I have recently seen a video showing someone using the RCBS Ram Priming Unit the way you mentioned the LEE manual describes. It makes great sense to me and I will utilize that method the next time I am priming casings. I may not have needed your comments, having already seen such in a video, but I still very much appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Thank you for covering this priming alternative. I guess I feel like an ostrich with my head in the sand. I did not know this priming tool existed until today and I am truly impressed by the concept and the great value! And then I watched this video and got to thinking about how the Whidden click-adjustable jam nut would work toward landing the exact primer depth that you want. Anyway, this is a no-brainer to buy and use this priming system from RCBS, especially guy like me that runs a press that doesn't have onboard priming.
The RCBS Ram priming tool is cheap enough to just get one, for the heck of it. Besides, Amazon is great about returns. But that FA primer is also a very liked hand primer by many. I think you might like it!
I have both, the RCBS and the Lee Ram Priming systems. Both work however there is a lot more play in the RCBS system than the Lee system. I use them on a RCBS Summit press which actually brings the shell down to the primer instead of bringing the primer up to the shell. The stem on the RCBS wobbles considerably more and sometimes crushes primers. The Lee has a wider stem and no play which seats the primer’s consistently.
I have used the RCBS Ram Priming unit a fair amount and absolutely love it for large primers but not so much for small primers. RCBS has sent me a replacement small primer rod and holder assembly that I haven't tried out yet but I hope it is better than the original in my box. The problem I have experienced with small primers is that the holder assembly seems to touch the inside pf the "die" unit and slightly depress the spring, which literally causes the primer to jump in the cup. The result is a primer installed into the shell casing sideways or even upside down! I have ruined many primers. If I raise the press ram extremely slowly and listen carefully for any sound as the priming rod enters into the "die" unit (difficult for me because I nearly deaf) I can safely and properly seat a small primer -- that is if I don't hear any "clicking" type noise as I raise press ram up into the "die" unit.
The instructions for the Lee Ram Primer is to seat the primer above the shell holder before putting the brass on it. Then lower it just enough to insert the brass, then seat the primer. I wonder if that works with this RCBS version.
Very nice except one thing: Redding die lock ring. Any ring with screw into the threads is bad for your die threads. They use soft lead inside but if you screw it hard enough it will still damage the threads. I replace all of mine with either Hornady or Forster depending which press I will use my die with
The primer depth is not what one should worry about as oppose to bottoming out the primer in the pocket. It is important to bottom the primer out so that it ignites properly. If the primer is not bottomed out it might not go off, or maybe have a delayed ignition. If it is bottomed out it should be recessed. feel for the primer bottoming out and stop. If you wish to crush the primer .001 is plenty, as any further tends to cause a lesser than optimal ignition. So flush with the bottom of the primer pocket or .001 crush is the way to go. no need to measure.
Hi just found your video and it’s help me greatly,do you know what thread size the tips are on the end of the gauge ? I need to make a tip that measures small pockets
I don't find the caliper method to be very consistent. I like your gauge setup and would like details on the stand and measuring tool so I can duplicate it. Thanks.
I thought I was home free, but the .22 comparator I bought is taller than the probe on the gauge. So now I must ask what brand of comparator you are using in the video? Sorry to be such a pest!
The .22 comparator that you use to make a flat surface is what I'm trying to identify. Yours looks on camera to be about half an inch tall. I ordered one online and it turned out to be almost 2 inches tall, which covers the entire spindle on the gauge. It's massive, not at all what you used in the video. Who makes the particular comparator that you use?
There we go, that was my guess but I wanted to be sure. By the way, I use small primer rifle cartridges and the gauge probe is too thick in diameter to fit into the primer pocket, so I have one more hurdle to solve. Think I will try milling the screw-in probe that you discarded to fit inside the pocket. Thanks for your help!
I have recently seen a video showing someone using the RCBS Ram Priming Unit the way you mentioned the LEE manual describes. It makes great sense to me and I will utilize that method the next time I am priming casings. I may not have needed your comments, having already seen such in a video, but I still very much appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Just got this and have primed about 50 cases as a test, worked great.
Thank you for covering this priming alternative. I guess I feel like an ostrich with my head in the sand. I did not know this priming tool existed until today and I am truly impressed by the concept and the great value! And then I watched this video and got to thinking about how the Whidden click-adjustable jam nut would work toward landing the exact primer depth that you want. Anyway, this is a no-brainer to buy and use this priming system from RCBS, especially guy like me that runs a press that doesn't have onboard priming.
Same, I JUST saw it, and I ordered on Amazon the frankford hand priming tool ... darn it
The RCBS Ram priming tool is cheap enough to just get one, for the heck of it. Besides, Amazon is great about returns. But that FA primer is also a very liked hand primer by many. I think you might like it!
I have both, the RCBS and the Lee Ram Priming systems. Both work however there is a lot more play in the RCBS system than the Lee system. I use them on a RCBS Summit press which actually brings the shell down to the primer instead of bringing the primer up to the shell. The stem on the RCBS wobbles considerably more and sometimes crushes primers. The Lee has a wider stem and no play which seats the primer’s consistently.
I have used the RCBS Ram Priming unit a fair amount and absolutely love it for large primers but not so much for small primers. RCBS has sent me a replacement small primer rod and holder assembly that I haven't tried out yet but I hope it is better than the original in my box. The problem I have experienced with small primers is that the holder assembly seems to touch the inside pf the "die" unit and slightly depress the spring, which literally causes the primer to jump in the cup. The result is a primer installed into the shell casing sideways or even upside down! I have ruined many primers. If I raise the press ram extremely slowly and listen carefully for any sound as the priming rod enters into the "die" unit (difficult for me because I nearly deaf) I can safely and properly seat a small primer -- that is if I don't hear any "clicking" type noise as I raise press ram up into the "die" unit.
That would send me off the edge lol. Hopefully they got you fixed.
The instructions for the Lee Ram Primer is to seat the primer above the shell holder before putting the brass on it. Then lower it just enough to insert the brass, then seat the primer. I wonder if that works with this RCBS version.
I mostly use this set-up for seating the primer to a certain depth. It allows me to have adjustability of seating depths.
Very nice except one thing: Redding die lock ring. Any ring with screw into the threads is bad for your die threads. They use soft lead inside but if you screw it hard enough it will still damage the threads. I replace all of mine with either Hornady or Forster depending which press I will use my die with
you are correct and have not been using it :)
Great video! We miss you! ~Kay 🙂
Awesome thank you !
Great video
very similar to the lee ram prime, it works great as well
The primer depth is not what one should worry about as oppose to bottoming out the primer in the pocket. It is important to bottom the primer out so that it ignites properly. If the primer is not bottomed out it might not go off, or maybe have a delayed ignition. If it is bottomed out it should be recessed. feel for the primer bottoming out and stop. If you wish to crush the primer .001 is plenty, as any further tends to cause a lesser than optimal ignition. So flush with the bottom of the primer pocket or .001 crush is the way to go. no need to measure.
You have no idea how frustrating its been. Also, its been very confusing that I never have a problem with large primers.
I have a Lee that does this also. They work
Hi just found your video and it’s help me greatly,do you know what thread size the tips are on the end of the gauge ? I need to make a tip that measures small pockets
Thank you for the comment and I'm glad it helped.
Most common size for that tip is #4-48.
I don't find the caliper method to be very consistent. I like your gauge setup and would like details on the stand and measuring tool so I can duplicate it. Thanks.
www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/measuring-tools/bullet-comparator-inserts/sinclair-bullet-sorting-stand-prod38769.aspx
@@rsvarminters9083 Order placed, thanks aa bunch!
It's a fantastic tool. I have mostly been very happy Sinclair's tool's over the years.
I thought I was home free, but the .22 comparator I bought is taller than the probe on the gauge. So now I must ask what brand of comparator you are using in the video? Sorry to be such a pest!
You should be able to adjust the depth of the gauge on the bracket?
The .22 comparator that you use to make a flat surface is what I'm trying to identify. Yours looks on camera to be about half an inch tall. I ordered one online and it turned out to be almost 2 inches tall, which covers the entire spindle on the gauge. It's massive, not at all what you used in the video. Who makes the particular comparator that you use?
@@kenbass1052 ahhh I see. The ones I use are Hornady lock-n-load bullet comparator set. It is the 2-22 one.
There we go, that was my guess but I wanted to be sure. By the way, I use small primer rifle cartridges and the gauge probe is too thick in diameter to fit into the primer pocket, so I have one more hurdle to solve. Think I will try milling the screw-in probe that you discarded to fit inside the pocket. Thanks for your help!
No thank you, having to touch every single primer seems counter productive in the balance of efficiency and accuracy.
There is that. :)