Rcbs hand priming tool

ny hunter

ny hunter

Member
I picked a Rcbs universal hand priming tool.I'm having trouble with the rimmed shells[3030 & 357] They don't seem to line up and take some fiddling around to get them lined up.Is this common with this tool or did I get a dude?
I'm also looking for any recommendations on a better tool.
 
I have the same unit. Also the other variety that is not universal. Also have their bench mounted tool.

I have all 3, because i have not found "priming nirvana" with any of them for all cartridges. But have found excellent results with having all 3.

I can't remember which tool i used loading 30-30 or 38 SPL on as it has been awhile since i have loaded for either of them.

I can say that for me, the universal tool does not work with 223 Rem or 45 Colt. It seems to spit them out.

There is a small degree of wiggle a lot of times. You get used to that though.

For 223 i use the regular hand priming tool and love it. For the 45 Colt, and when my fingers are tired i use the bench mounted version.

I have primed quite a bit of 45-70 with the universal tool and found it works great.
 
Have never used the RCBS priming tool, but sounds as if your shell holders are not holding cases tight enough to align flash hole perfectly. I'd give RCBS a call, they have excellent customer service!

Might try using an inside case neck reamer to bevel the flash holes SLIGHTLY to help funnel the primers in cases that are giving you problems?? I've used them to help remove crimp on 7.62 & 30-06 GI cases, being careful not to overdo it.

I used Lee hand primers for years, admittedly mostly on rimless cases, but have never had an issue with them.

Regards,
hm
 
I had the original one that you put the shell holders in,but the rod inside kept denting the primers so I sold it. I’m going to pick up another one. It makes sense that one wouldn’t do all,but sounded good at the time. Thanks
 
This one doesn’t use shell holders there’s a two jaws that hold the shell with spring tension. I’m going to give them a call and see if they have any suggestions for the rimmed cases. Thanks
 
Originally Posted By: Dark moon 63I use the Frankford arsenal. Built like a tank and consistent.
Same here. I really like the primer depth adjustment feature. For
years I used the Lee hand primer and really liked it until the parts
got worn and would not fully seat the primer. Saw too many negative
reviews against the new Lee's so went with the Frankford Arsenal.
No regrets.
 
Reading this thread makes me mad. I have the RCBS hand priming unit and have used it for about 4 years and found it to be extremely average. Nothing special. Nothing extra. Now I go and look at the Frankford arsenal hand priming tool and it looks a LOT better than what I have. I wish I had seen this before I bought my RCBS unit.
 
My old RCBS priming tool has been having more and more malfunctions resulting in jams and smashed primers, with all cartridges. Very frustrating especially with cost of primers these days.
 
Frankford makes many, very useful tools. They also have a hand de-capper that is awesome. There is no die or press involved. Every time i go shoot my 9 yr old de-caps every piece of brass that was shot that day. It's almost identical to a hand primer without the outrageous primer price!
 
Originally Posted By: DiRTY DOGMy old RCBS priming tool has been having more and more malfunctions resulting in jams and smashed primers, with all cartridges. Very frustrating especially with cost of primers these days.

Try taking it apart and lubing it. I had problems years ago with mine, and that fixed it.

Probably due for another now that i think of it.
 
Originally Posted By: arlaunchTry taking it apart and lubing it. I had problems years ago with mine, and that fixed it.
I lube it regularly. The problem is not lube, the problem is that it allows primers to turn sideways inside the unit and load into the primer pocket sideways. There's no way to know the primer is sideways (unless you visually look at each one) until it's already partially seated. You know because it feels wrong as it starts crushing. Then the sideways partially seated primers jam the case in the shell holder, because the sideways primer is sticking out, which prevents case removal from the shell holder and prevents disassembly of the whole unit. The only way to fix is to continue crushing the sideways primer enough that it cleared the bottom of the shell holder so the case can be removed from the unit. Sure is fun intentionally crushing a sideways primer ALL THE WAY in a handheld priming tool. Occasionally it allows 2 primers to load at once which can cause a similar jam.

I emailed RCBS and they said to mail it back for repair or possible replacement. I'm not surr it's worth the trouble.
 
Well I’ve been using the frankford priming tool for a little while now and can say it’s night and day compared to the Rcbs primer tool. The thing I really like is the primer seating depth adjustment. The thing that I don’t like is the primer tray I feel like I’m going to break it opening and closing it. I’ve reloaded both rimmed and rimless shell with no problems.
Thanks for the advice.
 


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