Priming & Depriming Tools

Why primer seating matters

The primer is the first thing that goes off when you pull the trigger. If it does not sit at a consistent depth, your ignition varies. And variation in ignition means variation in pressure, muzzle velocity and ultimately point of impact. In precision rifle those things add up. A primer sitting a tenth too high can already make a difference.

Many reloaders prefer to prime by hand for that reason. You feel when the primer hits the bottom of the pocket. That tactile feedback is something you do not get when priming on your press.

Hand priming tools

Press mounted priming

The PCPS Precision Primer Seater from Derraco is the benchmark when it comes to precise primer seating. Australian made, CNC machined, with a detent micrometer in 0.01mm increments. The PCPS mounts in your reloading press via standard 7/8-14 thread. Not a hand priming tool, but a press mounted system that combines the leverage of your press with the precision of a micrometer stop. Once set, it seats every primer at exactly the same depth. Want the same concept but more compact and affordable? The PCPS Lite is a solid alternative.

Hand priming tools

If you prefer priming by hand, there are good options as well. The Perfect Seat hand priming tool from Frankford Arsenal is ergonomic, gives good tactile feedback and is considerably more affordable than a PCPS. A great starting point.

The Hand priming + Gauge Tool from K&M Precision combines priming with a built in measurement function. You can verify on the spot whether your primer is seated to the correct depth. For those who want to know for certain.

Bench mounted priming

The Lee Auto Bench Prime is a solid option that mounts to your workbench. Fast, consistent, easy to use. Lee also offers their New Auto Prime as a portable alternative.

Depriming

Before you can seat a new primer the old one needs to come out. Most reloaders do this as part of their sizing step, but there are good reasons to deprime separately. You can deprime first, then clean your brass (so the primer pockets get cleaned too), and only then size. Cleaner pockets, better primer seating.

We stock universal decapping dies from Redding (small and large primer) as well as from Lee and RCBS. For those doing serious volume there is the ADM Automatic Decapping Machine from Shooting Technology. It deprimes brass automatically, hundreds per hour, without needing a press.

Primer tubes, trays and accessories

Primers need to go somewhere. The 300mm stainless steel primer pick up tubes from Derraco are tougher than plastic and last for years. For filling those tubes we carry the PrimaFill from DAA and the 1911 Auto Primer Tube Filler from Hornady. Both make filling primer tubes a lot less frustrating than doing it by hand.

You will also find primer trays, shellholder sets, replacement decapping pins and the PCPS Anvil as a spare part for your Derraco priming tool. Small items, but you need them.

Need help choosing?

With 26 products in this category it can get confusing. The short version: if you want maximum precision, go for a Derraco PCPS or the K&M Gauge Tool. Want a good hand primer without the premium price, grab the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat. For volume the Lee Auto Bench Prime or the ADM are worth considering. Get in touch if you cannot figure it out, we will work it out together.