Have a broken Auto-prime?

[jmorris]

I have a Lee auto-prime that I haven't used in awhile but had a use for it the other day.


Long story short I have lost the small primer pin. I contacted Lee but it turns out they quit making them in 2010 and no longer offer any parts for them.


Over the years I have read threads where people have had them break, just wondering if anyone happens to have a small primer pin they don't need anymore?


The attached photo is the version I am referring to and that is the large pin on the left (ok, bottom if that's how the photo wants to load).

[rancher1913]

still use mine but could take measurement so you could machine one perhaps.

[jmorris]

That would be nice of you. If I needed it bad enough I would have already turned one out, I did check to make sure I had a ball nosed end mill for the radius, so it wouldn't be difficult or take too long.

[slim1836]

Be careful with the handle also, mine broke while priming.

Slim

[jsn]

Are you sure it's not lodged in the small primer tray? Mine binds just enough to not drop out when disassembled.

[jmorris]

Yep, still have the spring for it, just lost the pin.

Slim, your the guy I am looking for, if you have the small priming pin still...

[robg]

Only had the levers break on mine. Mate of mine repaired them for me .don't want to have to get some new tool when mine have worked fine for 30 or so years.

[Vinne]

Lee makes a great tool, just have to use it with care and it will last. Sorry I got rid of mine to get the new model. It does work good also.

[MarkP]

I think I may have one in my desk drawer at work, LEE asked to cut off the old trays and send it in and they would send the new style of priming tool for a nominal charge.

I will look Monday if the facility is not closed due to an ice storm.

[jmorris]

Thank you, everyone, looks like I have one on the way.

[rda72927]

Thank you, everyone, looks like I have one on the way.

I that one falls though, shoot me a PM...

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I bought a spare one from someone on this forum. Still in the original box, didn't look like it had ever been used. I used it one time for about 50 hulls then put it up. Lots of nice folks here.

Have a blessed evening,

Leon

[Guesser]

PM out to you.............

[rockshooter]

FYI: Midway carries the handles in a reinforced version- part 272339
Loren

[rupe01]

If all else fails, it looks like the small primer pin on the RamPrime system may be the same. Might be worth looking into...? Maybe they even sell spares for that (although the complete system is very cheap).

On second thoughts, my mistake.....looks like it is the operating pin, so may not work at all....sorry.....doh!

[slim1836]

Yep, still have the spring for it, just lost the pin.

Slim, your the guy I am looking for, if you have the small priming pin still...

I can still use it with the later model LEE primer system, the handles don't look like they work, but they do. Sorry, but I'm gonna keep mine.

Slim

[shooter bob]

jmorris your pin is on its way hope it gets there soon.Bob

[jmorris]

Thanks a lot Bob, let me know if I can return the favor.

[mtgrs737]

I think that Lee had some issues with the auto prime when some re-loaders set off primers when using too much pressure on the thumb lever. I have done it a couple of times in 40 years of reloading. I have also broken levers and one unit broke the forward rim off the body where the shell holder slides in. Both were replaced by Lee and I am saddened to hear that they are not supporting the units they sold in the past (probably due to liability concerns). Their new primer unit seperates the single primer being installed from the rest of the primers in the tray for more isolation and safety. I like the old units just fine and will continue to use them, but am careful of the pressure I apply to the lever. I believe that the pin you need is hardened so if you make it out of drill rod it will be easy to harden it. Brownells has drill rod.