Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer

Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer tool:
►Amazon: amzn.to/2moyfT0
UPDATED 09/27/2018 - All links have been removed to comply with KZbin content policies.
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[@russellgary2575]

The Lee Priming Shellholders are the same, even the numbers. The colors are the only real difference, minus some difference in slop/play. I've watched most of your videos when life allows. Thank You!

[@Oregun]

Russell Gary Yep, here is a video showing just that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYGYiKN5frtsbpo

[@sparlin88]

Such a great video that I just ordered one of these . I'm a beginner so am enjoying the heck out of reloading . Been restoring cars for so long this is very refreshing change . Finished my last car and this is my new Hobby . Thanks for all the videos and info !

[@michaeltaylor7436]

I am very happy with this FA priming unit. I find it to gives very consistent depth, I set it at 0.003". I have never had a miss seated primer in 2 years of use. I press primed for many years, and half crooked mashed primers happened all too often. I sit in a low chair because of a bad back, rather than on a stool or standing. I support the priming tool on my right leg, the tray pointed over the right shoulder and the cartridge case pointing away, in case a primer pops. That has never happened, even using a press, but I've read too many bad stories. I priming goes quite fast. I have a Frankford primer, trimmer, and scale. They have all worked well. I had to replace a dull cutter in the trimmer. I give FA a thumbs up, but as some comments below suggest, QA might be suspect. I noticed in the video that the parts of Johnny's primer were loose fitting compared to mine. I have to work a bit to keep the primers moving into the unit, I did not see primers hanging up in John's primer, except with shut-off slide. That slide fits tight on my primer. So, FA is not perfection, but not high priced either.

[@coffeemaninsanity8596]

Place a loaded round in it and adjust the tool until the ram just touches the primer then adjust it one click tighter

[@BigBosley]

Looks like a neat gadget. I started life a few decades ago with a Lee hand priming tool. The first gen, the one that was recalled LOL. I now use the RCBS auto bench priming tool. Never going back. I love this thing.

[@waynes.1118]

Lubricating the pivot points on the tool will help it last a long time. My original Lee Autoprime is still going strong after thirty years. A bit of moly grease eliminated wear or breakage.

[@PVMscales]

I love your videos, man. Your reviews are realistic to most regular people's price range AND you tell your viewers about things that suck about these products. I'm not saying that other reloading channels don't do that, but they generally seem to talk like everyone has thousands of dollars lying around to spend on these premium products (and access to the thousands of yards to match).

[@CrankyCleatus]

I bought a Frankford Arsenal about 3-4 weeks ago (was right after your 1st video with the Frankford) when my Lee Auto-Prime started having issues. It just stopped feeding primers properly and I needed to nudge the primer with a small screwdriver to get it to drop in place. Tried disabling it, cleaning it, etc...and couldn't get it working properly again. Very happy with the Frankford and I really like the solid feel. It just doesn't feel cheap or like junk. Didn't come from an RCBS so don't have the same complaints about wrist angle or anything. The only grip you mentioned that I have as well, is the feeding the case from the bottom and if you don't keep your finger on it, it may slip out or completely fall out. But over all, I'm happy with it.

[@jec2137]

If you are looking to dial in your primer depth it will only set the primer up to the case head face. I got con by the micro adjustment. It's possible to accomplish primer depth, by modifying the diameter of the ram rod.

[@SargesAdventures]

Love mine..... I can prime a few hundred cases while watching your KZbin haha..... I usually set mine and it stays consistent at 3.5- 4.0 thousandth.

[@o2wow]

Sold, I ordered one. I have two Forster bench priming tools that I love, but they need to be adjusted to each cartridge so I have one for large and one for small. For short runs I also have an RCBS universal but it is hard on my carpel tunnel nerve and I don't like the extra effort of inserting and removing cases from the spring loaded holder. It's not a ton of effort, but after a few hundred cartridges it adds up.

[@carsonblaylock1789]

This was so useful to me. I've run into the issue you address with the RCBS - it won't seat primers deep enough. It's ~barely~ flush at best, but more like .001" above flush on average. Starting to get some pierced primers (at way-below-max charges) because of it

[@garyfurman]

Your video sold it to me. As you point out, there are some missing calibers. The 6.5 PRC is not listed, but I know the parent case is a 300 WM and that one fit perfectly. Good unit. Thanks for a super review.

[@arikwolf3777]

Your video is very informative. I just started reloading and picked this priming tool because it sounded like the best.

[@lhd700]

Excellent overview! I just ordered this unit and I much appreciate your discussion of potential problems one may encounter. Thanks!

[@sukey62]

I've seen other precision adjustable primer tools for around $100 so this might be a good choice, I'll bet the Lee shellholders will work.

[@452Rob]

I'm gonna have to pick one of those up. I really like the Lee hand primer but I've had one break a handle and sometimes it won't fully seat a primer depending on the shell holder. Lee replaced the broken handle (lever) with a whole new unit and I didn't even have to send them my broken one...and to fix the insufficient primer depth issue I use masking tape in layers on top of the shell holders and an exacto-knife to trim it. That shims the shell holders down and keeps them tight...I only have a couple calibers that I've experienced that on though. Anyhow, the adjustable ram looks like it would work well and I would turn the whole thing around in my hand (180 degrees from how you're doing it) and use my thumbs to seat and feel the primers...exactly the way I do the Lee. All in all that looks like a great tool.

[@averysakshaug4863]

Yeah I use the Frankfurt and love it. I found it's most comfortable priming in my lap (don't have to angle the wrist as much as on the bench)

[@marlonread556]

Another great video!! I'm new to reloading and your videos are an excellent resource for us beginners.

[@woodman39]

I will have to get one of these. I have an old Lee hand priming tool that only work with large primers now and the RCBS hand primer that uses shell holder. The RCBS is a pain to change shell holders because I have to disassemble the whole thing to change them and don't let they squeeze handle slip when you are taking it apart or the entire tool flies apart. The RCBS also like to get primers turned sideways or 2 stacked on top of each other down in the tube where the seating ram is. You might be able to tell I don't like the RCBS. The Lee is now giving problems but I bought it around 1987 so I really can't complain.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

If some innovative individual could design and 3-D print a little tool to easily slip over the finger pull back doober-dauber to keep the finger out of the way and in a better position to change shell holders…that individual would be a hero if he had a new 3-D printer 🤔😉😉😉…keep your exceptional reloading videos coming Johnny 👍👍👍

[@davidunderwood3605]

Also if measuring factory brass primed they generally measure .004 below flush, give or take .001. This is a cool tool and the adjusment makes it in a class of it's own.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

My RCBS one that came in my kit keeps setting them sideways. I am going to order this one. The new Lee ones have tons of bad reviews over them breaking and Lee even says to single feed Federal primers! I think I am gonna order this one. Thanks Johnny

[@THutch556]

I have the RCBS handheld unit that takes shell holders and it will crush and seat primers crazy deep, very easily. Also changing the shell holder requires you to disassemble the whole unit (which sucks) you also get an occasional primer go sideways on you as well, but with that said the unit has held up well and you do get used to the feel of it. I have switched to the RCBS bench top primer system and like that a lot. JRB, it looks like Frankford Arsenal has updated this hand held unit and addressed some of your Critiques. Great review JRB.

[@oscarbear7498]

Hi, can the rcbs bench mounted give you good priming to the depth you want?

[@POOKIE5592]

Watching in 2022. Primers? What are those?

[@mab0852]

I use mine a bit different than you, but I don't run mixed brass for precision. I slip the first case in part way and find the base with the anvil and then adjust up about 3-4 clicks. It is interchangeable with the Lee shellholders and the regular (non-Autoprime) Lee trays as well so if you want you can pick up a 2 pack of new trays for $7. The angle does take some getting used to, but the extra leverage and not having to wear your grip out is well worth it. Did you try your RCBS tray? It may work too.

[@CasZeal]

I've always primed on the press, either using my lee turret or dillon 650. This was very informative to the benefits of using a hand primer. Thanks.

[@michaelseangarrison2867]

I waited a long time to get the Frankford and love it.

[@nycreloader]

What a neat little tool I have other hand priming tools but I think I will add one of these to my arsenal. Thanks Johnny. I’d love it if someone designed a hand tool that will deprime and reprime

[@garrytalley8009]

They do it's called a progressive press.

[@nycreloader]

@@garrytalley8009 yeah I have 2 Dillion 650’s that do that I was looking for a single hand tool. Thanks for responding though.

[@Je3perscre3pers]

thanks for the review. I was looking for something over built so I can have something to take to the range and fix my loads on the fly. This is what Im saving up for.

[@DimaProk]

Your review is spot on! Coming from RCBS handprimer same as you I experienced exact same thing. The seating depth caused more problems than good, I ended up seating too high and rounds wouldn't go off. I don't know if it's possible to sit the primer flash and have the primer pocket too deep and for round not to go off but I was having problems, could be bad batch of S&B primers. There was one more thing, RCBS felt more comfortable in my smaller hands. Also with RCBS I used 2nd hand thumb to help pushing the lever. Regarding RCBS tray what I did long time ago I snipped off the post in the middle and used rubber band to hold it together, no more flipped primers while closing tray! Regarding shell not holding, it takes time to get used to it, but if you put a bucket on the floor you can just feed the case and let it fall in to the bucket while you grabbing another case. You don't have to remove the case like with RCBS. Things go a lot quicker once you get used to it. I primed 1600 cases of 38 SPL and it was faster.

[@bigracer3867]

Liking the review vids, I will keep my rcbs, don't like all the adjustments that are needed.

[@redlegfa8979]

Bought this on your recommendation, I find your review spot on, I am pleased with my purchase. Thank You.

[@yebobaba]

You convinced me. I just ordered one.

[@kirkboswell2575]

I've been looking at that tool for some time now. So far, I've talked myself out of it because I have both the RCBS one and the Lee one. So, should I give in to the desire for bells and whistles??? Or should I just remind myself that it is a "want" not a "need"??? ☺

[@faithandfarmingtennessee872]

I went with the rcbs primer that uses shell holders. It takes standard press shell holders and works well. I didn't trust the spring jaws to center the case.

[@PlunderAndPillage]

I purchased this around a year ago. I have had two problems: 1. The machining for the pistons/shell holders is very sloppy. They do no align easily, especially when changing out the small and large pistons. 2. Primer ignition. I was priming .45 acp with CCI large pistol primers. All of my brass was inspected and once fired. 4 cases in, with no abnormal pressure or force exerted, a primer ignited in the tool, causing the entire tray to ignite. Thankfully, I had the tray tilted away from my face, but the ignited primers were all embedded in my ceiling and the tool and tray were scorched. I have not had this happen again, but I am very trepidatious about using the tool every time I pick it up.

[@user-dm7co8qy1t]

Hope its great just bought one after RCBS was messing up with 223 only loaded maybe 800 rounds with it.

[@gman77gas]

I have a older RCBS with a round tray top that rotates uses shell holders ...never had a problem with flipping primers.The Frankford is nice but I don't see a need for setting the depth...well at least with my RCBS. It does it automatic.

[@baugwan1]

Have you had any problems with the primer tray that came the the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer. My tray wouldn't load the primers. They all just backed up at the mouth of the hand primer. I did discover that the RCBS Hand Priming Tool tray works just fine. Am I the only one with this problem?

[@Serenityindailylife]

I like not having to chase down shellholders. It seems that I'm always playing the "which one can I use since I lost the right one" gane

[@davidunderwood3605]

Read lymans 49th and it explained that between .003 to .005 with a nominal of .004 below flush. This cracks the primer compound and readies the primer .over that Wil make them sensitive. Under that can slow the action. I try setting all mine at .004 below. Uniform depth if I have to. Better for accuracy.

[@pcbulletempire9872]

I'm going to have to look into that I've got the old style RCBS hand primer which takes Shell Holders so that wouldn't be an issue but I don't really care to swap it out it's a pain in the butt on that set screw and retaining clip that looks like so much easier to change but like you it's from the side and I don't know if I could squeeze that from the front be some getting used to

[@jawsmod]

Whats the verdict on this tool? Better than the RCBS universal?

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

I’m almost sure it uses the exact same number system as the Lee auto priming tools

[@ReelTimeCapt]

Looking for something to augment my Lee Loadmaster for 223 and this is it. Loadmaster gets kind of cranky with priming and I will give this a shot. Thx!

[@ReelTimeCapt]

Ok, Johnny - So mine came in today and I primed 25 cases and I like everything about it. Very quality. But what I want to suggest for you is how you can use it in a more ergonomic way. In the video at 14:00, you mention that it does feel comfortable due to the way the tray feeds. Well, all you have to do is switch from you right hand to you left. When you do this, the try cant's the other way and feeds as you want. In addition your hand and wrist are in a more natural and ergonomic way. Please give it a try and let me know what you think. Thx again! FletchMan

[@possumpopper89]

If you are using mixed brass you aren’t concerned about precision and should just use the press mounted priming system.

[@sogyseal7962]

You should do a video on your thoughts on Quick Load/Target. Great vids!

[@andyschuler3459]

Yes! I second this!

[@MSTRnBTCto-the-moon]

Just bought the program. Johnny, can you measure the case volume for the load that blew out the primers? I would like to be run it through the program to see what kind of pressure you were at.

[@sogyseal7962]

I LOVE the ability to tell it the case and the projectile and it tells you the most efficient powder and grain to use. Also quick target is great because it gives you the most efficient zero distance.

[@otm646]

What do you think about a modification to this primer tool so that you can set an insertion force limit as well as a maximum travel limit? That way you have a measure of safety to prevent from over seating a primer.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

I shoot a lot of Lake City brass in 223, and with the military crimps the insertion force can vary a lot. I would worry about that if I tried to even out the insertion force.

[@Gareth96v1]

@@JohnnysReloadingBench Do you still use this?

[@jcmac185]

It is a left handed primer!

[@Dustysa4]

The pictures on Amazon look different. Maybe they corrected some of your complaints? Primers feed from side, and shellholder change plunger is from side.

[@dumamilk]

those pictures are actually from the older version. Johnny has the latest revision.

[@scott5803]

Can't get mine to adjust. Deep as it will go is .004 and I want .008. Any ideas why?

[@RangerCaptain11A]

I cleaned and prepped my brass, including a pocket reamer. using this tool, I set five primers and test fired them. one fired, two took two hits to fire, and two didn't fire. all the dents look normal. Winchester large rifle primers. help?

[@plow9133]

I have a set of the Lee universal shell holders and they look just like Frankford Arsenal shell holders and the 223 shell holders is a number 4 and i have the lee Auto Bench Prime and once in a while a case gets stuck on the shell holder, and one else have that problem?

[@Hollywood41642]

Factory shells are 0.004" below flush. I get better groups with 0.007" below flush. some like 0.008" to 0.010" below. You got about 0.013" below flush before you bottom out.. Better to go lower for floating firing pin guns.

[@sacredaverage]

Love your videos Johnny! Keep up the good work! When do you plan on doing another live stream because i have a few things i want to ask you about in reloading.

[@boostismagic]

15:00 You got the left-handed model....🐒

[@nickjm37fordel1]

I shoot tons of 38 in cowboy action and all my brass is different makes and head stamps. Could not use a hand primer, way to slow and my hands would wear out ! I use the Lee Bench Primer and it is great, no adjusting primer depth and every shell is perfect. Give it a try :-) The price is much better also !

[@sjohnson1776]

Not listing the 6.5 Creedmoor is a huge miss in my book. I have 3x5 gallon buckets full of .223 range brass of mixed pedigree. This primer would not be a good choice for me. Great info and video!!! Thanks!

[@FullSendPrecision]

I sanded and put a tiny bit of lube on the RCBS tray cover so it doesn't make them flip over

[@EndingTimes0]

I can say with 99% certainty they are the same as the lee primer shell holders. The caliber list looks like its printed in the same place and they are the same form. I use the lee and it works good, but not great. I might switch. I already have all the shell holders so Ill have to see if they sell it without them.

[@JB-sd4le]

Looks like there is an updated model with the primer tray 90 degrees.

[@ctbob7635]

I had a bunch of small rifle primers going in sideways and getting wedged in. Several times I had to take the unit totally apart and punch out the primer.

[@thetexasrat]

Did you make sure and replace the larger primer thing for the small primer thing before you tried to install the smaller ones?

[@ctbob7635]

@@thetexasrat yes.. I called Franklin and described what was happening. They sent me another unit and didn't ask for the first one. So far only 1 or 2 jams in the last 500 large and small primers. 45 colt, 45 ACP, 38 spl and .223. The primer goes sideways and wedges itself

[@thetexasrat]

@@ctbob7635 That could get scary with a tray of primer stuck to the side of the tool. I think I have decided against this tool and will go with the 21st Century hand primer tool that only does one at a time. I know it cost more but safety is well worth the extra cost. Also for 100% zero jams as well from what the reviews are saying.

[@toshmiller5571]

Thanks!

[@usafirst965]

Thank you for the INFO

[@raider6511]

Have u tried the LEE AUTO BENCH PRIMER???

[@erikhayrapetov5177]

Hay prs 6.5 300 ? N sehoder

[@erikhayrapetov5177]

Hay nomer prs 300 ,?

[@jeffyoung2089]

Awesome video!

[@Serenityindailylife]

Take the little plastic gate and sand a ramp into it, instead of having it 90deg.

[@BrunoRodrigues-qg4zu]

Great review!

[@archersfriend]

Thanks for showing this. Now I know that I would not want one. Too heavy and too expensive. Why Lee stopped making the original hand primer is mind boggling. I have actually used my first one long enough to Wear it Out. I have been buying them used or on sale when I could find them and hope they continue to work. The new style just seems pricey to me.

[@peterpta]

Still like the K&M tool best...

[@psykoklown874]

Maybe someone can make a 90°adapter to angle the feed tray.

[@dahut3614]

The older version had the feed tray at 90° and the button to change the shell holder was on the side.

[@psykoklown874]

@@dahut3614 I wonder why they changed it.

[@livincincy4498]

I looked for one of these in 2016 but could not find them online or on shelf. I think they pulled them at one point. They are on the shelf at my local Cabbalas now. The seating adjustment feature is unique. Some reloading manuals specify below flush for primers. This is frustrating if your progressive press manufacturer only designs & warrants their primer system to go to flush. I ended up finding the Lyman worked best for me. I had the two LEE and the two RCBS models to choose from. I think a lot of what is the 'best choice' is personal feel in hand. I like to tilt the primers away from the ram when I squeeze to seat a primer. I also like to point the case away from me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZa2gpeehrehbNU

[@BrunoRodrigues-qg4zu]

Comes with Shell holders!

[@davidperkins6494]

Have you tried it left handed?

[@SargesAdventures]

David Perkins I'm a lefty and it works awesome.... Reason I got it. But both my daughters have used it right handed just fine.

[@robertvarner7392]

Question: Do hand primers in general allow you to use it if you do not have a strong hand grip strength? I wonder as I get older and my grip strength decreases, whether I could effectively use a hand primer. Any feedback on whether this is the case?

[@ocean374]

I don’t like the idea of the adjustment wheel I use the lee ram prime and I always bottom out the primers and never had a problem I think if it’s not seated all the way the primer might not go off

[@toml802]

According to another video, you are holding it backwards. Squeeze the lever with the heel of your hand. Primer tray would then be "up".

[@thetexasrat]

And if the primer goes off it will be aimed at your face. Not a good idea.

[@milboltnut]

just like all of them..... the skimp on the tray.

[@avidwaterfowler7522]

Is this made in USA?

[@nister261]

I'm getting creases when seating primers with! Rcbs universal hand held.. I do deburr and prep them Any ideas?

[@gsmith1244]

No, you don't use a primed piece of brass to adjust the primer ram. Use a piece of brass with a fired primer. The last thing you want is to have an explosion in your hand. Use common sense.

[@hmmm2183]

I don't know if you will ever see this but ... in regards to RCBS hand primer tray falling apart -> kzbin.infoUgkxLV20fhC6T317AuUCNUxIh82Nrxok7sfE real simple solution

[@logicalguy488]

The down fall is the price.

[@williamclemons1911]

6.5 creadmore is not a child of 308 it is a child of 30 tompson

[@yt_life1610]

I wouldn't want an adjustable hand primer

[@daleswanson1784]

This appears to be a copy of the Lee hand primer with just enough changes to avoid patent infringement issues.

[@FullSendPrecision]

EHhhh special shell holders. That's a turn off

[@homiegali]

Seems like just a gimmick piece with that adjustment.

[@openmythirdeye]

Looks robust

[@jordanhays732]

It’s a two finger lol. Sorry I just had to.

[@dontask8979]

The way to low, won't be so much with a primer between there 😉

[@TheArby13]

GuyGuyGuyGuyGuy,,,try something else.

[@ronsfi]

Mine's a POS. Can't even adjust the primer depth. Stuck. Ruined a bunch of brass trying to use this crap.

[@thetexasrat]

Shell holder identifications: leeprecision.com/priming-tool-shell-holders.html