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.
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.
@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 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 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.
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.
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'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!
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
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.
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 this priming tool after watching your video. I don’t reload near as much as what you do so flicker of the handle to me isn’t a big deal for me. Thanks for the video
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.
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.
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.
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!
If I may comment a video suggestion idea? Brass and pressure signs; I've been reloading for a while now and I have never left the comfort of manuals, but I want more velocity. It seems that there is very little content regarding pressure signs on brass on you tube, and frankly you just explain things very clearly to me.
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 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.
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 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.
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!
Auto bench prime....been hand loading for 31 years (im old!) the bench version of this primer is the absolute best priming tool Ive ever had...easy, fast, and EXCEPTIONAL feel. You know if the pocket is getting loose and you know exactly when it bottoms in the pocket. Good vid man.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Nice video Johnny. I've always used a RCBS hand primer. RCBS has replaced the small and large primer attachments several times for free. If one breaks I always offer to buy one of each & they send the replacement for free. The Lee looks like a good option to buy, if you needed one.
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?
I have the auto prime tool. I found that after putting the case in the holder turning it as I gently push the handle down till the primer touches helps massively. I think it helps center the primer to the case.
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.
I have the vintage Lee square hand primer (XR) and even one of the older auto prime with the round case. i found that using the Lyman pocket uniformer, after removing the crimps in military brass, really makes consistent seating depth easy. I like the feel of the hand prime, as reloading military brass you can IMMEDIATELY feel when the primer pocket crimp is NOT sufficiently removed.. You can also feel if a primer pocket is getting loose, and the primer goes in way too easily. I've never used the press to install primers.
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 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 believe the problem with the feeding from the tray is due to the tray not being shaken the way it is when priming with the hand held version. The primers seem to jam together at the "chute?" were the sides come meet.
@@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.
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.
On the bench priming tool I put a spacer on the handle side to let gravity work better on tray it stopped most of the short strokes also must let the handle slam up to settle the primers each time
I noticed something on the bench primer, not sure if it's the issue or not. Where the O-ring is missing, compared to the hand primer, the plastic piece/feeder is lifting up at the bottom of the stroke. Not sure if it would fix the feeding issue, but it would be worth adding an O-ring to see if it helps to keep the "feeder" moving the right direction instead of bending or lifting.
I really like the RCBS Auto Bench Priming Tool. It works very well and it's only quirk is it operates more consistently with RCBS shell holders but will function with Lyman or Lee, just not smoothly.
To help with the feeding issue you can open the top of the rubber feeding opening just a bit more, that way it’s the same amount open with a primer stroke, as with a full stroke without brass. The sticky tray is odd.
Great video, the lee bench prime is the vain my my existence and would avoid it at all cost if I knew before. I was too stubborn to return it so I try to figure out a way to be more consistent with it. I have tried flicking it at the beginning but I ran into double feeds so many times (which either require me to touch the primers or take it apart) I gave up on the flicking. The quirks I found to make at least mine feed somewhat reliably are three things: 1. Place pressure on your brass case against the face & bottom of the shell holder. (This for some reason has been the most important thing to make my bench prime a little more reliable) 2. Don't rely on the spring, manually operate the handle from press to depressing it. 3. Tap the hopper for the primers often for it to feed. I also have that same frustrating issue where even when you lock it, primers fall out. This tool is a perfect example of good idea, poor execution.
I don’t know if this has already been said but when you did the side view, around 30:30, you can see that the plastic mechanism isn’t going down far enough. I think if you just make sure the lever goes all the way up that may fix your feeding problem
Yep, exactly. I have one of these and was very frustrated at first too. Then I just started to make sure to slightly lift up on the handle after each downstroke and have had hardly any problems since. But I also have quite a few other priming tools and the RCBS hand primer is still my favorite.
Thanks for the good video. I have both priming kits and have not really experienced some of the problems you're reporting. I wonder if it isn't an isolated issue. Lee Precision is a very good company for being able to get issues rectified. Hopefully you are able to get a replacement and see if the issues continue.
I have the lee hand prim and at first I my have called it a few names that I should never repeat, but then it just kinda started working.i very seldom have any trouble with it. I only use that one for large primers. I have an RCBS set up for small primers. Great video thanks.
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 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 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.
The reason bench version has more issues is because of the feeing angle of the tray. It's vertical on the hand priming tool where is at 30 degrees or something with the bench mounting tool
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.
RCBS bench primer is a breeze and good "feel". My only complaint is the squared edges of the handle start to abuse your palm after doing a couple hundred rounds. Shove a chunk of pipe insulation around it and you are good.
I say no to both of those...I wouldn't even want to try them! I'll stick to my RCBS hand priming tools with the universal shellholder and regular REAL shellholders, thank you! Johnny, I wanted to tell you that your Mk. 262 cloning series was great! Fascinating and valuable info!! I would have loved to see how the 77 grainers would group in a 1 in 7 twist barrel...I bet they would tighten.
Hey Peeps, I have a lee bench priming tool, I have had similar problems, overcame 90% of probs by giving the tray a flick every time and making sure a primer is not going to go in sideways. I love it, very ergonomical.
Never was big on pre priming. Hornady LNL AP does a great job with primers. I had a Loadmaster as my first auto progressive press and fought the priming system more than any other aspect, but battled through it and got it running pretty good. If I ever do start bench or hand priming, I have two RCBS hand priming tools.
I have an older version of the hand primer and bought the bench primmer when it first came out. The hand primer for me work fine as long as you pay attention to the angle of the tool. On the beach prime I don't have the feeding problem in the priming mechanizam that yours has. My biggest frustration with it is the tray stops feeding and I need to tap the tray to get it to start feeding again
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 partially fixed the feeding issue on my bench prime. The white silicone piece during the molding process left a small lip on the hole where the primer drops. That small lip is just enough to cause friction to keep the primer from dropping. Take the whole thing apart and take out that silicone piece, get a fine sanding paper and sand down the bottom side until that extra lip is gone. Haven't fixed the tray not dropping primers to the feed shaft though.
Awesome. I'll give that a try! I guess the tray just doesn't feed properly since it doesn't get shaken around every time like the hand primer configuration. It's aggravating...this bench prime is like 95% awesome and 5% awful.
That little snap you're getting when you start the primer into the hole indicates you haven't cut enough of the crimp off. I've loaded well over 15K small rifle primers in 5.56 and .223 cases using the old style Lee tool with the round magazines. It works flawlessly. Also, if you don't get the primer deep enough into the pocket a portion of the firing pin inertia will be wasted pushing the primer forward into the pocket which can cause a light enough primer strike to not ignite the primer. If you use military brass that may have been fired full auto try lubing and doing a full length resize of the .223-5.56 cases using the Lee Bulge Buster kit with a .380ACP Carbide Factory Crimp die. You can often find those cases because they don't fit normally into a Lee Shell Holder on the priming tools and presses. After busting the bulge they slip right into the shell holders. I've done plenty and never had an issue with the brass afterward.
I just ordered my first reloader my question is why primer on the bench if you can prime it in the turret? is there an advantage to that, or would that function serve to add a shell tube/die to the turret by loading the primers and separately? And if so, how do you do the resizing step?
Ya, had all those problems with the Lee hand primer. Wore out the small tool in about 3500 rounds. Finally got 2 of the RCBSs and love them. Have one for each size. I still have to use the Lee for 7.62x54r with a different shell holder than they recommend.
My lee hand primer didnt come with shell holders but I had some already. It took awhile to get the hang of it but it works ok. I got in the habit if checking the primer every time as they seem to be flipped every so often. Still dont know if that's me or not. The tray however feels like it's going to break after too many foldings . It feels real cheap
The switch on those plastic trays wears quickly. After maybe 20 cycles, mine no longer hold small primers when set to "Lock." They spill out just like yours are trying to. I also have trouble with failures to feed and flipped primers. Oh, and that thumb leverage is odd and uncomfortable. The reason I quit using the Auto Prime all together though, is that the little priming ram leaves a crescent-shaped indentation on all of my primers, even the harder cupped ones such as CCI 450s. I may eventually polish the ram and see if that helps. Edited after watching the whole thing: Yep, I have all those same problems. Maybe I just don't have the proper finesse, but I can't seem to get the primers seated deep enough without putting that indentation in them.
I cracked the top part of my newer hand prime and Lee sent me a new body. I use the guts from my older one with the square tray and the newer body so I have one dedicated for small and large primers.
