Reloading your own ammunition offers many benefits, from cost savings to custom-tailored loads for your specific needs. However, safety is paramount, especially when handling primers. Primers are sensitive components that require careful handling to prevent accidents. At Deepend Tactical, we provide a range of high-quality primer handling tools to ensure your reloading process is both efficient and safe. Here’s a guide to the essential primer handling tools for safe reloading.
Why Safe Primer Handling is Crucial
Primers are designed to ignite the powder charge in a cartridge, making them highly sensitive to impact, friction, and static electricity. Improper handling can lead to accidental detonation, which can cause serious injury or damage. Using the right tools and techniques is vital to ensure safe and efficient reloading.
Essential Primer Handling Tools
Here are the essential tools every reloader should have for safe primer handling:
1. Primer Tray
A primer tray is a flat, shallow tray used to orient primers for easy pickup. It helps you handle primers without directly touching them, reducing the risk of contamination or accidental detonation.
Features:
- Ribbed surface to flip primers right side up
- Anti-static material to prevent static discharge
- Large surface area for handling multiple primers
Top Pick: RCBS Primer Flip Tray
The RCBS Primer Flip Tray is made from durable plastic and has a large, ribbed surface to ensure primers are properly oriented and easy to pick up.
2. Primer Pocket Cleaner
A primer pocket cleaner is used to remove residue and debris from the primer pocket of spent brass. Clean primer pockets ensure reliable primer seating and ignition.
Features:
- Wire brush or scraper design
- Ergonomic handle for easy use
- Different sizes for various calibers
Top Pick: Hornady Primer Pocket Cleaner
The Hornady Primer Pocket Cleaner features a dual-ended design with brushes for small and large primer pockets, ensuring thorough cleaning.
3. Primer Pocket Uniformer
A primer pocket uniformer ensures that the primer pocket is uniform in depth and diameter, providing consistent primer seating and reliable ignition.
Features:
- Precision cutting blade
- Adjustable depth setting
- Available for small and large primer pockets
Top Pick: Lyman Primer Pocket Uniformer
The Lyman Primer Pocket Uniformer is a high-quality tool that provides precise depth and diameter uniforming for both small and large primer pockets.
4. Hand Priming Tool
A hand priming tool allows you to seat primers into cases with greater control and sensitivity than a press-mounted priming system. It’s portable and easy to use.
Features:
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Adjustable seating depth
- Compatible with different shell holders
Top Pick: Lee Precision Auto Bench Prime
The Lee Precision Auto Bench Prime is a versatile hand priming tool with an ergonomic design and adjustable seating depth for consistent primer seating.
5. Primer Tube Filler
A primer tube filler automates the process of filling primer tubes, making it faster and reducing the risk of primer detonation due to handling.
Features:
- Automatic primer feeding
- Anti-static construction
- Compatible with different primer sizes
Top Pick: Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime Primer Tube Filler
The Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime Primer Tube Filler quickly and efficiently fills primer tubes with minimal handling, reducing the risk of accidents.
6. Primer Pocket Swager
A primer pocket swager removes military crimps from primer pockets, allowing you to seat primers without deformation or damage.
Features:
- Swaging rod and die set
- Adjustable for different calibers
- Provides uniform pocket dimensions
Top Pick: RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo
The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo is a reliable tool that easily removes crimps from primer pockets, ensuring smooth and consistent primer seating.
Best Practices for Safe Primer Handling
To maximize safety and efficiency when handling primers, follow these best practices:
- Work in a Clean, Organized Area: Keep your reloading area clean and free of clutter. Organize your tools and components to minimize the risk of accidents.
- Use Anti-Static Measures: Static electricity can cause primers to detonate. Use anti-static mats and wear anti-static wristbands when handling primers.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental primer detonation.
- Handle Primers Gently: Avoid dropping or striking primers. Use tools like primer trays and hand priming tools to minimize direct handling.
- Store Primers Safely: Store primers in a cool, dry place, away from other reloading components and potential sources of ignition.
Conclusion
Safe primer handling is essential for successful and efficient reloading. At Deepend Tactical, we offer a wide selection of high-quality primer handling tools to ensure your reloading process is both safe and effective. Visit our website to explore our range of primer handling tools and find the perfect ones for your reloading needs.
Invest in the best primer handling tools today and ensure your reloading process is safe, efficient, and precise!