Lee Auto Prime and Bench Prime

Published on February 4, 2021
Duration: 34:08

This guide details the assembly and operation of the Lee Auto Prime Kit and Lee Bench Prime tools for reloading ammunition. It covers inserting primer cartridges, shell holders, and the process of seating primers into cases. The video also highlights potential issues like primer feeding jams and the importance of using appropriate force to avoid damaging brass rims or primers.

Quick Summary

The Lee Auto Prime Kit and Bench Prime are reloading tools that share identical priming mechanisms. While the hand-held Auto Prime offers portability, the Bench Prime provides greater stability. Both tools can experience primer feeding issues, and users must be cautious not to over-seat primers by applying excessive force, particularly with the hand tool.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Lee Priming Tools
  2. 00:04Lee Auto Prime Kit Overview
  3. 00:11Lee Auto Bench Prime Overview
  4. 00:21Other Lee Priming Options (Ergo Prime)
  5. 00:51Disassembling the Auto Prime Kit
  6. 01:10Shell Holder and Primer Cartridge Removal
  7. 01:31Primer Cartridge Types (Large vs. Small)
  8. 02:03User Experience with Large Batches
  9. 02:32Reassembling the Auto Prime Kit
  10. 03:03Compact Case Design
  11. 03:15Bench Prime Setup and Mounting
  12. 03:26Bench Prime Primer Cartridge Removal
  13. 03:46Differences Between Hand and Bench Prime Cartridges
  14. 04:13Plastic Tab and O-ring Differences
  15. 05:15Bench Prime Operation
  16. 05:55Loading Primers into the Tray
  17. 06:04Primer Tray Lock Mechanism
  18. 06:23Using Federal Small Rifle Primers
  19. 06:30Warning: Federal Primers and Lee Tools
  20. 07:01History of Lee and Federal Primer Compatibility
  21. 08:03Loading Primers into the Tray Technique
  22. 08:40Locking the Primer Tray
  23. 09:07Demonstrating Primer Feeding Action
  24. 10:06Preparing the Hand Primer for Use
  25. 10:17Checking Shell Holder for .223
  26. 10:31Lubricating Metal Parts
  27. 11:04Assembling the Hand Primer with Lubrication
  28. 11:16Ready to Prime .223 Cases
  29. 11:25Primer Tray Issues
  30. 12:03First Primer Feed and Seating
  31. 12:34Second Primer Seating
  32. 13:01Primer Seating Depth by Feel
  33. 13:33Common Failures to Seat
  34. 13:41Primers Going Sideways
  35. 14:10Careful Force Application
  36. 14:22Risk of Over-Seating Primers
  37. 15:02Bent Rims from Excessive Force
  38. 15:30Checking Primer Orientation After Laying Down Tool
  39. 15:41Proper Seating Depth
  40. 16:04Leverage Issues in Hand Primer
  41. 16:43Primer Cartridge Stuck
  42. 17:02Primer Gone Sideways Jam
  43. 17:28Resolving Feeding Jams
  44. 18:18Military Crimp Considerations
  45. 18:44Finesse vs. Force in Priming
  46. 19:35Running Through Remaining Primers (Hand Tool)
  47. 20:50Primer Feed Failure Resolution
  48. 21:33Last Primer and Hand Tool Performance
  49. 21:59Break-in Period and Pressure Adjustment
  50. 22:35Hand Tool Ergonomics and Fatigue
  51. 23:05Transition to Bench Primer
  52. 23:13Bench Primer Head-On View
  53. 23:26Bench Primer Operation and Primer Feed
  54. 23:56Bench Primer Feeding Issues
  55. 24:20Constant Frustration with Bench Primer Feeding
  56. 25:17Accidental Double Feed
  57. 26:03Viewer Frustration with Bench Primer Feeding
  58. 26:24Manual Feed vs. Automatic Feed
  59. 27:13Bench Primer Feeding Problem Shame
  60. 27:42Bench Primer Feed Issues and Solutions
  61. 29:20Favorite Aspect of Bench Primer
  62. 29:38Bench Primer Power Stroke
  63. 30:09Perfect Primer Seating with Bench Prime
  64. 30:37Reliable Feeding Needed for Bench Prime
  65. 31:35Final Thoughts on Bench Primer Tray
  66. 31:51Overall Complaints and Comparisons
  67. 32:05Hand Primer Performance and Break-in
  68. 32:09Pricing of Lee Priming Tools
  69. 32:30Comparison with Other Brands (Frankford Arsenal, RCBS)
  70. 33:15Looking for the Perfect Priming Tool
  71. 33:16Considering the Ergo Prime
  72. 33:39Bench Prime Operation vs. Feeding Issues
  73. 33:46Conclusion and Future Look
  74. 33:54Join Live Stream on Twitch

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Lee Auto Prime Kit and the Lee Auto Bench Prime?

Both tools use the same internal priming components and primer feed cartridges. The primary difference is the configuration: the Auto Prime Kit is a handheld tool with a compact case, while the Auto Bench Prime is designed to be mounted to a workbench for increased stability and leverage.

Are there any safety concerns when using Lee priming tools with Federal primers?

Yes, Lee specifically warns against using large Federal primers in their priming tools due to potential volatility differences. They recommend single-feeding if large Federal primers are used, and advise users to consult documentation and use their own judgment.

What are common operational issues with the Lee Auto Prime and Bench Prime?

A common issue with the Lee Auto Prime is over-seating primers or damaging brass rims by applying too much force at the end of the stroke. The Bench Prime's main frustration is inconsistent primer feeding from the tray, often requiring manual intervention to advance the next primer.

How can primer seating depth be controlled with Lee priming tools?

The Lee Auto Prime and Bench Prime tools do not have adjustable primer seating depth. Seating depth is controlled by feel, and users must be careful not to apply excessive force, especially with the hand primer, to avoid over-seating or damaging components.

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