primer tool....

[leadhead]

Anybody here use a Lyman EZZ priming tool? If so how does it work?
They say it won't seat small primers deep enough. Any response will
be great. I'm thinking about getting one but not sure if I should.
Denny

[skeettx]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeSQdhQRn6s

https://www.lymanproducts.com/media/catalog/product/7/7/7777810_e_zee_hand_priming_tool.pdf

[leadhead]

skeettx...... I've seen those adds from Lyman. I want to hear from someone
that really has and used one.
Denny

[georgerkahn]

leadhead -- I do not own one, but a fellow "range buddy" does. I have an RCBS bench priming tool mounted on a piece of Plexiglas which accompanies me with my Buchanan loader to complement my "truck tailgate loading bench". I love the uniformality of crimp one readily attains with the RCBS bench unit, questioning this -- the uniformality of seating -- on this hand-held unit. In past, I have/had a Frankfort Arsenal hand primer -- purchased to complement my "tail-gate set-up" -- but retired it quickly, in favour of using the RCBS. Re any challenges with small primer size, I cannot address this either, as loading with the Lyman tool was for a large-primer caliber.
geo

[gpidaho]

I'm not a huge fan of Hornady tooling but have been very pleased with their hand held primer tool. Gp

[leadhead]

geo.... I was looking hard at the Frankfort Arsenal tool also.
You say you retired it...would you consider selling it?
Denny

[georgerkahn]

Sadly, my best friend Hughie borrowed both it and my Frankfort de-primer (this tool, I really did not care for!) -- and Hugh had the audacity to die last November... These, plus a mould and some M1 Garand gauges... I'll no doubt never again see. (Lonng story re his son-in-law :( ) IF I still had it -- I'd gift it to you. Sorry!
geo

[leadhead]

Thank you George, I've been in your place before. Tough to get
stuff back after that happens. Thanks for the reply.
Denny

[greenjoytj]

Anybody here use a Lyman EZZ priming tool? If so how does it work?
I'm thinking about getting one but not sure if I should.
Denny

So if you haven’t bought the Lyman priming tool yet then take a look at the LEE Precision Auto Bench Prime tool. It’s cheap to buy, it works very well and takes very little effort to use.
It does require unique shell holders, their cheap. Occasionally the plastic housing around the primer seating piston cracks, this part is replaceable.
I bought a spare set for large and small primers.
I glued the cracked unit and it still works fine.
I have tried a few different priming tools and this LEE tool is my favourite.

[mdi]

Who are "they"? I believe 95% of screw ups with hand priming tools is the user. I don't use a hand primer much these days (I couldn't find one to fit my hand. I had to "reset" them in my hand after each squeeze and when I use my Lee Ergo I have to use two hands). I got a Lee Bench Prime shortly after they came out and the first 60 cased primed I had 3 screw ups. I reread the instructions, mounted the tool solidly, emptied 100 primers in the tray and proceeded to prime 100 45 ACP cased non stop. I have seated a few thousand primers since, with maybe 3 or 4 OOPS!, most often an upside down primer...

From the videos and Lyman's reputation, I would try the E-ZEE Prime with confidence...

[leadhead]

mdi... " They " are 4 or 5 reviews Ive read on a couple of the forums. I think I know
what might be the problem. It's the thickness of the shell holder there using.. Shell
holders vary in thickness between different company's, and could be the problem.
I still use the old Lee round hand seater and it's worked without fail for years, but it's
starting to show the age and that's why I have been looking to replace it. It's still
the best tool ever in my opinion.
Denny

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I have an RCBS hand primer. Works well enough but it gives me a sore elbow now ( I'm wearing out ). Looking forward to doing it on a press again.

[Baltimoreed]

I repaired the broken handles on my two old school lee auto primes with jbweld and aluminum, still hanging in there. A simple idea that works great just poorly built. Was given a lovely rcbs hand primer and as well made as it is it’s terribly awkward to use [for me]. But I do 90% of my priming on my presses. Two 550B’s and two Lyman T2 turrets.

[sparkyv]

I use the Lyman EZ. It is well-built and seats L and S primers deep enough just fine. I hand prime rifle rounds only. My only issue is that sometimes small primers can flip in the S primer tray. Lyman sent me a replacement tray, and the issue improved, but was not eliminated. I just don't shake/jar the S tray and all's well. No issues with the L tray. I really like being able to use standard, non-proprietary shell holders.

[Shawlerbrook]

I used a few different ones and settled on the RCBS bench tool and never looked back.

[David2011]

The Lee is a decent tool. If you take it apart and grease the metal contact points once in a while it’s a really good tool. The RCBS bench priming tool is top notch.

[TNsailorman]

I have tried several of the hand prime units that use the primer trays. I never could cotton to them. After many trials and errors I have gone back to the RCBS Posi-Prime hand primer and I feed them primers one at a time. I also use the old Lee screw threaded hand primer tools but they do require threaded shell holders that have become a little hard to find and more than a little expensive when you do find the right size. I have 5 of the RCBS tools and 6 of the Lee's. The only weakness I have found on the old Lee's is that if you don't hold the lever correctly, it puts added pressure on the top of the lever and being made with cheap metal it can break. I broke 2 handles back in the 60's before I learned how to hold the handle correctly. I hand prime while watching a good football game(college--never pro) or a good western. As far as I am concerned those two in order (RCBS & Lee threaded) are the best ever put on the market except maybe the Sinclair tool( I have one) which is super expensive but made of really good metal. I have never used the Lyman so I can't speak for or against it. my experience anyway, james

[Kevin Rohrer]

I have the Lyman (among others). It works "ok" and is what I use for 50/70 Govt. Sometimes primers get jammed-up in it, but it works better than the RCBS unit (dreck), but not as good as the Lee.

[robg]

i have 3 round lee primer tools that work fine for me but i used a friends lee bench tool .works well and no aching thumbs after priming a few hundred cases.

[BMW Rider]

Yes, shell holders seem to matter for the Lyman primer tool. I have one and if I use my Hornady #1 shell holder in it, the primers don't seat as deeply (i.e. - not deep enough) as they do when I use my Lyman #1 shell holder. Also, sometimes the small primers can flip in the tray with the lid on if it gets bumped. Haven't had any issues with large primers.

[leadhead]

BMW Rider..... Yes, that's what I thought when I read the reports.
I'll find out pretty soon as I have one coming today from E-bay.
It's new in the box, so we'll see.

[AnthonyB]

leadhead; let me know if it doesn't work for you. I recently went to the RCBS bench mounted tool and will never go back to my RCBS hand primer.
Tony

[Alferd Packer]

I have used lee and like them, but RCBS makes a priming tool with a long handle attached to a little rocking tool post that takes RCBS shell holders.
A couple tubes for large and small primers each hold 100.
You push down slightly an a primer is dispensed like a pez dispenser into the shell holder center post.
Then you slip in a shell and push the handle down.
Primer seated.
Pop out the shell.
Rock the handle and reload the tool post while grabbing another shell to slip in .
Its fast, no wear on the tunnel carpels.
About $90 , but $25 back in the day.
New ones available, used at gunshows occasionally.
At least it was available last time I looked.
Oh, gets mounted on a board.
Tabletop use.
Very smooth, no stress.
Good leverage.You never touch the primers after they are loaded in the tube.

[leadhead]

AnthonyB ..... Well, I got it and it looked new in the box....WRONG....
As I was putting it together with the small primer tray, I saw where
some *** *** filed down the top of the tray where the shell holder
sits. The only way to make it right is to buy another small primer
tray from Lyman. ($8.90) I think I'll just write it off and keep using
my old round tray Lee. Still the best seater ever.
Denny

[AnthonyB]

Denny:
I used a round tray Lee for twenty years. It finally broke, and I bought another. That one broke. I went to the RCBS, which was more sturdy, but didn't seem to work as well as the Lee. Then I bought the bench mounted RCBS and all is right with the priming world now.
Tony

[Green Frog]

I’ve used the round tray Lee, but I really don’t see all that much advantage to a primer feed system... even my fat fingers work fine for inserting primers. If the original Lee First Generation tool with screw in shell holders had been made of bronze or steel instead of using pot metal, they would be the World Standard and everyone else would be copying them.

This of course ignores the combination re- and decappers made by guys like Pope, Petersen, Schoyen, et al. They did both steps with one tool, a boon when loading the same case over and over as a match was shot.

The foregoing is JMHO (or maybe not so humble! :roll: ) and you’re entitled to yours. I just collect the dadgum things and have a dozen or two.

Froggie

[dragon813gt]

If the original Lee First Generation tool with screw in shell holders had been made of bronze or steel instead of using pot metal, they would be the World Standard and everyone else would be copying them.

Mine still work fine and I have no issues w/ them. You can find the patent documents online. They are long expired and anyone can use the design. The downside is you have to physically handle each primer. The addition of the tray prevented this.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4343/36231041490_cda22c6f5a_c.jpg

I have all the Lee hand primers. The round tray version was the best.

[leadhead]

A couple of years ago, I found a old Lee round tray with all the parts for $8.00
I jumped on that with both feet. I still have enough parts to build another one.
Denny

[dragon813gt]

A couple of years ago, I found a old Lee round tray with all the parts for $8.00
I jumped on that with both feet. I still have enough parts to build another one.
Denny

I have a couple spare trays. I did mess one up when I tried to convert it to fill Dillon tubes. One day I will buy a 3D printer and make an adapter.

[Wolverine19D]

When I first started out not long ago I bought the Frankford hand primer based on a lot of recommendations and was very disappointed since I mostly do Lake City 5.56 brass with CCI 41 primers and the tool always left a impression around the primer where it pressed it in no matter how well I swaged or reamed the primer pockets.

I believe it's due to the hole size for the shell holder and could possibly be fixed with a little tweaking but soon after I bought an old Lee Auto-Prime II and that thing is simply amazing. I soon after bought another so I could have one set up for large and one for small primers and have spare parts in case they break down in the future since they are no longer made. You can feel the primers seat very well and have tons of leverage since you use the press itself to prime. You can also adjust the depth of the primers to your liking and it will seat them all identical.

I have since tried a couple other priming methods but this is by far the best option I've had and most people who have used one say the same thing. It's a shame Lee no longer makes them but they can often be had on the for sale sections of reloading forums or ebay/gunbroker for $30-50 or so. They aren't without their faults but they are minor and easy to work around.

If I had to buy another priming tool today and could no longer get the Auto-Prime II it would likely be the RCBS bench mounted unit. No idea how well it works but I imagine it's a decent tool. I'm not a fan of hand priming after the frankford unit which is now collecting dust. It may have worked well on regular handgun rounds with certain primers but after using the Auto-Prime I had no reason to go back to using it.

[Green Frog]

Mine still work fine and I have no issues w/ them. You can find the patent documents online. They are long expired and anyone can use the design. The downside is you have to physically handle each primer. The addition of the tray prevented this.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4343/36231041490_cda22c6f5a_c.jpg

I have all the Lee hand primers. The round tray version was the best.

Looking at your post, it dawns on my that I may have access to a prototype brass casting facility. As I notice the casting lines on the main body, I wonder whether I could make my own dream come true... the handle and linkage should be readily cast-able. :D

Froggie

[Dapaki]

I use the LEE bench prime exclusively now, it does have hiccups now and again but my carpel tunnel will not allow me to use any of the 'squeeze' machines and I refuse to load tubes or buy strips.

I did decide to use the old round trays though since they fit fine, the square folding tray just does not work for me.

[Wolverine19D]

I use the LEE bench prime exclusively now, it does have hiccups now and again but my carpel tunnel will not allow me to use any of the 'squeeze' machines and I refuse to load tubes or buy strips.

I did decide to use the old round trays though since they fit fine, the square folding tray just does not work for me.

I imagine this is almost as good as the press mounted Auto-Prime II and a good option for the money for those that don't want to wait to find a used Auto-Prime II. I did a lot of research on those before I decided to try the old Auto-Prime II instead. Very glad I did and love the fact I can adjust primer depth with the press mounted unit and it allows you to feel the primer seat very well without any effort.

With the bench mounted Lee I believe the primer depth varies depending on how much pressure you apply which is the same for many priming methods. Not a big deal I suppose but I like the idea of them all being the same on the press mounted unit.

[Drew P]

I think it’s really stupid to have these lever pivot on the pinky side of the hand. Do they really think that’s how the human hand best works? Your pinky is the weakest finger, therefore it should be the farthest from the pivot, giving it the most advantage, this creates a balanced feel and maximum comfort and that why you NEVER see this type of lever on a motorcycle or etc. I won’t buy one until they understand that point

[Green Frog]

I think it’s really stupid to have these lever pivot on the pinky side of the hand. Do they really think that’s how the human hand best works? Your pinky is the weakest finger, therefore it should be the farthest from the pivot, giving it the most advantage, this creates a balanced feel and maximum comfort and that why you NEVER see this type of lever on a motorcycle or etc. I won’t buy one until they understand that point

This presupposes that you are trying to provide effort upon the lever with your pinky finger. My two strongest fingers (trigger and middle) do most of the work with ring finger and pinky mostly along for the ride. Of course this also helps work the stronger fingers more so I control gun and trigger better... an added bonus. I guess it’s all in your perspective. ;)

Froggie

[Scrounge]

Yes, shell holders seem to matter for the Lyman primer tool. I have one and if I use my Hornady #1 shell holder in it, the primers don't seat as deeply (i.e. - not deep enough) as they do when I use my Lyman #1 shell holder. Also, sometimes the small primers can flip in the tray with the lid on if it gets bumped. Haven't had any issues with large primers.

According to the shell holder cross reference chart I downloaded a few days ago, The Hornady #1 isn't the same as the Lyman #1. Hornady #1 fits 30-06, and the Lyman shell holder for 30-06 is the #2. Lyman #1 fits .357 according to the table. It's the Dark Canyon Shell Holder that was posted here at CB a few days ago. The couple that I checked, Lee & Lyman #1 are the same, and likewise for their #2 shell holders. Won't swear anything else matches between the two line. Been looking at this pretty hard myself, as I've got an old Five Star Auto-loader press I got to set up a decapping station, the the shell holders for it are unobtanium, these days. Bought a spare set of the Lee Auto/EZE Prime shell holders to braze or silver solder onto copies of the two shell holders I have for it. What I have are #10 (from Brownells) and the #7 that came on it. #7 fits the .38/.357 shells I have. So far, nothing I have in the way of brass fits in the #10 shell holder, though it looks like a fair match for the Lyman J #5 I've got sitting here. I don't actually know what I have for the Spar-T press.

[leadhead]

Well, I got the Frankfort Arsenal primer tool and I'm glad I did.
It's a very well built tool, and comes with all the shell holders
I'll ever need. It also uses the Lee holders as well. This one
will last me till I fire my last shot.
Denny

[onelight]

I just recently purchased the Frankfort Arsenal tool also . I have no experience with any other hand priming tools and prefer to prime on the press most of the time. The FA tool seems to be very heavy duty it comes with a set of shell holders which I like so I don't have move the shell holders from the press or buy duplicates . It has an adjustment for seating depth , a good thing .
I have only used it on 50 cases so far but at this point it appears it will suit my limited needs for separate hand priming .
If I was going to use it a lot the ergonomics would be my only concern at this point it is quite large so it would probably take a bit more use for me to find the most comfortable way to use it.
It seems to be a neat package that comes with every thing in the kit and as mentioned a shell holder that is not in the kit could be added from Lee.
It fed primers from the tray with no problems after a short bit of learn time .
That is a brief review from a guy with no experience with of the other units .

[onelight]

An update,
I just ran another hundred cases through the Frankfort Arsenal tool they went very smoothly with no issues feeding from the tray. I found the most comfortable way for me to use it was with it sitting on my knee with the primer tray facing me leaned away from my body slightly so the case is pointed away from me , this position angled the feeding side of the tray so that the primers fed down hill into the cup. I found that releasing the handle a little quick would rattle the primer tray enough for them to feed very well. I like it at this point but it is the only hand priming tool I have used so nothing to compare it to.