LEE ACP Automatic Case Primer Priming Tool (Updated Review)

[@RichHodyl]

You make it sound like your first two videos were awful....they weren't at all. They were fine. The third one was fine too. If people drill you about not liking a video, then let them make their own. Your time and effort (not to mention the $$ you spend on products to be able to produce all of this) is very much appreciated and provides a lot of value to everyone watching. Thanks again.

[@jaybailleaux630]

Lee does a great job for the consumer. They try to make their products affordable with minimal engineering and material. They could put more into it but would have to raise their prices . Lee builds stuff for the likes of me who like to tinker and jack with stuff. I do make my living as a repairman.

[@ricktrixter]

Thank you for the tip about the "keep it straight cardboard case alignment" piece.

[@AngelRodriguez-du5rp]

John, I purchased an ACP and purchased the extra parts on ebay for my Dillion feeder. Had the same problem with the cases popping out. Put a piece of plastic from an old hotel key and it works superbly! Your very informative KZbin shows have totally changed my reloading operation. Thank you 😊

[@FClassJohn]

I’m really glad the videos have helped.

[@aaronfactor6838]

I like many others have stated that you did a wonderful job with your first iterations of the video, but I appreciate the extra effort you put in of this video to make sure you provided us consumers with as much information as possible. I went ahead and picked myself up one to help speed up the priming and decapping process in my brass prep. Thank you for the well informed video and product recommendation.

[@tinfoilsombrero1439]

I sincerely hope the criticism wasn’t harsh. The content is free to us and I don’t have the time or money to spend on trial and error devices. This info is invaluable to people like me so, thank you for all of it.

[@FClassJohn]

No the criticism wasn’t harsh at all and in fact it was pretty right on which is why I remade the video. It was an oversight on my part and I’m glad somebody pointed it out. And thank you for the kind words.

[@aGTRplayer]

Hey John, I must be messed up! Your video made complete sense to me. In fact, I liked what you had shown and how consistent the ACP was seating primers. I ordered it! Yeah, Lee isn't the best...but somehow, they continue to make and create amazing reloading equipment. Anyway, waiting on the Lee ACP for my precision reloading. Thanks John..

[@rvrski1]

Always a pleasure watching,.Yourself, Erik Cortina and Brian Litz & co are great for the community.

[@ronh5422]

John, I watched both previous videos and was satisfied with the content & explanations. s with all explanations there are certain functions & items left out sometimes to encourage discussion ( for those attentive ) and sometime simply overlooked.. GOOD job on all of them !!!! Perhaps you should attach that vibrating hand held primer loading system to this primer holder - lol. You could also use a piece of plastic milk jug to replace your cardboard ( again LOL ) I watch all your videos & learn from all of them THANKS for your efforts..

[@glockparaastra]

I thought the first video was just fine. But I appreciate the effort. Cheers

[@ptm4view]

I seccond that!

[@Andrew93]

"Description is in the link below" Love it. LOL don't know if you meant to say it that way, but you started by saying I'm human and ended with "description is in the link below". Great video man. Thanks

[@evoevil124]

Just did this to the APP Deluxe, started with the 5/16. I have some brass I wanted to go .004 under rim but flat base would start at .006. I drilled out hole and took primer stem to see which nut it would pass through without hitting. Ended up with a 7/16 fine thread. Drill and taped hole. Now I can adjust it flush with brass or as deep as needed. Upgrade to your upgrade, works perfect

[@edhyde1741]

John, another fantastic video. This is the best $100 spent on a reloading tool. AS you said it is very consistent, fast even in manual mode, and with your hack on the primer seating depth, it does a perfect seating job. Now that seating depth is proven as a big factor in accuracy, this tool fits the bill. I can't thank you enough for showing us an affordable way to seat primers accurately. My hands won't miss the manual primer tools I've always used over the years. It was very easy to hack and to set up.

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you and I’m glad it helped. It may not be a perfect system but it definitely does the job on the actual priming even if the primer fitting is a little shaky. I don’t know if you’ve seen it but I did a video not long ago showing some tips and tricks to improve this a little. Just search my channel for ACP and it should come up.

[@angelscomputers]

I have a huge respect for you John and I like Lee products but I think is the first time I see a second/fix/review/again for a product, so if i see another Lee review soon I think that will explain everything $. Thanks for your hard work and share so much knowledge

[@FClassJohn]

It didn’t have to do with the product at all. I explained how the fingers worked incorrectly in the first one, A couple people pointed it out and I didn’t want to have bad information out there. That’s all. I try to make the most accurate video I can and it was a pretty major difference in a matter to me that he got done correctly. That’s all.

[@pipegang6497]

I love the saying "it's stupid consistent" doesn't get anymore straight forward

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you 😂

[@happyhome41]

Human ??? I don't believe it ! Well done, and thank you for your persistence and commitment to quality ! Totally with you when you say "don't think everything they make is great - they make some really good stuff ..." On the kick-out, there are some folks selling on eBay who make taller thrust arms. Love your unvarnished description, and your make-it-work hacks. Wonderful !

[@davecollins6113]

Lee makes some really innovative stuff, isn't always built as well as it could be due to price points desired, but, it usually functions well enough for the purpose, sometimes better than the higher end stuff. If it'll do 20-40,000 cases and you wind up buying 2-3 over 100,000 cases, it is really not an issue. Often think Lee shud develop two lines of product, the price point line, and a line built the way it should have been built, and if it winds up at double or triple the price, so be it, people could have that choice.

[@richardbriscoe8563]

Email Lee, please!

[@DTWCT]

That's a sweet set up with the dillon case feed. I just ordered the lee one with the collator and roller handle for my app. Can't wait to not load the single tube by hand over and over

[@30Huckleberry]

Several people, including myself, recommended your ACP review last night the the Johnny’s reloading bench live chat. Guy had hand issues and couldn’t hand prime anymore.

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you, that’s very nice of you to do.

[@jaycee30865]

John remove the switch from the primers tray and file down the bottom edges of it for large primers. Keep a second tray for small.

[@richardbriscoe8563]

Thank you for the clarification and tips on how to deal with some difficulties.

[@scubaman2288]

Thanks John! That was much clearer. For a future test I'd love to see a test comparing primer seating depth using "timing" (distance from the primer face to the base of the case) vs amount of anvil compression on the bottom of the primer pocket. To my knowledge no one has tested this to see which is more important. The "timing" method is basically adjusting the distance from the firing pin to the face of the primer. This would slightly adjust the force that the firing pin hits with. I'm guessing anvil compression is the driving force but the Primal RIghts guy seems to be pushing that timing is the most important. Knowing this would dramatically change where we measure the primer from and to and which way is best to prime cases and the best way to tune the primer depth. Keep up the great videos!

[@misterlewgee8874]

I wonder bout "anvil compression"... Usually just primer pocket uniform then seat primer in all way.. Not sure where how anvil compression works

[@martysherwood8853]

Do it yourself and compare 😮

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Nice Job, None of us are perfect brother, Really nice you remade the video. I missed the 1st one but I am considering buying this as I have the APP already myself. I think you just sold another one for LEE . Good luck on this season. Thanks for putting the video up.

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you.

[@ewathoughts8476]

With this system, any error in seating depth will be controlled by the thickness of the brass in the vertical. If you see ES in primer depth the ES comes from the brass. Most brass is drawn, not machined, and drawn brass has tolerances just like everything else. The interesting part is the case alignment collar as most other that have tried this method used standard shell holder that allow too much wobble.

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Thanks John, nice explanation. Strange that the APP and ACP are not one unit and that they don't include the feeder. But it is what it is. Something to consider. I don't have a case feeder so some of the advantage is lost, but I really like the consistency.

[@KBell119]

I remember my dad taping a couple heavy washers to the back of his old lee primer tray to help with feeding. Maybe that's something you could try.

[@dkcheeseburger]

I’m really glad you tested this. I wanted one to speed up my reloading process was but was concerned about the shoulder bump thing, especially since the primal rights guy said you cant do it this way.

[@SAFE-AT-HOME-SPORTS.]

Too easy to use a universal decapping die to go parting that together to decap

[@bobsmyself]

Based on your mention at the reloading class, I picked up a new ACP and they’ve added a bit of wonkie thin VHB to secure the primer chute spring which I’ll redo with JBweld. I like your board-mount and clamp system. Thx- good stuff.

[@FClassJohn]

Good idea in the jb weld. I’ve been using hvac tape and it’s been ok but not great. I’ll try the weld and see.

[@bobsmyself]

@@FClassJohn After removing the chute, I touched the plastic areas around the backside of the spring paw with a dremel first- then a thin swipe of JB laid in nicely.

[@michaelhenderson5098]

@@bobsmyself Thanks for the info, Bob. Mine is driving me crazy with the same issue. I don't know if I have any JB Weld so I might try super glue. And send a note to Lee complaining about the spring and see what they say.

[@bobsmyself]

@@michaelhenderson5098 The chute's a bit tempermental to begin with, so you want to make sure and not create a reverse improvement. With that, if you're using superglue, I'd sand/roughen the area around the backside of the spring paw so the glue will grip. With my setup, I flip in ~75 primers and use a rubberband doohickey to position the chute so the primers free slide to the anvil, and I oftentimes need to jiggle the tray and chute to keep things moving. Overall I'm happy with the speed and precision I get with this relatively inexpensive seater.

[@roycomps3435]

Can you explain how that tiny spring on the primer feeder works? Thanks!

[@stevepodleski]

What does the Primal Rights unit have over the ACP other than seating depth adjustments? This unit is MUCH cheaper!

[@mikemcallister9091]

I have one and had a love hate thing going.. Until I discovered Lee sends out replacement parts N/C. So I have 2 of the white plastic feed troughs. These are what I consider a consumable. After I prime around 6k or so of pistol I need to replace it.. Just get in touch with Lee and they will send one out... Free.. Lee has amazing customer service...

[@FClassJohn]

I couldn't agree more...

[@1stFlyingeagle]

If you have yet to work the glue, called goop or e6000. Those are very similar in glues. It self-levels that can be an annoyance but work with it and learn the tricks. If you laid a long bead on wax paper and let it cure. Pull it off the wax paper you now have a tuff, stretchy substance. Micro adhesion is one of its strong points. On my service truck, the screw in the sheet metal was coming loose. so I tightened the screws and dabbed goop on the heads and the sheet metal, and 4 years later, the shelf is still tight in place. Plastic parts boxes with a crack goop with fixing it.

[@The10thManRules]

I suppose there are better systems, but I'm more than satisfied with Lee products, 95% of the time. I'm a low-level competition shooter, and I reload everything I need for events, training, and defense. .380, 9mm, 223, 300 Blackout subs and supers, 300 HAM'R, and 12ga birdshot. Lee has been with me throughout IDPA, 2 gun, 3 gun, The Tactical Games, steel matches, Tac-Ops shotgun, and training classes. That said, I absolutely can not trust Lee's priming systems on progressive presses, especially since I exclusively use range brass with mixtures of crimped primers. It's worth it for me to batch resize/decap/swage on the APP and then batch prime on the ACP. Everything goes pretty smoothly. When I'm ready to run the primed brass through my Classic Turret/Pro1000/4000/Loadmaster, I'm just expanding the case mouth (if applicable), powder drop, seat, crimp, and repeat x 100 or 500. It's glorious! Some people reload to shoot, but I shoot to reload. I won't have it any other way, and I love it.

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Have you read the Lee primer warning, it says if you use any primer other than CCI, it will blow up.

[@loverboy3439]

Thank You for this Vedio. Don't mind the rude nasty comment's. It's Your's & it's paid for. They ain't gonna be there while You do You'r thing. Kool Video & Kool Explanation's. Great Job Bro.

[@mikem4883]

Does this size the shell when it primes or when it decaps?

[@MrTrexheli]

Man i was hoping you where gona have a good fix for tHe little spring at the end of the primer roller coaster. that 1 cent little Spring design is what kills this mighty little press. I have the app and absolutely love it. I reload a ton of 9mm on a progressive. But decapp and size with the app and dillon case feeder like you. But i want the little acp to work so bad ive used super glue, hot glue, tape, tried rigging up different springs, a few different primer trays. I rigged up the forster primer tubes into the primer roller coaster and that works awsome. I bought two extra springs and each one gave me a good 100 consistant primers.But that tiny little spring gets weak and the force of the following primers causes the primer to flip over.

[@FClassJohn]

Believe it or not I'm pretty close to getting it to work consistently with HVAC tape wrapped around it in a particular way. I plan on doing an APP/ACP update video soon with tricks that have worked for me.

[@emoryzakin2576]

Watched all 3, you’re doing fine bro and thank you!

[@dalemoorman664]

nice video. I agree fully with your review, it works well. My issue is when my primer pockets are really tight from military crimps. I started swaging, but got frustrated using the ACP. I would run into a lot of swished primers. While I never popped one, I did run into problems with reliability at the range. You got a lot of videos. Do you have any videos on primer pockets - swaging, reaming, uniforming. Been using a RCBS military crimp reamer. I am concerned I am making the pockets too loose. would really love a video on how to get consistent primer pockets that will hold up over time and work with the ACP for priming. I am reloading 223, 300BLK, 308 Win in rifle calibers. Since pockets diameter is very important I'm a little surprised there isn't a tool to ream that has that holds the case in place and reams through a bushing. any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@dalemoorman664]

@@BelieveTheTarget Thanks, been looking at K&M uniformer, but they state it doesn't ream crimps, just fixes depth

[@joequixotic3039]

I'm a bit confused by the different styles of case primers. Watching a Primal Rights video, it makes me think the rim is the datum to measure primer insertion from and that seems like a shell holder style case primer would have the most potential consistency. Then I watch this video and it appears to set primer insertion from the base of the case head. It seems to nail that measurement consistently but is that the right measurement? I have a Lee bench primer which seems to give me good feel during the process (I have only tried a couple handheld and press type primers). Adding a case feeder sounds nice but I'm not sure if the switch to a case head base referenced case primer is moving in the right direction and I don't really have the budget for a $600 upgrade...

[@CHrrias]

What do u put in the top that pushes the case down

[@stevereese6488]

Isn't the primer seating depth base off the groove of the case instead of the surface of the base?

[@jpkla5663]

Hi John, love your channel. Which is Lee press is best for 1st priming 2nd job decapping ACP or APP ?? Thanks!

[@FClassJohn]

The ACP can prime and decap so this is what you'd want. The APP can't prime. There's also a new upgraded version of the ACP that works even better.

[@jpkla5663]

Thank you John.

[@mikebeuselinck6138]

I’m curious about how you mounted it to the wood board. Looks like just screws instead of bolts. What did you use there?

[@FClassJohn]

Short drywall screws.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

On my app press, I run the four-tube feed and have a lee shell feeder on top of the tubes. 45acp always feed correctly 9mm you will get some fed in upside down. And 38 fed really well.

[@snajjpern]

How much crush do you get with the acp? How do you prep your primer pockets?

[@misterlewgee8874]

Will 17rem, and 204r prime in this?.....fingers crossed....

[@FClassJohn]

I honestly don't know but sadly the ACP is discontinued and now they have an APP Deluxe which has the priming system built in.

[@misterlewgee8874]

@@FClassJohn i was having some trouble researching between the names...is app deluxe as good as acp? I fear the "mandrel" will be too large for 17rem.. possibly even. 20cal. Which I shoot mostly... Leaving me with few options to not "head space" off the rim... What might be the best options.. Thanks for the response seasons greetings and thanks for years of sharing..well done on your recent successes too

[@harrisonking4372]

Hey John Looking at getting one of these what would be the largest case you could prime with some modifications? Possible to do 33xc? With mods and single loading into press?

[@FClassJohn]

I don't think so because there's only about 2" of clearance.

[@steffen707-]

I thought the first two videos were fine, this one was a bit better, thank you. Is that metal thing above the primers a blast shield?

[@FClassJohn]

Yes. It’s comes with the unit.

[@steffen707-]

@@FClassJohn rig up a little rubber bumper to the blast shield. At the top of each stroke the black arms of the handle will tap the rubber bumper that in turn taps the plastic primer tray. No more fiddling around with empty brass or having to reach back and tap with your hand........ Might be worth a look.

[@FClassJohn]

@@steffen707- Not a bad idea to try.

[@brettinnj]

I didn't see a problem with the other video. So, did you shelve your $600 priming tool?

[@gunsmoke7193]

Replace the little Lee folding primer tray with a RCBS hand primer tray .. A little file work to the tabs on the rcbs tray it'll slip right into the lee primer chute and feed primers more reliably.

[@FClassJohn]

Awesome, I will totally give that a try.

[@papasplace2]

I tried that with my ACP based on several peoples recommendation... I found that it caused more problems then it solved. The back of the Lee tray has 2 nubs on it to lock in the 2 halves of the chute together... the RCBS does not and actually causes the chute to open up more causing primer jam ups and feeding issues. I am not a huge fan of the Lee tray but after several thousands of rounds primed it simply works better.

[@mikem4883]

Excellent video.

[@rontronimous]

What kind of table are you using? I see several people with the same table.

[@FClassJohn]

It's a rolling work cart from Home Depot. Here's the first of a series I did on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKfJgq1sgZico5o

[@micboyd56]

Hi John. I just started reloading and wanted to know if the case feeder will feed .260, 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor cases. I use a hand primer now but would rather use something like this. thanks Mike

[@FClassJohn]

I can use it with .284 so I don’t see why you can’t use it for your calibers but you might have to ream out the feed hole a little is all.

[@micboyd56]

@@FClassJohn Wow that was fast. thanks John. I've watched a bunch your videos and always learn something.

[@katashi222]

Hi John, so I load 308, but looking for faster depriming and priming case. Can this do both and also charge loads? Also what's the main difference between the APP and the ACP?

[@FClassJohn]

The ACP is mainly a decapping and priming press. Technically I think it can be converted for doing other things but you wouldn't really want to. The APP is for doing everything BUT priming. Hope that helps.

[@katashi222]

@@FClassJohn Yes, your advice is very helpful, I want to be able to deprime faster at a steady pace and to prime faster at a steady pace. So I will look at getting the ACP. Much appreciated John🤙

[@FClassJohn]

@@katashi222 Glad it helps. Keep in mind like I said in the videos, the ACP isn't a perfect system, and can be quirky but for me the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

[@pipegang6497]

Do you still have your auto drive Dillion press or did you sell it when you went to the zero press

[@FClassJohn]

I sold it when I got the Zero.

[@tristanhilton85]

What happened to the CPS?

[@michaelcalabro2376]

I would have guessed the primer seating depth would be controlled by the taper at the base of the pin and a corresponding taper inside the insert.

[@estuardoadrianrosalesherna45]

Interesting 😮

[@greenbudkelly2820]

Good video, thanks

[@FClassJohn]

Glad you liked it!

[@G5Hohn]

A well designed case primer doesn’t need adjustment. Especially with a human operator that should be able to feel when it’s seated.

[@bigal4334]

The top looks to be exactly the same as the swaging tool.

[@dennispeltier6142]

😊

[@SAFE-AT-HOME-SPORTS.]

There’s no way I could load Ammo with gloves on. Grow a set

[@cakeeee4]

Do not buy the decapping kit for the ACP press. Completely trash

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Only idiots make fun of stuff that works as the solution. And I love lee stuff as well. Just like last Friday punched out 400 45 ACP bullets flawlessly and fired a bunch Saturday. No hiccups. If you spend the time and dial them in and learn the equipment. I run the progressive press, the app press, and the shotshell press. Retired the Lee single and bought a rock chucker. I have two lee primer loader handheld and bench mount. And run all Lee carbide dies. I only buy the 4 die sets. So yes, I really enjoy Lee's equipment. And learning how to work around some of the shortcomings of Price vs. Value savings.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

You said it great. When it works, it works great But when it doesn't it is garbage.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

I gave up on lees priming. Too many wasted primers and way too much frustration. I have several Lee presses. And I really like them. My answer to almost flawless priming is the RCBS benchtop priming tool. Much more expensive but it is enjoyable to prime shells now.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Now I have added another tool to the RCBS bench primer. It is a tool to vibrate and load the tubes. Now it is almost painless to load the tube. Yes, I did have to modify the tube by cutting off the machined end. That would be the pickup side of the tube. Works great. How fast the primers fall in the tube is fun to watch. Because I know I could not stab them that fast with the tube.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

I have the app press and would replace it, no question asked. Why go slow and long when you can fly through mundane brainless tasks. Do you want to do something for 3 hours when you could do it and be done in an hour?