Lee Priming tool

Paul Gauthier

Active Member
I have a Lee Auto prime II that I bought 25 or 30 years ago and I have used it ever since and have never had even one primer detonate or fail to install perfectly. It really irks me that they stopped making it saying it was dangerous. I recently made a new body so I could have one for large and small.
 

Eutectic

Active Member
Any kind of primer 'magazine' puts you into a foreplay situation of a bad accident. Since the tube type feeders showed up years ago, I've know two reloaders that have had a tube explosion. Both times trying to unplug the jammed tube! One wears a scar on his left paw still... So I like a singleshot priming tool.

For years I've tried many along with my RCBS consultant buddy. He ended up with a RCBS bench mounted tool he likes. I tried two bench types including his and feel they are not sensitive enough. When they first came out the Lee "Improved" hand priming tool was a single shot one; but they soon added a pancake addition making it awkward to use. RCBS also brought out a huskier hand primer that was available for a while as a single shot.... I bought one and liked the power they had. But...... I don't think anyone has a grip feel like they have a thumb feel. I've got a lot of grip strength even now at the 3/4 century mark...... So I cut the curlicue on the RCBS handle, turn it around, and use it as a 'thumb pusher'. I have two of them so modified.
I have three of the Lee Improved priming tool without the 'pancake'. One is still unopened. I use these by far the most... I keep them clean & greased to last me the time I have left! The RCBS hand primer has more power as I stated. I'll use them for tight pockets especially on military cases I've swaged primer crimps on. Also for the .22 Hornet. The Lee tool (actually the Lee shell holder) is sloppy enough that primers seat canted. The RCBS uses their shell holders and .22 Hornet primes are straight.

Pete
 

Hawk

North Central Texas
I had the old, round tray, Lee priming tool and liked it. It bottomed out for a perfectly seated primer with the lever completely closed and you had maximum leverage. I would still be using it, but I wore it out.
The new square tray is junk. Primers seat in the middle of the stroke, That makes it hard for someone with a weaker grip from a mild stroke (me) or arthritis. I have to use two hands to seat a primer.
Jams and flips primers all the time.
They must have had some primer detonations to have to redesign it with the shield next to the primer being seated.
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
My round tray lived beyond the life of the two handles/levers. If I could find a steel replacement I would use the round Lee in a heartbeat.
 

Eutectic

Active Member
Since I started putting a good EP grease on the handle/toggle bearing points I have wore one out since......

Pete
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Mine didn't wear out, he handle broke. Being a cheap casting meant a finite lifetime.
I need to come up with a redneck fix of some sort.
 

waco

Springfield, Oregon
I’m using this one from Lee after my round one died.
Once this one bites the dust I’m going with the all steel Frankford Arsenal one. 187C505F-22CD-4227-ADF1-C985E0AC5728.jpeg
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
That looks like a beefed up Lee too.
I am currently using one just like Walter. My life has a broken finger that holds down one corner but I just live with it.

The old round one was still the best.
 

KeithB

Resident Half Fast Machinist
I have several of the old round tray Lees. Never broke a handle but broke several around the top where the shellholder slips in. Fatigue. Made a little heavier and from better materials and they would last forever.
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
I have several of the old round tray Lees. Never broke a handle but broke several around the top where the shellholder slips in. Fatigue. Made a little heavier and from better materials and they would last forever.
Exactly!
I wish someone made one from decent metal. I would pay 100 bucks or more if I knew it would last forever.
 

waco

Springfield, Oregon
Well. I went ahead and ordered one among other things. I’ll let you know what I think of it when it gets here.