Thread: Hand priming tool or press

Probably covered before but would you buy a hand priming tool or just use the press.

Im using the redding big boss 2 and have been using the priming system on it but wonder what you guys are using?

Cheers guys

I prime and deprime by hand.
Harvey and Sinclair tools.

For many years I just used the press (Hornady 007), but bought a Lyman hand primer a couple of years back. I never had any misfires or other issues using the press, but I do prefer the hand primer, and it’s faster.

I used to hand prime but lost it somewhere a few years ago moving. I have since been using the cheap
Lee press and despite not having the feel of a hand press the accuracy is still the same.

I hand prime except when using the Dillion, doesn't really matter which way you do it,
If you have the primer feed setup on the press it is just as fast as a hand primmer
With rifle cases I deprime with a decapping die and clean and prep the cases before sizing and priming them

Hand prime. Way faster, can feel better and don’t have to touch the primers. (I have a big boss and use a Hornsby hand primer)

Hand prime, originally with a Lee primer that came with my kit.
When that wore out replaced it with a Lyman hand primer.

When I prime I put the primed case neck down in a tray for an extra visual check
that they are 1) primed, 2) the primer is seated correctly. Better safe than sorry.

I was looking at a 21st century hand priming tool but very pricey

Heirloom quality tool right there.

I hand prime as my Lee press that I was gifted is missing the large priming lever.

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

I was looking at a 21st century hand priming tool but very pricey

That’s what I use, super smooth feel to it and a really nice bit of kit.

Hand prime small rifle and use the press for large rifle, don't have to alter anything between LR and Small.

Nothing wrong with using a press but do take a bit more care as to how you handle the primers with your hands.

You don’t want any lube/oil residue making contact with the workings of the primer. This is typically why hand tools are preferable.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

When I prime I put the primed case neck down in a tray for an extra visual check
that they are 1) primed, 2) the primer is seated correctly. Better safe than sorry.

I do the same, and also run my finger over the base of the case as I move it from priming tool to the reloading block.

Hand prime, I have a Lee but I prefer to use my Lyman 310 tool.