Are There Issues With The Auto Prime XR?

[Crumb Castle]

This is Lee's latest hand priming tool? I'm speaking of the LEE Auto Prime XR.
A friend of mine recently purchased one and HATES it. He is a LEE fan and is shocked by all the trouble he's had with it. I'm going to be trading him my old LEE Auto Prime (round version) for his new one.
I'm not worried about it being troublesome, as I have press mounted priming capabilities, but I'm really dismayed to read of all the complaints. It seems as if this XR unit is destined to be LEE's "Edsel".

Does anyone have anything positive to share on this topic?

[62chevy]

I don't have one but have considered them. So I'm wondering what kind of problems he is having.

[mr surveyor]

I'm still using the "old model" for small pistol, but use the Ram Prime with Hand Press for large pistol/large rifle. I do experience the occasional flipped primer in the "old model" and was seriously considering buying the new model, but have also heard of complaints. Probably no more issues than with the RCBS hand primer, but I don't really know. Still lots of Lee bashing out there on algore's internetsuperhighway.

JD

[Fyodor]

I got the new ergo prime and I'm very happy with it.

What problems does he have?

[Crumb Castle]

I don't have one but have considered them. So I'm wondering what kind of problems he is having.

I got the new ergo prime and I'm very happy with it.

What problems does he have?

Primers jam up, flip sideways and seat off center.
Plastic lid pops off and a host of other issues.
Here's a link of reviews: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/413473 ... o-top-link

Some folks are happy with this design and I was surprised my friend was that disappointed. He's truly a "LEE Man" and he's truly upset with this product.

[Fyodor]

I didn't experience these problems. I once had a primer turn sideways in the tray, popping up the cover. It happened when I pressed the lever with a primer halfway in the lifter. Now that I know this, I'll just do a little movement from my wrist every time. It doesn't need much, no shaking or tapping, just don't hold it completely still. And you need to work out the correct angle you need to hold it so the primers slide down the chute.

I now love the ErgoPrime, and do all my .45ACP priming off press.

[rexherring]

Had the same issues to the point of throwing the damn thing away. Yes, I know I should have sent it back. My older round ones still work perfectly. If you notice on e-bay, the older ones sell for more than a new square model for a reason, they work. I will not try another one again unless they do something to improve them. I have been a Lee fan for years but not with that model.

[Reloader]

I purchased one a while back and initially had issues, but it seems it just took some getting used to after years of using the RCBS. I now am using the Lee for all my pistol priming and am satisfied it does what it's supposed to do.

[Old Scribe]

i agree with Reloader. I hand prime handgun cases and the AP XR is great.

[rexherring]

I use the older round model with no problems at all, great tool. The new one I bought would ruin 20-25% of my primers by flipping or sideways. I tried holding every way but gave up and threw the dang thing in the garbage. Worst priming tool I've ever had and I'm a patient guy. When my old ones die, I won't buy another new model unless Lee does something with the design or remakes the older round model.