Top 5 Best Hand Priming Tool in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide
Understanding how to clean and prime empty shells is a fulfilling experience. It allows you to have full control over how you shoot and use your gun from time to time. Additionally, when you prime your shells, it helps you keep your environment clean and safe for generations.
However, with so many priming tools on the market, finding the right one can be a complicated adventure. If you are thinking of venturing into the business of reloading ammunition, this is the right place to start.
With this blog, we'll review the top five hand priming tools and share a brief buyer's guide to equip you with the necessary information before buying a hand tool.
Image | Product Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | LEE PRECISION Hand Priming Tool | ||
 | RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool | ||
| LEE PRECISION 90700 Priming Tool |
5 Best Hand Priming Tool Reviews in 2023
1. LEE PRECISION 90230 New Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool
Lee precision 90230 is an improved version of the prime hand priming tool. According to its new design, it can work with every brand of primer. The design also features a patent pending elevator pin that separates a single primer from the reducing tray. It uses the same shell and body as the original making it difficult to distinguish between the two. However, it has the rest of its components upgraded to ensure that it gets you exceptional performance.
Its handheld design makes it easy to handle hence allowing you to get the best from it. When you have it in your hand, it feels more comfortable to use. Unlike its previous design, the new and improved model is durable and can withstand multiple usage challenges. When you are using large or small primers, it has a slide-on cover. This ensures that your safety is not compromised under any circumstance.
Pros
- Features new and improved design
- Handheld style
- Has no shell holder
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
2. RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool
This is designed using the highest quality materials. The RCBS 90200 hand priming tool has been on the market for almost eight decades, and it still has the same exceptional performance. It has both large and smaller primers to guarantee quick and safe performance under any circumstance. This guarantees that the tool will help you reach your potential while within your comfort zones.
It fits perfectly in your hand, which allows you to enjoy primer portability. Being the right size also indicates that you will not have to worry about overworking your hand muscleto operate it. Instead, it allows you to enjoy its benefits without outdoing your potential.
The safety mechanism ensures to separate the primer supply and the seating operations. It also virtually eliminates the tray detonation to ensure your safety, and those around you come first. It provides you with all you need to reload. The unit can conveniently press on anything to create a perfect reloading bench.
This tool is made in the USA, which signifies durability and reliability. Its also designed using high-quality material to ensure that it can withstand various operating challenges. The tool can also be upgraded to help you meet your expectations without compromising on quality.
Pros
- Rich reloading history
- High-quality material
- Made in the USA
Cons
- It destroys more shells while loading
3. LEE PRECISION 90700 Priming Tool
Unlike other brands, with this Lee auto bench priming tool, you can press on any shells without swapping the presser. It accommodates all shell brands that are to its universal shell tray. The priming tool has an upgraded style that allows automatic shell pressing. This makes it possible for you to enjoy effortless operations throughout the day.
Its mounting holes are evenly spaced to ensure a smooth flow and guarantee that every primer gets sufficient attention. The tool is made of clear polyester material, which allows you to effectively monitor primers' passage to the primer pocket from the tray. This guarantees that in case there are any mechanical issues, you can easily correct them.
Its ergonomic design makes it durable and reliable. It can, therefore, handle any pressing tasks and maintain its efficiency. If you invest in this tool, you are guaranteed money-back performance regardless of what type of shell you wish to press.
Pros
- Suitable for all types of shells
- Ergonomic construction style
- Steel Clear polyester material
Cons
- It doesn't come with the auto prime shell holder
4. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Primer Tool
This tool comes with different shell holders to ensure it can cover any shell brand. With the Frankford hand primer seating tool, you will enjoy fast pressing as the tray can hold up to 100 shells. This ensures that you will spend less time pressing, especially when you have many shells to pres.
The primer also has an easy-to-use design, allowing you to operate it within your comfort zone effectively. It features a quick thumb release style that allows you to switch easily from large to small shells faster. The design also has a stop switch that prevents you from over-crushing the shells.
This tool is made of durable material to guarantee exceptional performance for an extended period. It also comes with a convenient storage kit to ensure that you can store it safely for future usage when it's not in use. The storage box is well cautioned to ensure that each piece of the tool is secure with minimal corroding chances.
Pros
- Versatile operating techniques
- Durable construction material
- Storage box inclusive
- It comes with 12 shell holders
Cons
- A little complicated to use
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5. RCBS 90201 Universal Hand Priming Tool
This is a universal hand priming tool, and it works on almost all shell brands. It comes ready with accessories that can help you with both small and large primers. The company has combined several features to produce this hand primer to give you precision in all your priming needs.
The tool comes with a removable tray where you can comfortably arrange different shells at the same time. It also has a patented gate that isolates the primer seating operation to avoid tray detonation in the process. The universal shell holder accepts various shell sizes, making it suitable for both private and government projects.
The tool is designed using high-quality material, which guarantees that it will last longer. With this tool, you will enjoy years of quality performance with minimal challenges. On the other hand, the tool has an easy-to-use design that allows you to enjoy quality performances even with minimal training. Although it's a handheld tool, it works at high speed such that it will enable you to work on as many bullets within a short period.
Pros
- Universal hand priming tool
- Removable primer tray
- Patented safety gates
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Hand Priming Tool Buying Guide
If you have decided to venture into reloading your ammunition business, the first step is to invest in a reliable hand priming tool. For you to get one that will satisfy your needs, there are a few factors that you must put into consideration.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor when you are making any investment. Therefore, when you are considering buying a hand primer tool, this should not be an exception. You should then ensure that your tool of choice is made of heavy-duty material to guarantee t lasts long.
Safety
When you are dealing with ammunition, putting safety first is always a top priority. Therefore, before making the decision, you should ensure that your chosen tool is designed with all the safety measures in place. Handling explosives can be risky; your tool should have a safety gate to ensure that it keeps the shells in order while you are reloading.
Portability
While considering a tool's portability, the first thing to look for is how much it weighs. Your hand tool of choice should not weigh as much to allow you to move flexibly for ease of movement. Additionally, it is essential to consider getting a tool that has a storage box.
Shell Holders
For your priming hand tool to be effective, the shell holders are critical. You should ensure that your tool has a tray that can accommodate different shell brands. You should also check if it's a universal tool to avoid investing much in a priming tool that will limit your operations.
FAQs
Why do I need a hand priming tool?
It makes it easy to reload your ammunition at the comfort of your home. This saves you money, and it also keeps the environment safe with minimal gun cartridges.
What is the downside of a universal hand primer?
With a universal hand primer, the only downside is that the reloading process is a little prolonged. This is because you must manually remove each primed case, unlike other tools designed with an auto replacement technique.
What is the depth that the primer should be positioned?
This depends on the user as there is not specified depth measurement. Different tools have varying depths, and as a user, you have the ultimate control over how deep the shell sits in the tray.
Conclusion
Knowing how to reload your ammunition keeps you a step ahead if you are into the gun business. It allows you to have full control of the type of bullets you are shooting based on your targets. Most hand tools are easy to use and will guarantee you can safely reload without endangering yourself or those around you.
