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.
 
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