybe it's supposed to have an o-ring to prevent that
I have a old lee hand primer. HATE IT WITH A PASSION!!! My wife got me the Frankfort one and all is well with the universe
I broke my first bench prime, the lip broke around the shell holder after about 10,000 rounds. What I learned is it has no cam over like the hand primer so you have to be careful with how much force you use.
They do get tired, broken 3 heads off the old round tray ones. Took a lot of rounds to happen, but, they do fatigue. I bought spares at gun shows for a few yrs just to keep them running.
Primers??? I remember those!
I have two of the original round head Lee Auto Prime hand tools that I've had for over twenty years one set up for large primer and one for small. A little lube on the moving parts once a year and they have always ran smooth. I use everyone primers never had any issues and I use lots of various size Federal primers.
I got rid of my Lee priming tool for the RCBS that does not use a shell holder. Best upgrade ever.
I'm beginning to think that there isn't a perfect priming solution. After buying the Lyman All-American 8 press, I got so frustrated with that priming system (so did you?), I went back to using my 18 year old Lee hand primer (with the round tray), and completely removed the Lyman priming system from the press.
If it wasn't for the shortages, I'd probably get the RCBS bench prime. But with my luck, it would probably also be a waste of money. Good review, Johnny 👍🇺🇸
I think I will stick with my rcbs
Johnny great video 👍 glade see u back on here with a video. You saying going go big this year with UA-cam?? Yea primers that runing joke their so expensive. Place charge 150 + for 1000. People crazy for them like ammo. Even 22lr selling for crazy mark ups. New reloading. Just want find couple lbs of powder in 100 or so primers maybe 200 I'll be ok for little while.
I have the Bench Prime. I would say, I like, but not love it.
As Johnny mentioned, it completely run out of gas at the end of the stroke.
And I feel like I am using way to much pressure. Causing me to always have the fear of Primer Detonations. (Never had one though)
Flicking the Lever back up helps the feeding issue, but doesn't eliminate it.
In most of the Lee Priming Products, you would see a Primer Tray Agitate Feature, for example, on the progressive presses.
And I hear a similar action on the Hand Primer, too. (It has a very unique sound)
Not too sure why it is absent on the Bench Prime.
I don't mind Tapping the Tray once in a while, and the primers don't come out sideways for the Bench Prime, which is excellent.
For Small Primer, the Tray needs to be at the Lock Position, but down very close to the Open Position. Otherwise, it is likely to leak. It's unfortunate, but I don't have high expectations on simple plastic parts.
Wish I could load that much ammo, can’t find components
I think I see what caused the feeding issues on the bench prime, where the O ring is on the hand prime the plastic part on the bench prime flexes (I hope that makes sense)
Very good video! Thanks. Just got the bench primer and happy with it. Have to tap the tray occasionally but no big deal. Works well!
LOLZ... if you set of just the primer, just any kind... you know that it does not care of any packaging or size of primer(small, large or magnum)...!! they are alot more powerful than people think..... this is not a kids capgun kablowee...
Ever since LEE changed the primer tray from the round tray with tab lock lid to the triangle shaped tray, I have had issues as well. I purchased the new hand priming tool believing "new and improved" might be the way to go. I have been marginally disappointed. I am a tinkerer, so I will keep working on the issues I run into with the newer LEE primer tools. My original LEE hand primer will malfunction, but rarely more than about 1 in 500. Wish my LoadMaster was that reliable. Priming on my Rock Chucker press, I have never had a single malfunction in 41 years. That primer feed system has been bullet proof for me. It is just so difficult to use on my lap while watching some late night TV.
I would love to buy the Lee bench prime tool but the plastic primer feeding trays seem to be so problematic! Sadly I will pay 3-4 times more for the huge RCBS instead. I wish Lee would just fix their primer tray/feeder things. Its so close but missing the final 10% that would make the tool great. I've been using the Frankford hand tool and its the usual half assed Chinese quality and crappy machining and loose tolerances but it works for now. Maybe Lee will fix their bench prime someday , I hope.
Man with as much issue as you have I will stay away. I will stick with my RCBS hand primer for small primers and use my Rock Chucker for the large. As for .223 and 300BO thats done on the Dillon!
Smooth move! I use Red and Tacky also! My favorite, but, it's hell to remove from your hands unless you take a paper towel or rag and wipe it off, then go to Dawn Dish soap to thoroughly remove from your skin...... And that smell....... Great grease!
I know I'm a little late to the party but I made a video for you with a simple "fix" for the issue we both are having. Check it out on my channel. Love your videos btw!
Hi. I'm a new subscriber, this video and the video of the k31 was something I was looking for. And you explain very good what I need to know. This took from Lee I was inclined to buy in Amazon but now i don't know if I should buy. I have a k31 and my GP 11 ammo is almost over and the person I always buy doesn't sell anymore! So I don't know if I should learn and buy equipment to do my own ammo or try ammo already ready. My main question is how much I most I'm going expended to buy all the correct tools for reloading my own ammo. Thank you for the attention
I'm trying to not dog on Lee, I do like the value price on their stuff. Factory crimp die is awsome. Powder thru dies are great. I was priming on my breech lock press. But...those stupid primer flip trays suck!!!! Mine all leak primers. Fixed it buy getting a Dillon 550 and using the breech lock for a dirty press.
I have one of the bench Priming tools, guess I got lucky. Works great for me. BTW your videos got me into reloading thx
I have the Franklin tool. It too can need bit of handle ballistics to feed, but from your video, I won't be "upgrading" to the Lee bench primer. Thanks for the warning.
I use this tool as well. It took some education. I've found with NATO brass that the crimp needs be given a very clean consistent trim to get the same priming results as standard .223 Remington. Swaging does not give me the same results. Post-swage brass is challenging to prime and you'll absolutely damage the brass attempting to seat fully, IF you're not careful.
I bought the bench prime unit. It is a piece of trash. The super slim aluminum primer excluder/blocker bends very easily. I've had to take the unit apart, straighten the primer excluder/blocker and reassemble. No matter how slow, how gentle, how delicate you use this thing, it simply doesn't work like it should.
Shame on Lee for marketing this crap to us.
If you like cussing, farting around trying to re-engineer the damn thing, and not getting any reloading done, Lee priming tools are for you!
Bench Prime : I noticed on large primers with #2 holder, the white plastic feed bar was climbing over or blocked by the shell holder and sticking, I ground small flat spot on the shell holder where it would contact the feed bar, no more problems with large primers. Small primers almost zero issues. I to have to tap the handle once or twice in 100 primers and tap the tray once or twice. Still more reliable that almost any on press priming system, and way faster than any other hand method. And much easier on arthritic old hands than the silly hand held ones of any make.
Man, I came real close to cheaping out and buying one of those Lee priming tools, im glad I didn't after watching this video... I ordered the Primal Rights CPS tool and she's on the big brown truck. I hope I like it...
LEE bench prime, no more hand cramps. I've primed about 8K of cases with only the occasional sideways primer. Only have to tap it lightly every so often to keep the primers flowing and it is much faster than my old RCBS unit.
Johnny
If your FA M press pulls the shell plate screws out I have a fix for it. Mine did that 20 cases in on 444 Marlin full length resize each case lubed. I have pictures but can't seem to see how to load them here. I did see other people had same problem. The screws are not tight from factory but also undersized for the stress.
Clemmie, NASA Machinist 👍
I think Federal was the initial defendant in the primer box explosion issue that happened maybe 25 yrs ago. I think they kind of went overkill on the packaging safety, but I think that is why the individual primer spacing is so big in the federal packaging, compared to Rem and CCI. Strictly a liability claim result I believe.
Yup I'll just keep priming on my dillon 550 or with my rcbs hand primer. Maybe they'll come out with a Gen 2 and fix these little quirks.
so what is the deal on the .308 ar10 build? ordered a 14.5 in barrel myself in a 1&12. Been spamming your videos, don't quit on me!!!
I have noticed that you just have to completely let go of the handle after priming so it Flys up fast, it shakes the tray and it feeds better.
I've used the Lee bench primers for thousands of primers. Have to load 50 primers at a time instead of 100. Don't be gentle with the handle, let it snap back in place, jiggling the tray. The small plastic feeder part has broken numerous times. You really have to watch for primers that flip or get caught partially sideways. Like most Lee products, they are decent, not great.
RCBS sells their primer trays separately. With just a little sanding they can be made to fit Lee equipment. I much prefer the RCBS trays. Instructions have a warning not to short cycle the handle on the bench prime. Perhaps I just got lucky but my bench prime works like a dream.
Yep, same issues I ran in to using bench mounted version. In less than 150 primes the primer got in to a space it shouldn't be and plastic part broke! I got it replaced and sold this piece of junk. I am ashamed this is made in USA because it feels like it was made cheaply in China. Maybe some of you guys remember but Lee actually had a hand primer that had excellent primer tray that would flip the primers really well and instead they chose to switch to this cheesy crappy tray.
I use the rcbs hand squeezer, the one that uses shell holders instead of the universal. Doesn't seem to over prime. The feed tray needs a shake every so often. And if you don't quite get a crimp ironed out all the way its a little anemic on power to push through them. Honesty my biggest complaint with it is the fact it's almost an entire disassembly to change shell holders
Agree with the disassembly required to change shell holders, what a pain. Especially when the handle would jam often after reassembly. So I bought the RCBS universal hand primer and found that for .223, the universal clamps (in place of the shell holder) don't always self center exactly and prevented the primer from entering the shell without having to jiggle the shell. So I just dedicated the old style RCBS hand primer for .223 and the universal primer for all others.
I use the priming tool that came with my Hornady single stage press. Fewer moving parts, fewer problems......
I wish RCBS would take an idea like this and run with it. ive been looking at bench primers for a while but none seem all that impressive.
I still have the old round tray Lee hand primer worked great, it’s now my backup, use RCBS bench primer and mounted it to my Lee press plate system, can switch for plat to press in a minute
@@edwardboggs5711 the RCBS bench primer is probably what ill move to although it seems like it has unnessisary movements, is overly complicated and a too... flaily.
like I said, thats probably what ill get but I'd really just like a better version of this lee bench primer. Im not sure that i have anything lee that hasn't started to fail. except my decapping die.
After your downstroke (primed) just release the handle from the down position ,don't lift it back up. The vibration should keep them primers moooooving lol ??
I own the Lee Auto Bench Prime tool and I have had very good success with it. I do have a few notes on it. 1 I agree I'm not a fan of the triangle shaped flip trays. I understand why Lee made them the shape they did but that does not mean they are nice to use. I think Lee should go back to the round ones or make a square one with a lid and a slider for on/off. 2. In my case the tool has worked flawlessly with CCI primers. I've used Federal and Winchester and with both of those primes you have to pay attention that the primers didn't flip sideways in the chute when loading. 3. The picture on Lee of a guy pulling down on the lever is misleading. You don't have to pull down on the lever with much force at all, and I only use two fingers when actuating the arm. Overall the tool has not given me any issues with durability. I have about 3,000 primed 9mm cases on it and can prime 100 cases in a little over 7 minutes. This is taking my time and checking the head stamp as I go to make sure I don't get a crimped primer pocket mixed in with my brass. That's another thing, this tool does have enough force to jam a primer into a crimped primer pocket. I highly suggest not doing that as it will flatten the primer and could accidently set it off. As stated if you feel extreme resistance stop and look at what is causing the issue.
I know its been a couple year and I know this has nothing to do with this video but have you done load data for 6.5 creedmoor nosler 129gr accubond long range and h4350 powder
Explody never heard that. Btw I only use the bench prime works great. Never had any explosions even with Federal primers regardless if size. Good video and I see the same problems. Nothing bad for the cost. Just learn how to deal with it.
I stopped using Federal primers for several reasons. One of them was due to problems with primer feed on my Dillon RL550B. I went to CCI primers and have never had a primer problem related to primer feeding since!
Am I supposed to get excited about a decades old feud between Lee and Federal? 50+ years reloading I've never had an issue with Federal primers. Thanks for the vid.
Funny how dated info carries on. At one time Federal was suspect for sympathetic detonations, so instead of being unable to ship primers they redesigned packaging and went way over the top. Still packaged that way, also Fed thinks they look important that way. Others didn't care, package as minimally as they can. Lee's axe to grind was like 'unsafe at any speed' about a car...
Lock feature doesn’t keep the primers from falling out in my experience. Have the issue of the primers falling out when trying to install in my loadmaster.
Remove the O-ring(just cut it off) that the handle bumps into on the upstroke so the handle can come all the way to the top of the stroke. Make sure you do full strokes up & down with the handle... (you where turning lose of the handle after you set the primer... it was working perfect when you was just running primers through it keeping your hand on it doing full up & down strokes) The lee folding trays suck you have to tap them once in awhile to keep them feeding..... I use the older lee round trays on mine and have recently started using an RCBS tray that's used on the rcbs hand primer, you have to to a little filing on the tab of the tray so it'll slide in the lee gizmo but its been feeding great...
Never had up-side-down primers when using this and Large Rifle. But with my grendel i have had 2 cases where i got upside down primers (and subsequent click in the field, no damage done). Its just that the tool is universal that makes it less suited for the small primers, as they tend to have more room to rotate on their axis wich large cant.
Im looking for a tool to use on small rifle that works better.
this tool works great with CCI and federal primers but remington and some others have a variable thickness of up to .0006 and will jamb the feed path, I ruined several adapters before I figured this out. please try with other primers.