These reloading/handloading tools come in various shapes and price ranges. They only have in common that they resemble medieval torture devices. I’m sure if you ask your hands after using a hand primer for a couple of hours, “how’s it going?” the response would be, “what did I ever do to you?”

This tutorial will teach you how to use a hand priming tool in 5 easy steps because they are commonly included in reloading/handloading kits. I think everybody has or will use one of these, so that’s what we’re rolling with today.

Caution

Most people don’t realize that primers are the most dangerous components in reloading. When dealing with these, always wear safety glasses. If you don’t believe me, I can show you a pair of safety glasses with tiny pieces of metal embedded into the lenses. (I still ended up with a black eye!)

Step one
Open the tools primer tray.

Remove or open the tray’s lid/cover. This is where the primers will be placed for use in the tool. Generally, this part is clear, but not always.

Step two
Remove the primers from their packaging.

The primer’s packaging consists of an outside cardboard covering and an internal plastic sleeve that holds the primers in place.

Slide the plastic sleeve out of the cardboard covering.

Step three
Loading the primer tools tray

The internal plastic sleeve and the primer tool tray are the exact same size. The reason will make sense shortly.

Sandwich both pieces together face-to-face. Then, holding both pieces together, flip them. The tray is now loaded with help from our friend gravity.

Last, remove the now-empty plastic sleeve and throw it away.

Step four

The bottom side of the primer trays has tiny grooves on them. When you shake the tray back and forth, it will orient the primers to the correct position.

Shake the tray back and forth until all primers are facing bottom-side-up. Next, replace the lid on the tray.

Step five

Insert the correct-sized shell holder and tray into the unit. You are now ready to get to work and prime some cases.

Slide your brass case into the shell holder and depress the handle. This will insert a primer into the primer pocket. Be sure to have the case pointed away from your face while doing this step as a safety precaution.

Now repeat step six several times, then buy something that won’t torture your hands.

Many shooters, myself included, have successfully used this piece of equipment for decades. That said, technology has expanded since they were first conceived. There’s no reason at this point in time not to use a more user-friendly tool. But that is for you to decide.

I hope this tutorial on how to use a hand primer tool in 5 easy steps has found you in good spirits.

Remember, shoot better than me.  Mac R

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.

5 Gun Nation How-To Series