Old Lee Auto-Prime handle

[abunaitoo]

A while ago a friend gave me two of his broken Lee Auto-Primes.
The handle had broken and Lee told him they no longer make the replacement.
He bought a RCBS.
Everyone says the new handle will not work on this old tool.
I've always wondered if the new handle could be made to work on the old tool.
Ordered a handle from Lee, #PT1879.
Got it in today and it seems works just fine.
I don't have the shell holders, so I haven't tried to prime with it. But it looks like it should work.
Anyone else tried this?????

[hd09]

Yes they will work but not as comfortable to use, they stick out more from the body at more angle. I bought a couple from midway for backups.

[462]

The new designed lever slips right into the body and works just like the original, though I much prefer the original.

I wonder: Could it be that Lee says that just so they can sell an entire new setup?

[km101]

Yeah, I got the same answer from Lee about the handle/lever. And yes, I think they just want to sell you a new kit.

It's all about the money!

[TXGunNut]

I'm on my last old style Auto Prime but it just went into service a few months ago; it was my spare for years. Wish I'd known parts were available. Spare machine is a new style, guess some year I'll give it a try. Small primer tool is getting a little stiff and sticky.

[slim1836]

Old handle broke, new style handle did work, just need to order another to replace the old one.

Slim

[abunaitoo]

I did notice that the angle of the handle is different.
It works fine, but not as well as the original.

New handle seems much better made. Stronger.