Very cheap construction, mine continually malfunctioned. I was so happy when I got a replacement primer arm for my RCBS Jr. press. I have too many bad things to say about this product.
Why are you storing primers in “bulk” (loose) in a box originally intended for bullets? This is dangerous. Just about every reference book on hand loading I have ever read cautions against this. An example is from the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook, Page 60: “Never transfer primers from their original factory container to any other container. Primers stored loose or in bulk, for example in a glass jar, and having contact one with another, can, and most often will, cause a violent explosion of the entire mass if but a single primer is ignited.”
Like I posted before to another comment, very good observation, primers should never ever be allowed to rub against each other, obvious reasons like static electricity, safety is very important in this hobby and I am sure he knows and agrees with that.
The Lee bench primer is a dog. The primers hang up in the tray and you have to wack to get them to loosen up. This hang up happens frequently and after trying multiple trays the problem is endemic to the design. Avoid this one till they fix the tray feeding problem.
You got lucky here Gavin! I know several people, myself included, that have trouble with primers feeding every time to the seating position of this priming tool. I still like the tool but I sure wish I had a little better luck with getting the primers fed. But I enjoyed these videos and thank you so much for the product showcase!
I bought one of these after watching this video. A point that should be made about this tool, that is mentioned in the instruction manual, is that you should make sure to raise the hand lever all the way to the O-ring buffer each time after priming a case. The machine relies on that little bump to ensure proper feeding of following primers.
Didn't make a difference for me. I had to lift and lower up and down several times sometimes before primer decides to drop. Why would Lee release such crappy design I don't know. And then there is this ugly stupid primer tray, their old clear tray was better.
@LeverAction Gypsy I got replacement brand new in the box, haven't touched, forgot all about it :) I went back to my trusty RCBS but to be fair the cases I had problems with were LC and needed primer pockets reamed/swagged, I had problem seating them with RCBS too. Shoot me an email I'll make you a deal. my name at gmail no space.
Gavin (others as well), be advised, DO NOT prime cases with your fingers over the top of the case. If a primer goes off, you're gonna blast your finger!
And set it up where the blast can go somewhere “safe”, like toward a concrete wall or something similar. Never had one go off, but the risk is always there.
i have primers set off in case, not in priming tool but in a controlled explosion, small rifle/pistol primers are quite weak and wont blast anything unless you seal case with your finger.
I watched your video and decided I would try this primer. I'm glad I did as I have three different hand primers and the fourth one, the Lee primer is by far the best one to date. There is almost no resistance to proper placement in the case of the primer. I found though that the handle (on mine) doesn't come up far enough to load the next primer without lifting the handle up to its maximum height. I noticed in your video that there was a rubber band around your arm/lever that would pull the arm up into the most upright position and that you eventually removed it at some point during you demo of of the hand primer. I went looking for a rubber band but didn't have one of correct length. This was good as I found that if I didn't put enough pressure on the arm in seating the primer it wouldn't seat all the way and wouldn't come out of the holder until I re-seated it to the proper depth. If the handle were to have gone all the way up, it would have loaded a second primer into position, and I was pushing primer against primer to get the first one seated. Therefore, I looked at it as being a safety factor. If I didn't seat the primer correctly and didn't lift the arm all the way up, it would allow me to reseat the primer without loading the second primer. Once seated properly I could take the case out and put the new one in. I would then lift the seating lever to its full upright position allowing for the new primer to fall into position for priming the new case. It was easy to get into the loading routine and as long as you seated the primer using enough downward force (which isn't much) to seat the primer the first time around. Sorry for the lengthy explanation of my experience, but if it helps someone out, that was my intent. I would highly recommend this hand primer to a friend. I also bought two extra primer baskets in case the plastic hinge on the primer holder wore out. Have a great day of loading folks!
Just FYI: Some instructions may still show a Primer Agitator Spring P/N: PT3324 that is no longer included with the LEE Auto Bench Prime. They haven't updated the instructions as of yet. Well... ok, LEE may have updated them, but many were shipped with the older instruction manual. Lee Precision said that upon review they determined that the Agitator Spring wasn't needed. So it's not missing. It looks sporty as all he-double toothpicks. Just remember it's not an old 4-speed shifter. You shouldn't go off makin' engine noises and acting like your banging the revs down the quarter mile. Just stay steady and deliberate.
All i can say is i bought this after watching your video then it come’s I’m all eager to prime a 1000 .223 but no shell holder what a pain in the ass now i have to go and find one and order it and wait because of where i live can’t just run to the store that’s 50 miles one way warn your VIEWERS..
Be sure to keep your left index finger away from the case mouth in case of accidental primer detonation. I have loaded 10,000 cases with this tool, I have a love/ hate relationship with it. Great video as usual, sir
Can you explain your love/hate relationship better? Getting tired of fighting the rcbs hand tool and looking for an alternative. What do you hate about the Lee Tool?
Bought one from Amazon and broke on my 9th 45acp case. Lever wouldn't reset. Took it apart some little metal tap broke off. Will give a second chance Amazon sent a replacement no questions asked. A+++ service
OMG! Thank you Gavin!. I had to get the Lee Bench Primer, many health reasons plus price ruled out everything else. I read all the down reviews on it but when I saw Gavin going oooh, aaah when he started priming plus the price was right on Amazon Prime. Arrived today. Had to use a 2x4 ~12inches long mount, since I was out of 3/4 inch pine. Good - Mounted fine, stable, easy to operate, well balanced. Bad - The tray lock is a nightmare to change positions on for my arthritic thumb. Hoping it losens up with use. I ran the first 20 WSR primers into some 223. After about 5 rounds I was going oooh, aaaah. Gavin was right! Great tactile feedback - I could feel the primer going in, some were harder to seat, blame that on my mediocre crimp removal work. GREAT - Hard seats that would have trashed the primer on my RCBS press primer went in just fine!!! 100 out of 100 seated perfectly. Another atta boy tactile feedback - I could feel the primers that weren't starting right and just rotated the case a quarter turn and the primers started and seated fine. Holding the case is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. In 40 years of reloading I have never got 100 out of 100 without damaging a couple primers. The best part - I was working from my home office in front off my computer (yeas I had eye protection on), not bolted down to a huge workbench in the garage. One issue, somehow around the 20th prime I got 2 primers stacked up in front of the plunger area. Had to pull the shell holder to clear them. Operator error I won't do that again. Cut my priming time by 80% and went to zero loses. I've been hoarding my last 300 LRP afraid of trashing any. Up next! On the down side I do need to see where to get replacement trays and seating tools. The plastic is not inspiring me to think 40 year life like my RCBS primer.
Just bought one of these and I love it. You have to tap the plastic to get the primers to feed sometimes, but for $32 I am not complaining. WAY easier than hand priming.
I picked one of these up and am very happy with it. I typically prime 223 on my Dillon, but this seats primers very uniformly! Thanks for the great reviews!
Thanks for the video. I just got one this past week. I appreciate your tutorial. I have already primed some 9mm cases. Easier than I thought it would be.
Gavin - Would you please humor me and keep your fingers away from the mouth of the cartridge. If a primer goes off you will have a hurting finger. Also there are many newbys who have to be taught the safe way.
@@dave-yeahthatsme3925 You have a lot higher chance of hurting your fingers when working with reloading press than with a primer going off. You're suppose to wear safety goggles anyway according to instructions when you prime but who does? I crushed the primers with this lee auto prime not once but at least 7 times before the press got damaged, it's plastic what do you expect but never had one go off.
I know the shell holders don't cost much, but why can't Lee build this shell priming device to use the same shell holders as the loading press, so I can use the shell holders that come with the loading die kit that I already have?
You can’t yank the shell holders off your press to use because the hand held shell plates are totally different.the shell holders on your press won’t work on the hand or bench primer tool
I have this tool and it works well with 308 and other LARGE rifle primers. However, notice he is fudging a bit here by holding the 223 case to assist with the alignment for primer insertion. The #4 case holder has very sloppy tolerances around the rim and the case will tip 10+ degrees out of perpendicular. This means you have to fiddle with it to approximate center and fish around as you press the primer home. With the 308 for example the case is inserted in its holder and left to be primed. The smaller plastic insertion holder doesn't find center automatically well enough to avoid being a pain in the butt when you're doing a few hundred rounds. Feeds well, loads primers well, ribs in primer magazine flip primers over very quickly. Easy action even with military cases. You can see how fast the 308 priming goes without fiddling for alignment. Lee needs to step up machining tolerance on the #4 and offer free replacement of it. Video should have started past 5 minutes.
I cringe when I see your finger over the mouth of the case. I had one go off on me and residue got imbedded on the back of my hand using a hand press (fingers/hand not in way of case mouth) and that really hurt! Not to mention the burning sensation of the residue under my skin.
Don't waste your money. Mine is back in the box on a shelf collecting dust (can't even get it sold). I bought the RCBS Auto Bench Primer. It is the best!
@@Ultimatereloader I even removed the rubber washer as recommended on UA-cam. It does improve it but the frustration with primers failing to feed was just too much! I gave up!
You gotta add the harder drums back to your intro. Hearing it makes me think James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich are going to show me some reloading tools.😄
Thanks for this review. Just wanted to see if there's maybe something I'm doing wrong. Been using this Bench Prime for a few years, and although I'm not a big guy I seem to be breaking the crappy little flat plastic spring that pushes the next "on-deck" primer into position for the very next primer-push cycle. I've been trying to be gentle with the press, but I shatter that little spring once every 1000-ish primes. If anyone knows of an alternate spring, please answer with a source. Thanks!
I love mine. I just use some leather gloves for the "Just in case" moments. Ive never popped a primer but I know that if I do the gloves will absorb most if not all the burn and debri.
Looks like a Very Nice priming tool. I have been away from the bench for a while and just discovered this new Lee product. Thanks for sharing. I try to monitor closely how many primers I need and load into the primer feed. Any left over I store back in the original package per the recommendation of every loading manual I have read. Primers stored loose in bulk can be hazardous. Thanks for a great review.
Factory shells are 0.004" below flush. I get better groups with 0.007" below flush. some like 0.008" to 0.010" below. You got about 0.013" to 0.015" below flush before you bottom out.. Better to go lower for floating firing pin guns. (AR's, BLR's ,BAR's) Frankford Arsenal Platinum Hand Priming Tool can be adjusted to 0.015 below flush..
The only problem I have with it is I have to tap it sometimes to get primers to feed into the hopper. Winchester small pistol. Other than that it runs like a champ, seats primers well and with very little effort.
Bro, I went to your website to purchase that kit, and it is overwhelmingly crowded and stuffed. Took me time to find your search bar, and when searching for items, I’m getting reviews and videos first, before scrolling down and clicking again on the subject to be directed to the not in stock items. And 10-20% more expensive than Amazon… what should we do here bro? I want to support..
Nuthin wrong with Lee equipment, been using them for over 25yrs, only shoot 223 and .308 and have not experienced one fuckup or error and best of all they are dirt cheap and their resizing die is just awesome.
Gavin, I realize this is an older video and that you've probably wisened up since you posted it, but you have to realize that a lot of your viewers are young and inexperienced. You are teaching them that it's ok to store primers loose, in a box. That is the most amateurish move I have seen in my 35 years of handloading and I know many other people would agree. There's a reason factory's package primers each one in it's own little cubby hole. When they're loose, they rub together and produce a fine, highly flammable dust that can be set off by any little spark or even static electricity. Please don't encourage the improper storage of primers. Keep your primers stored in their original factory packaging.
@@fireyourrocketts Thanks. I wanted to relate a story I read a few decades ago where the author learned of a primer factory worker who was carrying a bucket of loose primers when it went off. All they found of the worker was his shoes. But I couldn't recall where I'd seen it. I have since come across it again. Chapter 6 Primers and Priming p.37 of John Wooters tome, The Complete Handloader for Rifles, Handguns and Shotguns. Outdoor Life Books 1988.
I have Dillon 550b press. Saying that, I just got this primer loader. So should I remove the dice located in the station one and start with station two (powder feeder?
One helpful hint that makes life easier is to take a Sharpie and highlight the SM and LG on the clear plastic primer inserts. It really makes it easy to see which one you have installed.
I have/had one and have loaded a couple thousand rounds with it, but the main casting broke. The ears that hold the shell holder in place just peeled back from metal fatigue I guess. It is now nonfunctional. I like the tool so I guess I need to buy another. At least they are inexpensive.
Im curious as to why the instructions state to only single load any federal branded primers. They claim that federals can cascade fail and cause serious harm. What the actual heck!? I assume it’s from a lawsuit requiring the statement from someone’s negligence.
I've been using this tool for a month now. Easy set-up, easy to load, and easy to install new primers (all sizes). Real pleasure to prime now. I recommend this Lee product.
The lee auto bench primer works great FOR THE FIRSY 1000 OR SO CASES, but after that , the plastic begins to wear and the primer metering drop starts to jam requiring disassembly. The plastic spring on the small primer insert breaks. I have received replacement parts from Lee, but I do a lot of work up loads and have to go back to my old primer while waiting for parts. I'm going to get an RCBS auto bench primer. In this case I feel that you definitely get what you pay for and the Lee primer is cheap.
I was priming 40sw but the case keep getting stuck to the shell holder why is it happening? One actually is stuck to the shell holder I can't remove it help please
Ive owned two of these machines. One works fine, the other broke the metal around the shell holder. No extra force needed. It just kinda broke one day.
Great idea.......to bad Lee decided to use cheap plastic priming inserts with this tool. It's worth the price but not the headache or disappointment of breaking the inserts.
Gavin... so I have hand primed for some time now prefer the feel to know it seats well.. but it takes time and gets old.. lol.. saw the LEE Auto Bench Prime and your review.. it looks ideal... but how do you feel about it after couple years since that review.. anything else out there.. that does it as fast with feel for the money today better?
randall c After a couple of years using mine, it's in a box. The plastic heads should be considered expendable parts. I was ok with that because Lee will give you a free one, but I was going through so many I would also buy 2 with the free one. The primers would drag through the cute and turn sideways, and after a while not slide at all. You have to constantly tap on the primer tray to keep the primers from hanging up. Then it started breaking the connecting rod as fast as I could replace it. After 7 or 8 of those, it went in a box to put it out of my misery. The tool is good in theory but lacks in actual performance. I do miss the quick loading of the trays vs loading one at a time into a tube.
Have you checked your primers, and have you seen any marks on them from the Primer pin? Just started using mine and I noticed that the face of the pin is not flat like it should be. Do you have any comments about this?
Haven't seen that issue- the new hand primer and the Auto Bench Prime use the same pin if memory serves, and mine are both nice and flat. If you contact LEE, I'm sure they'll take care of you.
Thru a little ingenuity I fabricated an adjustable stop that bottoms out on a modification on the handle. Thus being able to set my primer depth. Kind of works like the $600 dollar one you demonstrated.
This tool is great. Using any progressive press priming station can give you prim rs that are seated or in backwards. This solves that problem. Just deactivate your progressive primer station.
I'm stunned he likes this thing so much. Those priming trays are awful. I had such bad luck with the trays I modified a RCBS tray to fit it and it works much better now. The plastic on the Large and Small ADAPTER ASSEMBLY's started to break and it was nice the Lee replaces those at no cost. This the tray I now use. ua-cam.com/video/oVVxZxLhsG0/v-deo.html It also works with the Lee precision bench priming system. I've started gluing the trays to the adapter assemblies. I find the RCBS trays much less finicky about the brand of primers also.
I bought this unit and the instructions that came with it stated Federal Primers, especially the large primers, could ignite and cause the other primers to ignite. They suggested loading one primer at a time for Federal Primers. Any comments? Thank you.
Martin, I saw the same notification, waste of time one at a time. I put 100 primers in the tray at a time. No problems so far. Hate the plastic parts, prone to brakage!!!
after watching your video i bought one. it worked great for my 243 and 44mag. next i'll try my 357mag and 45acp. let you know what happens. thanks for a great little tool. will keep watching!
I used it but due to its cheap plastic assembly face, it was broken just after 40-50 rounds. It feels very cheap when you use it. I do not recommend it.
only thing i would add is Gavin you must not had read where is stated " All types of Federal brand primers must be fed individually with this tool". other than that great video as usual
Travis Arnold Midwest Outdoor Enthusiasts I think it’s only the large ones exactly (looked at the instructions less than an hour ago but of course now I can’t find them), but I was thinking the same. Wonder what’s so special about Federal Large?
I just use my rcbs hand primer while watching tv at night and i keep all my brass prepped for when I need to restock my ammo surplus. Always stay ahead of the game 😆
If you dont seat the primer and you can't get the case with the half seated primer out. You need to disassemble the feeding tray and shoot. Then remove the feeding mechanism and manually remove the shell holder or simply try ramming another primer home behind it to get it seated. I've gotten so good that rarely happens now
Ok you said you can buy the whole kit to hold the shells right ? Ok I have the bench top rcbs primer tool . Does the lee have a shell holder for 12 gauge shot gun shells. Ok before everyone gets twisted. If you load a brass 12 gauge you need to use large pistol primers . I bought the rcbs because you can use it on almost everything .
This is the best primer tool I have tried. Perhaps it is personal, but I operate the lever with my left hand and manipulate the cases with my right. It seems more natural. Gotta watch it as primer chute has big clearances and occasionally seats a primer sideways.
Sadly I must say not too impressed with the Lee bench primer - - even on the lee precision site they tell you that you need to remove the rubber stop ring to make it work better - Why is this the case - my old Lee hand primer (with the round primer holder) worked for 10 years and thousands of primers seated but the brand new one needs modifications to make it work - Sadly Lee you have made a bummer here
I've bought the lee bench top auto prime it's great for priming large amounts of brass it's easy on the hands if you have injuries it's an easy prime I recommend it 👍
Hey Gavin, Have you had any problems when using federal large primers? In the instructions lee says to specifically avoid any large federal primers. I'm not sure how lee + large federal = more explodey. The only difference in that primer cup dimensions chart seems to be federal's diameter is slightly larger. Thanks!
Lee recommends only CCI and Winchester primers be used in their priming tools and progressive presses. The softer cups can crush and detonate and the design of the lee primer feeds lends itself for mass detonations. I've used Remington and Federal primers in 2 loadmasters, a pro 1000, a Dillon square deal B and several hand held priming tools and never had an issue. That issue holds true with all press manufacturers. I saw the destruction from a primer tube detonation on a Dillon 550 and it was devastating damage and resulted in the operator getting burns.
Don't bother with Lee priming tools. In less, you are just looking for the frustration of primers hanging up constantly. I own the bench model and the newest hand model. I am sending the new one back to midway. I got smart spent $100, and bought the RCBS table primer, and it works with nowhere the frustration. It is actually a pleasure when using it.
Got mine today and it doesn´t feed the next primer. The feeder seems not slide back enough, so that the gap where the next primer should fall in isn´t all the way open.
Some other videos on this show a spring behind the primer tray, yours does not have one ! However, don't know what the spring would be for. Any thoughts ?
Very cheap construction, mine continually malfunctioned. I was so happy when I got a replacement primer arm for my RCBS Jr. press. I have too many bad things to say about this product.
Had NOTHING but trouble with mine! had to order new action pars several times. Was constantly jamming. went to RCBS Hand primer tool
Why are you storing primers in “bulk” (loose) in a box originally intended for bullets? This is dangerous. Just about every reference book on hand loading I have ever read cautions against this. An example is from the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook, Page 60: “Never transfer primers from their original factory container to any other container. Primers stored loose or in bulk, for example in a glass jar, and having contact one with another, can, and most often will, cause a violent explosion of the entire mass if but a single primer is ignited.”
Like I posted before to another comment, very good observation, primers should never ever be allowed to rub against each other, obvious reasons like static electricity, safety is very important in this hobby and I am sure he knows and agrees with that.
The Lee bench primer is a dog. The primers hang up in the tray and you have to wack to get them to loosen up. This hang up happens frequently and after trying multiple trays the problem is endemic to the design. Avoid this one till they fix the tray feeding problem.
Best priming tool on the market!
You got lucky here Gavin! I know several people, myself included, that have trouble with primers feeding every time to the seating position of this priming tool. I still like the tool but I sure wish I had a little better luck with getting the primers fed. But I enjoyed these videos and thank you so much for the product showcase!
Typical Lee junk plastic crap parts jam break save your money get the RCBS all metal top quality
I bought one of these after watching this video. A point that should be made about this tool, that is mentioned in the instruction manual, is that you should make sure to raise the hand lever all the way to the O-ring buffer each time after priming a case. The machine relies on that little bump to ensure proper feeding of following primers.
Thanks Willy- good point!
Didn't make a difference for me. I had to lift and lower up and down several times sometimes before primer decides to drop. Why would Lee release such crappy design I don't know. And then there is this ugly stupid primer tray, their old clear tray was better.
@LeverAction Gypsy I got replacement brand new in the box, haven't touched, forgot all about it :) I went back to my trusty RCBS but to be fair the cases I had problems with were LC and needed primer pockets reamed/swagged, I had problem seating them with RCBS too. Shoot me an email I'll make you a deal. my name at gmail no space.
Gavin (others as well), be advised, DO NOT prime cases with your fingers over the top of the case. If a primer goes off, you're gonna blast your finger!
And set it up where the blast can go somewhere “safe”, like toward a concrete wall or something similar. Never had one go off, but the risk is always there.
i have primers set off in case, not in priming tool but in a controlled explosion, small rifle/pistol primers are quite weak and wont blast anything unless you seal case with your finger.
I watched your video and decided I would try this primer. I'm glad I did as I have three different hand primers and the fourth one, the Lee primer is by far the best one to date. There is almost no resistance to proper placement in the case of the primer. I found though that the handle (on mine) doesn't come up far enough to load the next primer without lifting the handle up to its maximum height. I noticed in your video that there was a rubber band around your arm/lever that would pull the arm up into the most upright position and that you eventually removed it at some point during you demo of of the hand primer. I went looking for a rubber band but didn't have one of correct length. This was good as I found that if I didn't put enough pressure on the arm in seating the primer it wouldn't seat all the way and wouldn't come out of the holder until I re-seated it to the proper depth. If the handle were to have gone all the way up, it would have loaded a second primer into position, and I was pushing primer against primer to get the first one seated. Therefore, I looked at it as being a safety factor. If I didn't seat the primer correctly and didn't lift the arm all the way up, it would allow me to reseat the primer without loading the second primer. Once seated properly I could take the case out and put the new one in. I would then lift the seating lever to its full upright position allowing for the new primer to fall into position for priming the new case. It was easy to get into the loading routine and as long as you seated the primer using enough downward force (which isn't much) to seat the primer the first time around. Sorry for the lengthy explanation of my experience, but if it helps someone out, that was my intent. I would highly recommend this hand primer to a friend. I also bought two extra primer baskets in case the plastic hinge on the primer holder wore out. Have a great day of loading folks!
Have one and absolutely love it. Loaded hundreds small and large rifle primers. I works almost effortlessly.
Just FYI:
Some instructions may still show a Primer Agitator Spring P/N: PT3324 that is no longer included with the LEE Auto Bench Prime.
They haven't updated the instructions as of yet. Well... ok, LEE may have updated them, but many were shipped with the older instruction manual.
Lee Precision said that upon review they determined that the Agitator Spring wasn't needed. So it's not missing.
It looks sporty as all he-double toothpicks. Just remember it's not an old 4-speed shifter. You shouldn't go off makin' engine noises and acting like your banging the revs down the quarter mile. Just stay steady and deliberate.
All i can say is i bought this after watching your video then it come’s I’m all eager to prime a 1000 .223 but no shell holder what a pain in the ass now i have to go and find one and order it and wait because of where i live can’t just run to the store that’s 50 miles one way warn your VIEWERS..
something about that feeling of seating a primer into the case is so satisfying, can't explain it
Be sure to keep your left index finger away from the case mouth in case of accidental primer detonation. I have loaded 10,000 cases with this tool, I have a love/ hate relationship with it. Great video as usual, sir
Can you explain your love/hate relationship better? Getting tired of fighting the rcbs hand tool and looking for an alternative.
What do you hate about the Lee Tool?
Bought one from Amazon and broke on my 9th 45acp case. Lever wouldn't reset. Took it apart some little metal tap broke off. Will give a second chance Amazon sent a replacement no questions asked. A+++ service
OMG! Thank you Gavin!. I had to get the Lee Bench Primer, many health reasons plus price ruled out everything else. I read all the down reviews on it but when I saw Gavin going oooh, aaah when he started priming plus the price was right on Amazon Prime. Arrived today. Had to use a 2x4 ~12inches long mount, since I was out of 3/4 inch pine. Good - Mounted fine, stable, easy to operate, well balanced. Bad - The tray lock is a nightmare to change positions on for my arthritic thumb. Hoping it losens up with use. I ran the first 20 WSR primers into some 223. After about 5 rounds I was going oooh, aaaah. Gavin was right! Great tactile feedback - I could feel the primer going in, some were harder to seat, blame that on my mediocre crimp removal work. GREAT - Hard seats that would have trashed the primer on my RCBS press primer went in just fine!!! 100 out of 100 seated perfectly. Another atta boy tactile feedback - I could feel the primers that weren't starting right and just rotated the case a quarter turn and the primers started and seated fine. Holding the case is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. In 40 years of reloading I have never got 100 out of 100 without damaging a couple primers. The best part - I was working from my home office in front off my computer (yeas I had eye protection on), not bolted down to a huge workbench in the garage. One issue, somehow around the 20th prime I got 2 primers stacked up in front of the plunger area. Had to pull the shell holder to clear them. Operator error I won't do that again. Cut my priming time by 80% and went to zero loses. I've been hoarding my last 300 LRP afraid of trashing any. Up next! On the down side I do need to see where to get replacement trays and seating tools. The plastic is not inspiring me to think 40 year life like my RCBS primer.
Just bought one of these and I love it. You have to tap the plastic to get the primers to feed sometimes, but for $32 I am not complaining. WAY easier than hand priming.
I picked one of these up and am very happy with it. I typically prime 223 on my Dillon, but this seats primers very uniformly! Thanks for the great reviews!
Thanks Wayne- don't you love how effortlessly it primes? :)
With arthritis in my hands it was getting difficult to use my old hand primer. Lee loading knocked it out of the park with this!
Thanks for the video. I just got one this past week. I appreciate your tutorial. I have already primed some 9mm cases. Easier than I thought it would be.
Can you Adjust the height of the prime?
Gavin - Would you please humor me and keep your fingers away from the mouth of the cartridge. If a primer goes off you will have a hurting finger. Also there are many newbys who have to be taught the safe way.
@@dave-yeahthatsme3925 You have a lot higher chance of hurting your fingers when working with reloading press than with a primer going off. You're suppose to wear safety goggles anyway according to instructions when you prime but who does? I crushed the primers with this lee auto prime not once but at least 7 times before the press got damaged, it's plastic what do you expect but never had one go off.
@@dave-yeahthatsme3925 Never store primers outside their original containers or in bulk...very hazardous.
Mine broke in no time. I replaced it with an RCBS at three times the cost.
thats slicker than snot on a door nob !!!!
I know the shell holders don't cost much, but why can't Lee build this shell priming device to use the same shell holders as the loading press, so I can use the shell holders that come with the loading die kit that I already have?
You can’t yank the shell holders off your press to use because the hand held shell plates are totally different.the shell holders on your press won’t work on the hand or bench primer tool
I have this tool and it works well with 308 and other LARGE rifle primers. However, notice he is fudging a bit here by holding the 223 case to assist with the alignment for primer insertion. The #4 case holder has very sloppy tolerances around the rim and the case will tip 10+ degrees out of perpendicular. This means you have to fiddle with it to approximate center and fish around as you press the primer home. With the 308 for example the case is inserted in its holder and left to be primed.
The smaller plastic insertion holder doesn't find center automatically well enough to avoid being a pain in the butt when you're doing a few hundred rounds.
Feeds well, loads primers well, ribs in primer magazine flip primers over very quickly.
Easy action even with military cases. You can see how fast the 308 priming goes without fiddling for alignment.
Lee needs to step up machining tolerance on the #4 and offer free replacement of it.
Video should have started past 5 minutes.
Use Hornady Shell holder
I cringe when I see your finger over the mouth of the case. I had one go off on me and residue got imbedded on the back of my hand using a hand press (fingers/hand not in way of case mouth) and that really hurt! Not to mention the burning sensation of the residue under my skin.
Yelp, just what I was thinking also. Ouch that would hurt.
Don't waste your money. Mine is back in the box on a shelf collecting dust (can't even get it sold). I bought the RCBS Auto Bench Primer. It is the best!
I'll have to check out that RCBS bench primer!
@@Ultimatereloader I even removed the rubber washer as recommended on UA-cam. It does improve it but the frustration with primers failing to feed was just too much! I gave up!
You gotta add the harder drums back to your intro. Hearing it makes me think James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich are going to show me some reloading tools.😄
I bought one of these a couple of years ago and have loaded 2300 rounds with it. Awesome reloading tool. Fastest priming
Pure junk.
Parts break crap unit needs to be redesigned
I like working with it but the plastic unit breaks to quick!
Thanks for this review. Just wanted to see if there's maybe something I'm doing wrong. Been using this Bench Prime for a few years, and although I'm not a big guy I seem to be breaking the crappy little flat plastic spring that pushes the next "on-deck" primer into position for the very next primer-push cycle. I've been trying to be gentle with the press, but I shatter that little spring once every 1000-ish primes. If anyone knows of an alternate spring, please answer with a source. Thanks!
I love mine. I just use some leather gloves for the "Just in case" moments. Ive never popped a primer but I know that if I do the gloves will absorb most if not all the burn and debri.
Looks like a Very Nice priming tool. I have been away from the bench for a while and just discovered this new Lee product. Thanks for sharing. I try to monitor closely how many primers I need and load into the primer feed. Any left over I store back in the original package per the recommendation of every loading manual I have read. Primers stored loose in bulk can be hazardous. Thanks for a great review.
Factory shells are 0.004" below flush. I get better groups with 0.007" below flush. some like 0.008" to 0.010" below. You got about 0.013" to 0.015" below flush before you bottom out.. Better to go lower for floating firing pin guns. (AR's, BLR's ,BAR's) Frankford Arsenal Platinum Hand Priming Tool can be adjusted to 0.015 below flush..
The only problem I have with it is I have to tap it sometimes to get primers to feed into the hopper. Winchester small pistol. Other than that it runs like a champ, seats primers well and with very little effort.
I hope Lyman is sponsering your channel because without your video, I would not have ordered this priming tool... (SERIOUSLY!!!)
This is a Lee not a Lyman. And he is sponsored by almost all the companies he shows products for.
Bro, I went to your website to purchase that kit, and it is overwhelmingly crowded and stuffed.
Took me time to find your search bar, and when searching for items, I’m getting reviews and videos first, before scrolling down and clicking again on the subject to be directed to the not in stock items. And 10-20% more expensive than Amazon… what should we do here bro? I want to support..
Using mechanical advantage is so much easier than working on the strong grip you get from the hand held ones! Looking into getting one!
Nuthin wrong with Lee equipment, been using them for over 25yrs, only shoot 223 and .308 and have not experienced one fuckup or error and best of all they are dirt cheap and their resizing die is just awesome.
Fantastic video. Was thinking about saving some money with Lee. Going to pull the trigger! (lol pun intended!) Thanks!
Gavin, I realize this is an older video and that you've probably wisened up since you posted it, but you have to realize that a lot of your viewers are young and inexperienced. You are teaching them that it's ok to store primers loose, in a box. That is the most amateurish move I have seen in my 35 years of handloading and I know many other people would agree. There's a reason factory's package primers each one in it's own little cubby hole. When they're loose, they rub together and produce a fine, highly flammable dust that can be set off by any little spark or even static electricity. Please don't encourage the improper storage of primers. Keep your primers stored in their original factory packaging.
Very good observation
@@fireyourrocketts Thanks. I wanted to relate a story I read a few decades ago where the author learned of a primer factory worker who was carrying a bucket of loose primers when it went off. All they found of the worker was his shoes. But I couldn't recall where I'd seen it. I have since come across it again. Chapter 6 Primers and Priming p.37 of John Wooters tome, The Complete Handloader for Rifles, Handguns and Shotguns. Outdoor Life Books 1988.
I have Dillon 550b press. Saying that, I just got this primer loader. So should I remove the dice located in the station one and start with station two (powder feeder?
One helpful hint that makes life easier is to take a Sharpie and highlight the SM and LG on the clear plastic primer inserts. It really makes it easy to see which one you have installed.
I have/had one and have loaded a couple thousand rounds with it, but the main casting broke. The ears that hold the shell holder in place just peeled back from metal fatigue I guess. It is now nonfunctional. I like the tool so I guess I need to buy another. At least they are inexpensive.
Im curious as to why the instructions state to only single load any federal branded primers. They claim that federals can cascade fail and cause serious harm. What the actual heck!? I assume it’s from a lawsuit requiring the statement from someone’s negligence.
Sweet,looking priming tool, I got mine ordered,the Rcbs is a hunk of junk!!
Shell holders for the Lee priming tools are different than the press ram shell holder. Still love my Lee priming tools, just a note.
Do you have a video about your reloading bench?
I've been using this tool for a month now. Easy set-up, easy to load, and easy to install new primers (all sizes). Real pleasure to prime now. I recommend this Lee product.
The lee auto bench primer works great FOR THE FIRSY 1000 OR SO CASES, but after that , the plastic begins to wear and the primer metering drop starts to jam requiring disassembly. The plastic spring on the small primer insert breaks. I have received replacement parts from Lee, but I do a lot of work up loads and have to go back to my old primer while waiting for parts. I'm going to get an RCBS auto bench primer. In this case I feel that you definitely get what you pay for and the Lee primer is cheap.
Also, RCBS Rock Chuck is always a pleasure when using. Never fear anything bending or breaking.
WTF? i have one for over year now, I primed at least 3000 cases with it. its good as new.
I was priming 40sw but the case keep getting stuck to the shell holder why is it happening? One actually is stuck to the shell holder I can't remove it help please
Skip to after the 5:30 mark to get to the actual tool, & YOU ARE WELCOME!
Ive owned two of these machines. One works fine, the other broke the metal around the shell holder. No extra force needed. It just kinda broke one day.
Broke 2 inside of a month, jams easy too.
Great idea.......to bad Lee decided to use cheap plastic priming inserts with this tool. It's worth the price but not the headache or disappointment of breaking the inserts.
The inserts are $10 for a bag of 10 direct from Lee. Free. Essentially
Lee Auto Prime save your money....plastic junk.
Hey wait... Why isn't somebody shaking the camera?
Gavin... so I have hand primed for some time now prefer the feel to know it seats well.. but it takes time and gets old.. lol.. saw the LEE Auto Bench Prime and your review.. it looks ideal... but how do you feel about it after couple years since that review.. anything else out there.. that does it as fast with feel for the money today better?
randall c
After a couple of years using mine, it's in a box. The plastic heads should be considered expendable parts. I was ok with that because Lee will give you a free one, but I was going through so many I would also buy 2 with the free one. The primers would drag through the cute and turn sideways, and after a while not slide at all. You have to constantly tap on the primer tray to keep the primers from hanging up.
Then it started breaking the connecting rod as fast as I could replace it. After 7 or 8 of those, it went in a box to put it out of my misery.
The tool is good in theory but lacks in actual performance.
I do miss the quick loading of the trays vs loading one at a time into a tube.
Plastic components will break easily in few years....
Just got the Auto Bench Prime & the shell holder will not drop in like yours did, oh well time to call Lee...
My,friend how can i buy, lée auto bencj prime?
Small primer part failed after just 40 primers, poorly made plastic part not fit for purpose
Have you checked your primers, and have you seen any marks on them from the Primer pin? Just started using mine and I noticed that the face of the pin is not flat like it should be. Do you have any comments about this?
Haven't seen that issue- the new hand primer and the Auto Bench Prime use the same pin if memory serves, and mine are both nice and flat. If you contact LEE, I'm sure they'll take care of you.
Thru a little ingenuity I fabricated an adjustable stop that bottoms out on a modification on the handle. Thus being able to set my primer depth. Kind of works like the $600 dollar one you demonstrated.
This tool is great. Using any progressive press priming station can give you prim rs that are seated or in backwards. This solves that problem. Just deactivate your progressive primer station.
When you said deactivate you mean to remove the die?
i have sure had some problems with mine...i do not recommend.
I have used this tool for at least 10000 rds so few hiccups it does not matter
I'm stunned he likes this thing so much. Those priming trays are awful. I had such bad luck with the trays I modified a RCBS tray to fit it and it works much better now. The plastic on the Large and Small ADAPTER ASSEMBLY's started to break and it was nice the Lee replaces those at no cost. This the tray I now use. ua-cam.com/video/oVVxZxLhsG0/v-deo.html It also works with the Lee precision bench priming system. I've started gluing the trays to the adapter assemblies. I find the RCBS trays much less finicky about the brand of primers also.
Like others said, this is junk, Lee cheap gimmick
I bought this unit and the instructions that came with it stated Federal Primers, especially the large primers, could ignite and cause the other primers to ignite. They
suggested loading one primer at a time for Federal Primers. Any comments? Thank you.
Martin, I saw the same notification, waste of time one at a time. I put 100 primers in the tray at a time. No problems so far. Hate the plastic parts, prone to brakage!!!
obviously you missed LEE's message Please note: All types of Federal brand primers must be fed individually with this tool
after watching your video i bought one. it worked great for my 243 and 44mag. next i'll try my 357mag and 45acp. let you know what happens. thanks for a great little tool. will keep watching!
I have crippled hands, and this perfect.
good chow ol boy what is ur everyday prime tool u use
I used it but due to its cheap plastic assembly face, it was broken just after 40-50 rounds. It feels very cheap when you use it. I do not recommend it.
Is it positive stop seating depth? How consistent?
only thing i would add is Gavin you must not had read where is stated " All types of Federal brand primers must be fed individually with this tool". other than that great video as usual
Travis Arnold Midwest Outdoor Enthusiasts I think it’s only the large ones exactly (looked at the instructions less than an hour ago but of course now I can’t find them), but I was thinking the same. Wonder what’s so special about Federal Large?
I don't get that. I wondered about this statement too, whether or not it's just typical internet BS.
@@6h471 The instructions for my old Lee hand primer says to use only CCI and Win brand. Not sure why Fed and Rem primers aren't allowed.
I’m sold
the ones of the press will not work, only the kit from lee. been there
I just use my rcbs hand primer while watching tv at night and i keep all my brass prepped for when I need to restock my ammo surplus. Always stay ahead of the game 😆
If you dont seat the primer and you can't get the case with the half seated primer out. You need to disassemble the feeding tray and shoot. Then remove the feeding mechanism and manually remove the shell holder or simply try ramming another primer home behind it to get it seated. I've gotten so good that rarely happens now
Good Day
Could you tell me how you make this table with this holding trays?
What kind of screws you used to mounting tools and equipment
Ok you said you can buy the whole kit to hold the shells right ? Ok I have the bench top rcbs primer tool . Does the lee have a shell holder for 12 gauge shot gun shells. Ok before everyone gets twisted. If you load a brass 12 gauge you need to use large pistol primers . I bought the rcbs because you can use it on almost everything .
Thanks Gavin ! For the review, looking forward to get mine, love your channel 👍😊🇺🇸
This looks like a better option than their Hand Priming Tool which gave me hand cramps after severak rounds.
This is the best primer tool I have tried. Perhaps it is personal, but I operate the lever with my left hand and manipulate the cases with my right. It seems more natural. Gotta watch it as primer chute has big clearances and occasionally seats a primer sideways.
Sadly I must say not too impressed with the Lee bench primer - - even on the lee precision site they tell you that you need to remove the rubber stop ring to make it work better - Why is this the case - my old Lee hand primer (with the round primer holder) worked for 10 years and thousands of primers seated but the brand new one needs modifications to make it work - Sadly Lee you have made a bummer here
I've bought the lee bench top auto prime it's great for priming large amounts of brass it's easy on the hands if you have injuries it's an easy prime I recommend it 👍
Hey Gavin, Have you had any problems when using federal large primers? In the instructions lee says to specifically avoid any large federal primers. I'm not sure how lee + large federal = more explodey. The only difference in that primer cup dimensions chart seems to be federal's diameter is slightly larger. Thanks!
Lee recommends only CCI and Winchester primers be used in their priming tools and progressive presses. The softer cups can crush and detonate and the design of the lee primer feeds lends itself for mass detonations. I've used Remington and Federal primers in 2 loadmasters, a pro 1000, a Dillon square deal B and several hand held priming tools and never had an issue. That issue holds true with all press manufacturers. I saw the destruction from a primer tube detonation on a Dillon 550 and it was devastating damage and resulted in the operator getting burns.
This is the only piece of reloading equipment that I tossed in the trash. Total piece of junk.
Don't bother with Lee priming tools. In less, you are just looking for the frustration of primers hanging up constantly. I own the bench model and the newest hand model. I am sending the new one back to midway. I got smart spent $100, and bought the RCBS table primer, and it works with nowhere the frustration. It is actually a pleasure when using it.
great for my arthritis
Got mine today and it doesn´t feed the next primer.
The feeder seems not slide back enough, so that the gap where the next primer should fall in isn´t all the way open.
Some other videos on this show a spring behind the primer tray, yours does not have one ! However, don't know what the spring would be for. Any thoughts ?
Nice. You make it look too easy Gavin. How you played with the CPS ? What do you think of it?
I'm sold - can't locate the comprehensive shellholder set on midway though, everything is Ala Carte.
Many thanks
Here's what you want! www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690198/auto-prime-shell-holder-set
Can i use small rifle primers for reloading 6.5x55 Swedish (its all i can find locally)
Do you have large or small primer pocket brass?
@ja0298 no clue? the primers I removed are the same size as the "new small rifle primers" 😅