Best Hand Priming Tool for Reloading | Top Reviews from experts

If you are using shell casings which you bought a few years ago, then you may know that it is the time prime & reload them. Yes, you can purchase pre-primed shells from the market, but they can be costly. So, I recommend you to do this process by yourself. And a good-quality hand priming tool can help you to finish the reloading job quite comfortably. Today, I am going to provide the reviews of the best priming tools to make your selection task easier. But before that, let’s check what exactly is a hand primer.
How does a hand priming tool work?
If you are a gunsmithing hero, then you most probably know about the hand primer tool. So, I will not go into the deep of it. Basically, a hand priming tool eases the reloading setup. It helps to get decent primer pockets after you clean the cases. Depending on the casing of the caliber, this handy equipment helps to prime the shell casing and makes it ready for firing. For this preparation, a little bit of gunpowder is placed on the projectile base. A hand primer is favorite these days mostly because of its flexibility and portability.
Contents
List of Best Hand Priming Tool for Reloading
1. LEE PRECISION New Auto Prime
I placed this tool at the top of the list because it has the best combination of top features and affordable price. The ‘New Auto Prime XR’ from LEE PRECISION is a budget priming tool which makes your reloading job easy and quick.
2. RCBS Universal 90201 Hand Priming Tool
This RCBS universal priming product is one of the most renowned tools among the gun smithers. This equipment will save your money if you are a professional or planning to use it for years. It is has combined features of two separate hand priming tools from the company.
3. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool
The new innovative design from the Frankford Arsenal leads this hand deprimer tool to the third place on the list. It has easily removable parts which help to make your reloading task convenient.
4. LEE PRECISION Auto Bench Prime
This product is the best bench mount hand primer available in the market today. If you are not a professional or do not want to feel exhausted after priming a few shell cases only, then I recommend you to go with this auto bench prime tool from LEE PRECISION.
5. RCBS 9460 Auto Priming Tool
RCBS introduced this auto priming tool which works efficiently with a plethora of casing varieties. The 9460 priming tool has a lightweight design so you can carry it anywhere you want. This package includes two feed tubes as well as a couple of rod assemblies for priming.
6. Lyman E-ZEE Universal Priming Tool
The E-ZEE universal prime tool from Lyman works with all types of standard shell casings. It has two primer trays to hold small & large primer assemblies. You can have an instant change-over for the size of shell holders which makes it more flexible compared to other products in the market.
Buying Guide for Hand Priming Tool for Reloading
Below are the most important buying guides for you all to make sure and look into your chosen product before getting them.
Safety First
Safety is first and foremost, a concern when we talk about hand priming tools. Obviously, you don’t want any tool that hurts you, and you may never use the tool again. (I am not Laughing) On that serious note, the priming process itself is very dangerous, and you must take necessary precautions while performing it. Luckily the products for hand priming have extensive safety measures. Make sure you search for such products/tills that separates the operation from the primer tray. So this way, the chances of your getting hurt lessens, and it won’t flashback too.
Durable is always affordable.
Obviously, you are not in search of such a product that does not work after a month or so, right? So go for the more durable ones, ones with the sturdy body and high built structure. This will keep your hand priming tool working for a longer run. You must be satisfied with the usage, and the tool must overcome the price value/ worth of it. So always choose the hand priming tool that is made of cast-iron or such heavy-duty steel.
Shell holders are the real OG.
There are such Hand primers that very conveniently neglect the use of shell holders, but these are really important, and later you have to buy them separately too. Go through such products that have shell holders included. It will be more beneficial if you get that deal. Apart from that, also check on the tool, whether it is a universal tool or not, so that any size of the shell can be used with it.
Design that makes your work easier
Here looks don’t matter, but the build-up and design matter. You must check the handle of the primer. This one is the most important aspect. It would help if you opted for a hand primer that is ergonomically designed. This handle does not need extra pressure, and that is something that makes your work much easier. Also check on the grip if it is properly contoured or not. It should fit your hand perfectly. Always mark to avoid/skip those products that require your thumb to press on the lever; this causes hand fatigue.
Portability at its best
Choose the lightweight priming tool if you want it to be portable. Heavy hand primers will be difficult to carry. So choose a product that needs a workbench and can be mounted.
Final words
A hand priming tool for reloading is the best way of saving few bucks and getting the job done conveniently. Once you deprime the casings, the ammo priming & reloading processes can be quickly done using such equipment. All the products in this list are standard & efficient, but I recommend to use loading blocks too for your casings as well as protective gears for your eyes, ears, and hands.
All of the tools listed here are great and worth the money. But, which is your favorite? Let me and other users know through the comment section below.