Hand primer you recommend

[Dapper Dave]

Weird,  I prime. 45 Colt with mine all the time,  no issues. 

[Griff]

I've been using a Lee Hand Primer for my rifle rounds since I got one as a gift some 50 years ago.  Yep, a handle broke once, got a replacement, more careful now.  Haven't broken one in over 40 years.  But, I take my time, use only CCI, Fed, Rem & Winchester primers.  Have won a couple as door prizes in the years since.

 

Actually, I only rely on them when I'm at the range developing a rifle load, or sitting in the living room watching TV in advance of a loading session on a single stage press.  

[Griff]

13 hours ago, Dacotua said:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 650 priming system. Lets be frank on this, Dillion used the 550 priming system because it was cheaper to produce. The 550 priming system is a lot cheaper to produce than the dial system on the 650.  Also unless you were like me and bought an additional priming assembly, changing out the dials wasn't fun. So I purchased a complete assembly already assembled in the small primers (when I bought my 650 I bought it set up for large primers). Swapping out priming systems is cake when its only two bolts to swap from large to small or vice versa. 

 

Not being a jerk or anything, but if someone's 650 isn't priming right, its not adjusted properly. How do I know? I had an issue once with mine not priming correctly on like every 10th or so round. A call to Dillion and they walked me thru how to adjust the indexing to make the primers seat 100%.  After that I haven't had a issue with mine in years and tens of thousands of rounds loaded.

You don't think the numerous, seemingly frequent reports of primer tube explosions didn't have a hand in the decision to discontinue the 650 in favor of the 750?  The simple fact that they did is proof there's something wrong with the 650 priming system.  Or... at the very least, isn't as "fool"-proof as the 550/750 priming system.  

[Go West]

12 minutes ago, Dapper Dave said:

Weird,  I prime. 45 Colt with mine all the time,  no issues. 

Not meaning to offend, I reload .45 Colt and .45 Schofield ammo frequently, also with no issues using other primer brands. This involves .45 ACP brass and Magtech primers on my 650. As I said, I haven't had issues until I tried this combination. I do not know at this point if rimmed brass will be an issue with this brand of primer or not. I don't have any RNFP bullets to try at the moment. I appreciate the possible solutions offered by the replies here. I will probably switch over to another caliber at this time and deal with the Magtech issue later. 

[Boggus Deal #64218]

37 minutes ago, Go West said:

Not meaning to offend, I reload .45 Colt and .45 Schofield ammo frequently, also with no issues using other primer brands. This involves .45 ACP brass and Magtech primers on my 650. As I said, I haven't had issues until I tried this combination. I do not know at this point if rimmed brass will be an issue with this brand of primer or not. I don't have any RNFP bullets to try at the moment. I appreciate the possible solutions offered by the replies here. I will probably switch over to another caliber at this time and deal with the Magtech issue later. 

It has nothing to do with rimmed or not. It’s the lack of consistency in the primers. 

[Buckeye Pete, SASS # 29941]

1 hour ago, Go West said:

Pete, please bring yours. 

John, I will do my best to remember!  Happy New Years to you and Amy!

 

Pete

[Dapper Dave]

No offense at all - I have zero experience with MagTech primers, just CCI, Fed, Winchester. Everyone brings something a little different to the table. 🙂

[Dacotua]

9 hours ago, Griff said:

You don't think the numerous, seemingly frequent reports of primer tube explosions didn't have a hand in the decision to discontinue the 650 in favor of the 750?  The simple fact that they did is proof there's something wrong with the 650 priming system.  Or... at the very least, isn't as "fool"-proof as the 550/750 priming system.  

Do you realize that the priming system of the 750/550 is almost the same system as the Hornady Lock N Load, and those explode too.  The internet spreads rumors faster than anything these days. In reality the primer explosions you are referring to rarely happen. Just to prove a point with internet gossip spreading fast, go goggle Glock Kaboom. When you see the results of your search, you'll think every glock will blow up when you pull the trigger. This doesn't happen as often as the internet shows. There are millions of glocks out there with police departments, militaries and private individuals.

 

There are reports of XL750's primers exploding and blowing the tube out the top of the machine.

 

Again, it comes down to properly adjusting your machine. You abuse it, you don't adjust it properly, don't do maintenance and bad things can happen.  

Dillion changed the priming system to reduce cost and to be able to use parts for other presses that use a similar priming system (550). Its much cheaper for Dillion to produce the new priming system. Its also a lot cheaper to keep inventory for the new system than keeping two inventories for the slide system and the dial system. 

 

Just a side note : If Dillion had "frequent" issue (XL650) with the priming system exploding as much as some people say. Dillion as a company would offer everyone who has a XL650 an exchange program for a XL750. Dillion stands behind their products. No company would allow one of their products to be out in the market if it had a obvious flaw or defect. The lawsuits that could emerge would bankrupt them. They would be more inclined to fix these issues to avoid all legal repercussions. 

 

Edited January 1 by Dacotua

[Go West]

Let's bring this back to reality. I don't have primer explosions. I could appreciate your comments, but Guest, I was looking for a possible solution. Some folks have suggested  that Magtech  primers were not consistently made. That is not helpful when I have those to use. They do eventually seat, just not with my normal operation. I know, it sucks to be me, but that's the situation I have. Again, I appreciate the helpful comments so please do not stop attempting to help others when they ask.

[Dapper Dave]

Can you slide up the freeway to Scheels in Chandler? I know, long hike, but make a day trip - they have lots of primers in stock. Not real cheap, but available, and it's a REALLY neat place to check out. Also, you could have lunch at Chompies right across the street.  Great food. 

[Whitey James]

I don't really use it anymore but the Frankford one works very well and I recommend it. I prefer to use the press due to arthritic hands.

[J. M. BROWN, SASS # 27309]

After having inconsistent primer depth on my 650 and other problems, I changed to hand priming but that became tough on the hands with the "ritis" I looked around and discovered the Lee Bench Primer. I prime 500 to 1000 at a time and I don't smash primers like on the 650 and they are all seated completely.

 

JM

[Griff]

On 12/31/2024 at 4:09 PM, Dacotua said:

Do you realize that the priming system of the 750/550 is almost the same system as the Hornady Lock N Load, and those explode too.  The internet spreads rumors faster than anything these days. In reality the primer explosions you are referring to rarely happen. Just to prove a point with internet gossip spreading fast, go goggle Glock Kaboom. When you see the results of your search, you'll think every glock will blow up when you pull the trigger. This doesn't happen as often as the internet shows. There are millions of glocks out there with police departments, militaries and private individuals.

 

There are reports of XL750's primers exploding and blowing the tube out the top of the machine.

 

Again, it comes down to properly adjusting your machine. You abuse it, you don't adjust it properly, don't do maintenance and bad things can happen.  

Dillion changed the priming system to reduce cost and to be able to use parts for other presses that use a similar priming system (550). Its much cheaper for Dillion to produce the new priming system. Its also a lot cheaper to keep inventory for the new system than keeping two inventories for the slide system and the dial system. 

 

Just a side note : If Dillion had "frequent" issue (XL650) with the priming system exploding as much as some people say. Dillion as a company would offer everyone who has a XL650 an exchange program for a XL750. Dillion stands behind their products. No company would allow one of their products to be out in the market if it had a obvious flaw or defect. The lawsuits that could emerge would bankrupt them. They would be more inclined to fix these issues to avoid all legal repercussions. 

I'm loathe to respond, but... I do believe you've made a claim that can't be backed up.  I've been using a RL550 both B & C versions since I bought my 1st one in 1987.  After loading a couple hundred thousand rounds, I've never popped a primer, certainly no primer tube detonation, nor have I ever read of such an occurrence.  I have crushed them completely, yet none have ever detonated.  A great number of shooters in cowboy action use the 550, And don't I recall anyone else reporting otherwise on any of the several forums I frequent.  Unlike the 650, there is ~ a 2 inch gap between the primer being seated and the stack in the primer tube.

 

I would challenge  you to produce such a report.   After a Google search for "Dillon 750 primer tube detonation", the only listings were for 650 machines.   There are other well documented problems with the 550/750 primer feed system, but a primer tube detonation isn't among them.  You are right in that proper adjustment is crucial to smooth, safe operation of any reloading machine.  Even the fairly simple primer system on most single stage presses.  Technique also plays an important role.

[Rip Snorter]

I cannot remember the exact year I got my Dillon 550 as a Christmas Gift from my Wife & parents - certainly more than 30 years back.  Heavy reloading, multiple calibers.  I have had the rare flipped primer, but never a primer detonation.  I think when dealing with primers, sense of touch is an issue.  When I first encountered small primer 45 ACP, it could have been an issue, but I felt the difference.

[Dacotua]

3 hours ago, Griff said:

I'm loathe to respond, but... I do believe you've made a claim that can't be backed up.  I've been using a RL550 both B & C versions since I bought my 1st one in 1987.  After loading a couple hundred thousand rounds, I've never popped a primer, certainly no primer tube detonation, nor have I ever read of such an occurrence.  I have crushed them completely, yet none have ever detonated.  A great number of shooters in cowboy action use the 550, And don't I recall anyone else reporting otherwise on any of the several forums I frequent.  Unlike the 650, there is ~ a 2 inch gap between the primer being seated and the stack in the primer tube.

 

I would challenge  you to produce such a report.   After a Google search for "Dillon 750 primer tube detonation", the only listings were for 650 machines.   There are other well documented problems with the 550/750 primer feed system, but a primer tube detonation isn't among them.  You are right in that proper adjustment is crucial to smooth, safe operation of any reloading machine.  Even the fairly simple primer system on most single stage presses.  Technique also plays an important role.

 

I just searched and found at least (4) four XL750's and a couple 550's that had primers detonated while loading. Heck, I even saw someone who had a Hornady Lock N Load Progressive press catch on fire. I'm not going to try to figure out how they did it, but they posted it on various forums. My guess is that they didn't keep their work clean. People will allow powder on their shell plates, they don't clean their presses, etc. You light something off in the primer area and someone could ignite all that powder. Who knows what they can ignite. When powder burns, it does funny things. I'm sure if I search long enough, I can find someone who ignited their powder measure.

 

Again, I'll say again, if you don't properly adjust your machine, you'll have issues. Whether its a XL650, XL750, 550, or even a single stage press with a primer press option. 

 

I can say the same thing about the XL650, I've crushed primers, I've had them go in sideways,  etc. Never had one go pop. 

 

Just because you haven't or I haven't had one go pop, doesn't mean its impossible.

 

 

Edited January 2 by Dacotua

[Griff]

color me as from Missouri... show me... provide a link.  I'll defer to your google-fu...

[Dacotua]

13 hours ago, Griff said:

color me as from Missouri... show me... provide a link.  I'll defer to your google-fu...

 

I'm not being a jerk, but here is ONE example (quick google search) of a 550 blowing the primer tube.

 

Dillon 550 Primer Explosion | 1911Forum

 

Like I said there is a bunch more, including Hornady Lock N Load, Dillion 550's and Dillion 750s. I'm not going to waste my time trying to prove to you something you've already made up your mind that doesn't happen. You have the ability to google just as much as I. 

 

Like I said previously, if you don't do maintenance, properly adjust your press or keep your work area clean, you can have issues. A primer popping or powder igniting can are many inches and set off lots of things you don't want to set off.  Like I said, I bet if I search, I can find someone who set off their powder hopper on top of their press too.

 

EDIT: I don't like posting links because many forums have rules against it. But you asked for it, this is one example of the slider tray primer system igniting the primer tube sticking stuff in the ceiling. If you want more, you can google/Bing/Yahoo for sites yourself. Nothing is fool proof.

 

Like it or not, I'm not going to argue you anymore, its just insanity. Those convinced against their will are of the same opinion still. Post all you want, I"m not going to respond to you anymore. Not worth it, you can look it up yourself. 

 

Edited January 2 by Dacotua

[Griff]

You're not being a jerk.  I literally had never heard of one before.  And I do try to pay attention to what's happening.  Truly, I did several searches and didn't find any such accounts for the 550 or 750..  None of us are infallible.  Learned something today.  When Dillon replaced my 550B under warranty with the new C version, I considered moving to the then very new 750... but I like my manual advance, and since my reloading sessions only amount to a 500 hundred or less rounds, didn't feel it was necessary.  

[Dacotua]

1 hour ago, Griff said:

You're not being a jerk.  I literally had never heard of one before.  And I do try to pay attention to what's happening.  Truly, I did several searches and didn't find any such accounts for the 550 or 750..  None of us are infallible.  Learned something today.  When Dillon replaced my 550B under warranty with the new C version, I considered moving to the then very new 750... but I like my manual advance, and since my reloading sessions only amount to a 500 hundred or less rounds, didn't feel it was necessary.  

 

Strange how search engines show different results to different people. (Skynet! Terminator reference)

Like I said, I did a quick search found a few.  I will admit, I didn't go into reading what they did or how they accomplished the "BOOM".  

If I had to make an educated guess what happened, I would guess that the end users generally allow powder flakes to acquire on their shell plates with some finding their way under the shell plate (Under the shell plate is the worst place to have it). Sooner or later some of these flakes find their way into the primer press pocket. As the powder builds up, the primers are lifted slightly higher and higher or allows a primer to go in at a angle, then the user gets "unlucky" and sets one off. The flakes "UNDER" the shell plate now ignite. The brass and the primer block the flame from igniting the powder on top of the shell plate, but not the powder UNDER the shell plate. The small amount of powder under the shell plate being ignited will spread not upward, but outward. These small flames can easily cover 3 inches horizontally because the shell plate will not let the flame go UP. Even a small amount of powder will do this. The flames/embers, finding their way to the primer magazine tube, then "boom".  Thankfully all progressive press manufacturers put a blast tube around their primer feed system so if something does go wrong, it blows straight up.

 

Hell I could be 100% completely wrong on this, as I'm not an engineer that makes reloading presses, but my decades of experience in designing and testing products tells my gut that the above layout is what's causing the issues.

 

 

 

[Dacotua]

1 hour ago, Griff said:

You're not being a jerk.  I literally had never heard of one before.  And I do try to pay attention to what's happening.  Truly, I did several searches and didn't find any such accounts for the 550 or 750..  None of us are infallible.  Learned something today.  When Dillon replaced my 550B under warranty with the new C version, I considered moving to the then very new 750... but I like my manual advance, and since my reloading sessions only amount to a 500 hundred or less rounds, didn't feel it was necessary.  

 

I have a Dillon XL650 that I do all my bulk ammo on. At one point I had a Dillon SL900 to do all my Dove loads in bulk.  I did a lot of competition shooting (3 Gun, NOT CAS) and I also went to Machinegun shoots. I literally loaded 10k+ rounds a year. I considered a Dillon RL1100. As I've gotten older and my kids wanted to get into 3 gun, I elected to do CAS with them. Its at a slower pace, all the safety is in place and your not running and gunning the same as you are in 3 gun. Also we use CONSIDERABLY less ammunition than in normal 3 gun. I consider it a win-win for me. (My Mec 600's can easily keep up with the shotgun qty's required in CAS).

 

I still use a single stage press for all my hunting ammunition and precision rifle ammunition (I also have that bad habit of Long Range shooting 100y to 1000y).  I have really considered buying a 550 just to retire my single stage press. I like the idea of manual indexing and the just swapping toolheads over literally exchanging dies as I need them.  I just having convinced myself buy one yet as some people say its not as precise as a single stage while others say it is. In my mind its just as precise so long I continue to use my electronic powder measure to get my powder loads and not rely on the powder measurer with the Dillon.

 

 

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

I normally prime using an old Lee Auto Prime 2.  Way back when (1994 ish) I either bought the cheapo challenger press for $26 and got a free manual or bought the manual for $26 and got the press for free.  It is kind of a PITA but will work but often flips primers or primers hang up in it, rather technique sensitive.  I decided to dive in the the world of hand priming.  Got the RCBS, turned out that I thought switching over from small to large primers was more of a PITA than using the Auto Prime 2.  My solution was to buy a second one and have one set up for small primers and one set up for large.  Works ok but the hands get a work out like using one of those old grip strengtheners that were so common in the 60s

 

[Texas Jack Black]

 All practice  loads are primed on the Dillon . All match ammo primed with Lee hand primer . 

 

Best Wishes

[Mack Hacker, #60477]

On 12/29/2024 at 6:15 PM, Cholla said:

On 12/31/2024 at 10:07 AM, Old Man Graybeard said:

I have one of the RCBS universal jaw tools...I absolutely hate it. 45 Colt doesn't have a lot of rim...and the case pops out before you get the primer seated. And the thing is hard to get the jaws to open to get some cases in. I much prefer the RCBS that uses the shell holders

I also will not use the Newer universal RCBS for 45’s.  I do use it for 38’s, but use the old style for 44SP and 45Colt

 

Mechanical devices frustrate me beyond word, so I keep it as simple as possible 

[Buckshot Bob]

Anyone tried one of these 

 

[Mogollon Munk,SASS#303]

If you want the best hand-priming tool, in my opinion it is probably the one made by Sinclair International, and sold through Brownells. No magazine tube, just one at a time. Requires it's own shellholder, but they offer them for a majority of cartridges. 

[Buckshot Bob]

2 hours ago, Mogollon Munk,SASS#303 said:

If you want the best hand-priming tool, in my opinion it is probably the one made by Sinclair International, and sold through Brownells. No magazine tube, just one at a time. Requires it's own shellholder, but they offer them for a majority of cartridges. 

One of my friends has one , extremely nice and accurate. But I would never want to handle each primer individually. I did that years ago and I’m not going back