Hand Primers

K

KLS

Member
Does anyone have experience using a Frankford Arsenal “Perfect Seat Hand Primer” vs RCBS “Universal Hand priming tool”?

My RCBS doesn’t always do the best job on SR primers.
 
I really like my Frankford Arsenal. Usually takes a little adjusting but then the depth for that case is perfect, like it says.
 
I liked my old RCBS better. Maybe it was just me, but I couldn’t get consistent results with the Frankfort Arsenal tool. Of course I tended to over press and dent the primer with the RCBS, but they all went bang.
I wound up going with the Ugly primer seater. But it is not a hand unit as you asked about…
 
I have two loading stations set up and really hate to have to change things . I have five hand primers set up with a LR and Mag SR at each station and another in SM at one where I load small and light stuff. I really like the original Lee hand primer and have four. The fifth is an off brand that I picked up on a sale table at a LGS. It takes standard shell holders but if you turn it over the primer push pin falls out.
 
That's the newer FA seater, it works fine, used it today. I had the original version before, and the depth adjustment mechanism froze up. They replaced it with a whole new kit with this newer version. I suppose I wasn't the only one who had issues with the original design.

I've worn out a couple of RCBS hand primers and they've replaced them each time. They're a little flimbsy and the plastic inserts wear out or warp over time, especially the small primer setup. Mine would load a SR primer up the chute but it would rotate the primer sidways halfway up and try to seat it sideways in the primer pocket. I have a new replacement on my workbench right now as a backup dunno it it works yet.
 
DAA said:
Same. One old blued, one stainless that is still pretty old.

- DAA
Click to expand...
thats some shit that needs to change! the video of the frankford unit is the huckleberry that needs to be bought. I have 2 of them, 1 I just keep qued for LR and the other for SR. adjustable seating depth/pressure should satisfy even the most snobbish of primer seaters. and to think you complain about trimming like the dickins. I would go nuts priming them one at a time. ;)
 
Nah... I have a fancy adjustable depth blah blah blah unit. I use it for cranking out ammo for the AR. Not for my bolt guns.

Trimming is pointless. Setting the anvil legs of a primer in the bottom of a primer pocket with just the right feel of the preload on the pellet isn't. And I don't complain about trimming. I just don't trim. Nothing to complain about :ROFLMAO: .

- DAA
 
I use a Sinclair. I really like the all metal design, I get a really good feel for when the primer bottoms out in the primer pocket. I should get a second and just leave it set up.
 
I used the RCBS for several years and it worked okay. Later I found the 21st Century hand priming tool. Very smooth operation and easy to adjust to get your primers seated properly.

Screenshot 2026-03-11 at 9.34.02 AM.png
 
I started with the RCBS unit thirteen years ago. I never liked how it operated, it was very problematic. So then I went with the Lee primer, which was better but still not great. Have been using the Frankford Arsenal unit for several years with no issues.
 
I have no experience with the Frankfort Arsenal, but I love my RCBS universal. Has never given me a bit of trouble. I didn't like the old one as much, when you had to use/switch out the shell holders, but the universal is awesome.
 
SRP’s like to get sideways in my RCBS. Sometimes they even flip upside down in the tray, too. I developed a pretty good profanity vocabulary in the Navy and my wife gets to hear most or all of it every time this happens. Maybe the Sinclair would save me some future therapy?
 
Had the newer FA, proved to be a jamomatic - gave it away. Went to using handling each primer on my Forster Co-Ax press which is equally aweful. No experience with the RCBS. Still looking for a priming system that doesn't suck.
 
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