I've used Lee hand primers since they were invented.
Nearly two years ago I bought RCBS's Pro 2000 progressive with its APS strip priming system. So...now, when ever I can, I buy my primers in boxes of strips (at prices similar to normal boxes of primers). And when I want something besides CCI, I load them into strips using the RCBS strip loader, then store them away. Point is, unless I "reserve" a few boxes for Lee hand priming operations, primers are ready to load, no tube or tray loading necessary.
So...I've been tempted these last 24 months to try RCBS's APS handprimer, with it's universal case holder, and I finally broke down and bought one 2 months ago.
Giddy describes the experience when I tried it out!
- Grabbed a box of LR primers of the shelf, loaded a strip, inserted a .308 case, pressed the handle, perfect.
- inserted more cases, and pressed the handle 5 more times, pulled the partly used strip out.
- Grabbed box of LP primers, loaded a strip, inserted a 45 ACP case, press the handle, perfect.
- Inserted and pressed 5 more times, pulled out the partly used strip.
- Changed primer rod to small (10 seconds), Grabbed a box of SR primers, pushed a strip in, inserted a .223 case, press, perfect.
- Case insertion and press repeated 20 times, snapped another strip to to the previous one, and primed 25 more...snap in another strip...25 more...etc.
And the Universal case holder works and works well, and strips are color-coded by type, so you never get them mixed up. Loaded strips are stuck to paper label-like backers for storage...where you can write primer brand on the back. Oh, and one more thing, my arthritic slightly arthritic hands, thumbs and fingers, thank me every day.
I gave away my trusty, and perfectly good Lee and all my shell holders to a friend I liked, who needed a hand primer. (kept the original, emotionally attached to the 35+ year-old little one, I guess).
PS: If you are even tempted to check it out, but you don't have a Pro 2000...so what...buying a strip loader is all that's necessary. You can load 4 strips of 25 in the same time it takes to peck a 100 into a tube....
and the best part...you can then store it away for instant use anytime. Think of it as a new co-CSI watching activity.
Tray users....are you going to load lots of trays, and store 'em for a couple of months? Right.
Yes, it's pricey compared to the Lees. Specially adding a strip loader. But you'll never feel it in 6 months, it just ain't that much...trust me...and if you hand prime all your loads, it will be considered one of your best tool purchases.
What made me finally break down and try it?
Favorite Tool Review @ 6mmBR.com ********
BTW it's on sale this month at Midway.