Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Frankford Arsenal Hand Primer depth issues

I purchased this primer based on the glowing reviews here and elsewhere but I am disappointed.

I cannot get the primers to seat deep enough (flush). I have the dialed turned in as far as it will go and My primers are still seating a few thousands too high.

First time using it and I had to finish them all with my co-ax.

Remington brass
Fed 210 primers

I had the exact same issue with a Lyman hand primer so returned it and ordered the Frankford Arsenal unit. Mine should arrive in a couple of days and your post has me a bit nervous!

Had no issues with mine , infact the dial is no where near max to get the amount of primer depth I required .

I am not sure my dial is even working.

Same thing with the Lyman, they sent me another and it was the same as the first, they said they would replace that one too, I said don't bother.
Went with the Frankford tool, it is a good one and adjustable.

When you buy the cheaper hand priming tools, they may work very well, but the chance of an inexpensive model being unsatisfactory is far greater than it is with a better quality tool. It took me a long time and several tools to find this out, but what I spent on the cheaper tools would have been enough to buy one or two good ones at the start and without the frustration.

I contacted Frankford's customer service and they are sending me out a new unit. Their customer service interaction is/was excellent.

Overall, the tool seems well built and has a good feel to it when priming. Hopefully the next one will be in spec...

Yup. Junk is junk. My lee primer tool only lasted about 20 years or so. Bought another and kept on reloading. Edk

Do you have an FA priming tool? Have you ever handled one?

They are far from junk & are well made; he just got one with something wrong.

Been using one for a couple of years.............great tool, no issues.

Junk is a Lee Auto Prime..............................

MM

I just received my FA hand primer and it seems to work fine with more than adequate adjustment range for seating depth. The included shell holders look like it will handle everything I load for from 22 Hornet on up. The exception is the 450/400 NE - not a big enough shell holder for it but then I don't load by the hundreds on that one.

Edit to add: I just remembered the 480 Ruger isn't a standard rim and need to check on that one...

I’ve been using one for 6 months and i like it ......no issues I’m thinking the depth adjustment must not be working . Good luck to ya....goodshot

Well true to their word a new unit showed up today. Quick inspection and brief fiddling says this one will work. We will see and report back when I have actually used it.