Lee Ergo Prime Priming Tool

[Ben]

I've owned my Lee Ergo Primer seating tool for about 2 months now and have seated large rifle and small pistol primers with my tool. The tool seems plenty robust.

The small tray seems to feed better than the large one , but the small tray still jams quite often.

The large tray didn't work very well at all. Maybe I wasn't using the right " tilt " continuously ? ?

At any rate, I got frustrated and got out my Dremel tool with my cut off tool and did some modifying to the primer seating tool this morning.

I always thought that the Old Mequon primer seater tool was so simple and fool proof.

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/Lee_Improved_Loader_45_Colt_zps3c019583.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/Lee_Improved_Loader_45_Colt_zps3c019583.jpg.html)

You'd simply insert a single primer , close the handle and you had a seated primer. I liked that simplicity and decided to copy that engineering concept today with the Lee Ergo.

At any rate ( right or wrong ), I decided today to give up the feature of the primer auto - feed, in favor of seating a single primer at a time.

The conversion consist of simply removing the auto feed mechanism without harming the square nylon carrier for the alignment and up and down travel of the primer seating piston. That part of things can't be changed.

Once that is done, there is a bit of " fill in " with 5 minute quick set JB Weld. There is a channel that the auto fill would use to gravity feed primers to the piston for seating of the primers , that channel needs to be filled completely with JB Weld. Be certain that the " bore " that the primer seating pistol travels in stays clean and free of any of the JB Weld.

A little clean up and now I've got a priming tool that won't jam. Granted it may be a bit slower, but considering all the time I spent clearing jams, hunting primers that had fallen on the floor, etc. I'm not too certain that I can't prime 50 cases just about as quick .

One thing is absolutely certain, I've dramatically reduced the " frustration factor " on my priming tool.

As far as I'm concerned, there is something to be said about reliability. You either have it or you don't ....there is zero room in between the two. This " thing " wasn't even close to being reliable yesterday , .......now it is ! From my perspective, I've made some good progress today.

I have a portable reloading kit. This tool ( in its modified form ) will serve as an excellent priming tool for my portable reloading kit.

If at any time in the future I want to return to the auto feed ( and I seriously doubt that I ever will ) , since I made no modifications at all to the red steel handle , I can simply contact Lee and have a new tray / feed mechanism shipped and I'm right back where I started.

Ben

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/90250_2_zps8dd866d7.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/90250_2_zps8dd866d7.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/Capture_zpsl93n8ryd.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/Capture_zpsl93n8ryd.jpg.html)


http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/002_zps09629b73.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/002_zps09629b73.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/001_zpsb1d49035.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/001_zpsb1d49035.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/004_zps51e09ce4.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/004_zps51e09ce4.jpg.html)

Here it is with all the surplus JB Weld hardened and filed off smooth, then touched up with some gloss black enamel and an artist brush.

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/IMG_20140609_143826_zps9fd28a83.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/IMG_20140609_143826_zps9fd28a83.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/005_zps12c30540.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/005_zps12c30540.jpg.html)

[VHoward]

Cool. I haven't had any problems with my ergo prime unit though.

[jmort]

"Maybe I wasn't using the right " tilt " continuously ? ?"

Another really nice thread and photos. From all I have read there is an optimum "angle/tilt." 40 degrees? I like your fix/solution. Just got my first Ergo Prime, love the Lee Precision red powder coat and finger/ergo operation. I have a literal fleet of Auto Primes, but wanted to try the Ergo. We shall see how it compares. Love hand priming off the press. Thanks for the good info/thread. Now it's like the K&M tool.

[Ben]

Maybe I just should have boxed it up and returned it to Lee ?

I have a friend that bought one of the new Lee Ergo Prime tools , to quote him, " he said his was a piece of junk."

For me right now, 40 degrees isn't part of the equation anymore. If there is a primer on top of the priming piston, you're going to get a properly seated primer. For me, that is good.

Ben

[jmort]

"I have a friend that bought one, to quote him, " he said his was a piece of junk.""

That is why I keep a fleet of the "dangerous" Auto Primes. I think I may have 8 of them in excellent condition.

[Ben]

jmortimer

My friend had praise for the " old style " Lee priming tool, he couldn't get replacement parts when it came time for them , so he bought the " new style ".

You've already heard his thoughts and opinions of the " new style " priming tool.

[VHoward]

My experience with Lee products has led me to believe that their quality control isn't consistant. Several people can buy the same model piece of equipment and all three will get three different pieces of varying quality going from "***" to "very good".

Mine works fine. Your works after a fashion in original condition, but works to your satisfaction after you modified it. Your friend says it is a "***".

I like that you have shown how to convert it to a manual feed primer installer. It gives someone else another option.

[Airman Basic]

Seems to be consistent that the older round tray versions work better. The newer models have "features" designed by lawyers, in my estimation. Like others, I've laid in a supply of the older tools.

[jetinteriorguy]

I love my Ergo Prime, once I got the hang of the way to hold it and use it it's one of the best pieces of equipment I've had. The angle does have a lot to do with it, plus I give it a little shake to be sure the primers are loading properly every so often. I just visually check every time to make sure the next primer is in properly before putting in the case.

[bedbugbilly]

I use the Lee Ergo Primer and love it - have never had a problem with it. I haven't "reloaded for years" though so I don't have any experience with the earlier models. My Ergo Primer worked well right out of the box - I prime at a leisurely pace though and just keep track that I have primers in the slot, etc.

As far as Lee equipment and quality - I use a combination of an old RCBS Jr3 single stage and a 4 hole classic turret - Lee dies. Have no issues at all with any of the equipment - works well and I get good reloads.

Thanks for the post Ben - great photos and interesting information!

[Ben]

As far as the shape and " feel " of the Ergo Prime, I like that.

I just got tired of mis-feeds, jams, the plastic lid trying to lift itself off, etc.

Yesterday, I went from the " Modern Advanced Lawyer Inspired Technology" to a far more reliable and simpler approach to things with my Lee Ergo Prime.

What is that old saying...." The more moving parts something has, the easier it is for things to go wrong."

If my small tray continues to jam, it will get the same identical modification.

Ben

[MDphotographer]

Yes you have to hold it at the right angle to get the primer to slide down the chute when it is lifted into position the biggest problem is 2 primers getting into the cage when the primers are lifted at the same time. This happens because the first primer doesnt go down the primer chute to the ram because the angle you are holding it isnt right. I just put tape on each side of the tray cover and taped the cover to the tray so that if 2 primers do get in the cage the tray cover wont pop off,all it takes is a nudge with a needle to remove one of the primers back into the tray to solve this jam.Hold it at the right angle and pay attention to the lift system and you will fly through some primers

[Ben]

MDphotographer

My question is " If the design of the tool is appropriate, should you have to be doing all that in order for the tool to work properly ? "


Ben

[MDphotographer]

I am not saying that the primer tray cover was properly designed because it wasnt it will pop off if you get 2 primers in the lift cage at the same time.I AM saying it is a very easy fix and not a reason per say to not use this tool completely.I love it as I use it now much easier on the hand to use then the old one and seats the primers better I think.

[MDphotographer]

Keeping an eye on the primer as it is lifted up and making sure it goes down the chute to the ram isn't a big deal I will take that over having my thumb worn out after 200 primers and having to use 2 hands to seat primers there after like I had to do with the original

[Ben]

MDphotographer

My comments aren't intended to sway you or anyone else in any particular direction on the purchase, or use of a Lee Ergo Priming tool.

What you view as " not a big deal " and what I find very frustrating are obviously 2 things that are different in your view of things and my view of the same, and that is OK.

My comments are solely about my particular tool and my view on how to make it work in a suitable manner for my own personal needs.

Everyone will either buy or not buy, use the tool as is or modify their own Lee Ergo tool to suit their own needs as they deem appropriate.

After reading other post, it seems that I'm not the only one who has made a decision to modify the Lee Ergo tool........

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?243599-Some-Days-It-Pays-To-Get-Outa-Bed!

Ben

[enfieldphile]

On the page: Casting & reloading handtools

See thread: Some days it pays to get out of bed

There are pics of how I used brass screws & brass wingnuts to secure the cover on my Ergo Prime.

[Airman Basic]

Keeping an eye on the primer as it is lifted up and making sure it goes down the chute to the ram isn't a big deal I will take that over having my thumb worn out after 200 primers and having to use 2 hands to seat primers there after like I had to do with the original
Wondering how many you prime in one session. I usually do a few hundred, no more than 5 hundred, in one session and don't have worn out thumbs with the round tray tool. Maybe you're pushing too hard?

[Ben]

On the page: Casting & reloading handtools

See thread: Some days it pays to get out of bed

There are pics of how I used brass screws & brass wingnuts to secure the cover on my Ergo Prime.

Thanks for the link you've offered , I went to the post and read all of it.

That looks to be a good way of dealing with some / or all of the quirks of the Lee Ergo Prime.

If it works stay with it.

Ben

[gray wolf]

My question is " If the design of the tool is appropriate, should you have to being doing all that in order for the tool to work properly ? "
I had this tool for about 1 week and called Lee, they sent me a new tray, same problems. Ben has explained it well.
Also I don't want to spend money on a tool that in order to make it work I have to be standing on one foot with my hair combed a certain way, a window open half way and one planet slightly out of orbit.
For a pick up and go tool with no frustration and minimum problems---- this tool ain't it.
Back to midway for a refund, IMHO--junk good work Ben

Now if you want to really be Mr. handyman, and fix, modify, cut, re shape and add some new parts in order for it to work, Try the best built piece of junk to hit the reloading scene.
The Lyman E-zee prime. $35 to $40 bux but be advised you supply the tool kit for the work a rounds.

[Ben]

UUUmmm, sounds like I better stand clear of that one.

Thanks for the heads up.

Ben

[EDG]

I have 6 or 7 of the old Lee tools with the screw in shell holders and they work great.
I have never liked any of the so called tray fed "ought to prime" tools.
Well I did like one. It was the screw top version modified by bench rest shooters to take a tray.

[GhostHawk]

I did a lot of reading before I commited to a hand primer.

While I normally like and trust Lee products the reviews tended to be full of unhappy upset people.

So I bought the one with the fewest complaints. The RCBS hand unit. There was no hand primer with no complaints. It isn't perfect, it has once tried to get 2 primers into the same space. But by and large, it does the job well. I like the fact that I do not have to change shellholders, ever.
It doesn't seem to be fussy about the angle it is held at.

I am a little unhappy with Lee that when I ordered their shell holder kit the only 2 I did not get were the 2 I wanted.
(7.62x54r, and 7.62x39) Yes I got one with each of the dies but having 2 is nice.

Anyway, if your tired of playing with lee primers, might try RCBS.

[Bayou52]

I still use the old style Lee screw- in hand primers. The work flawlessly. Another example of when something works great, abandon it.....

I've got several new style hand priming tools. They stay asleep in their boxes......

[Ben]

Take a few minutes and ready the 117 " reviews " on the priming tool from people who have owned and used the Lee Ergo Prime : ( I'll give a little hint, .......most are Not Good )

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/962031/lee-auto-prime-ergo-prime-hand-priming-tool?cm_vc=ProductFinding#ReviewHeader

It is interesting that the negative reviews center around the same identical issues that I discussed in Post # 1.

Ben

P.S. Historically , I've been a big defender and supporter of Lee products , their quality and value. On this item, NO !

[VHoward]

That's what I tell people about Lee. A lot of their stuff is OK, some is just garbage. 3 items of Lee's that I will never recommend to anyone are the Loadmaster, Pro1000 or the safety scale.

I probably got one of the few ergo primes that works like it was supposed to.

[MDphotographer]

yup 72 4 and 5 stars vs 45 3 stars or less that is surely in the "most are not good category" lol obviously you had a problem with this product as have others,Imstead of just complaining on an internet forum right a letter to LEE?

Just a thought

[VHoward]

Or perhaps if you buy something and it does not work as advertised, return it as defective for a refund. If Lee starts getting their junk back, then maybe they will think about improving their product.