Let’s Dive into RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack
Reloading ammunition is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a critical component of precision shooting and ensuring I have the right rounds for the right situation. The RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack is designed to streamline this process, offering a safer and potentially faster way to prime cases when used with an RCBS APS priming tool. These strips are essentially the magazines for your primers, ready to be filled and used with compatible priming systems.
What drew me to these strips was the promise of safer primer handling. Loose primers can be a pain, and the possibility of accidental detonation is always in the back of my mind. I wanted a system that would minimize handling and keep things organized.
My first impression was that these were much lighter than I expected. The plastic is robust, but the lightness gives them a slightly less premium feel than I anticipated. Compared to hand-feeding primers one-by-one, or using a universal priming arm, the RCBS APS strips offered a streamlined approach that theoretically would reduce handling and speed up the priming process.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, but the potential time savings and safety benefits were exciting enough to warrant a closer look. This system seemed like a significant upgrade from manually handling each primer.
Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips at my reloading bench, preparing ammunition for an upcoming precision rifle match. The controlled environment of my reloading room was ideal for evaluating the system’s ease of use and safety features. Initial attempts to load the strips with primers proved a little fiddly.
Getting primers to seat correctly into the strips without flipping them was a learning curve. It took me a few strips to get into a good rhythm, but once I did, it became relatively smooth. There were no significant issues in standard temperature and humidity conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several reloading sessions spanning a few months, the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips have held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear and tear on the strips themselves. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving wiping them down with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue.
Compared to my previous method of using a hand-priming tool and loose primers, the APS system feels a bit more cumbersome overall. While it offers potential safety benefits, the time saved wasn’t as significant as I’d hoped. It didn’t entirely replace my existing method, but became another option in my arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RCBS. This immediately inspires confidence given RCBS’s reputation in the reloading community.
- Quantity: 8. This is a reasonable number for a single purchase, providing enough strips to load a decent amount of ammunition before needing to reload the strips themselves.
- Country of Origin: USA. This is a plus for me, as it often implies higher quality control and supports domestic manufacturing.
- Reloadable Blank Primer Strips. The ability to reload these strips is crucial. This eliminates the need to constantly buy new strips and makes the system more economical in the long run.
These specifications contribute to a safer and more efficient reloading experience by allowing reloaders to pre-load primer strips and minimize direct handling of individual primers. The color-coded strips add an extra layer of safety by helping to prevent accidental use of the wrong primer type.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of these strips is to safely and efficiently deliver primers to the priming tool. They accomplish this task reasonably well, although, as I mentioned, loading the strips themselves takes some practice. The color-coding is a helpful feature, reducing the risk of using the wrong primers.
One major drawback is that the system only works with RCBS APS priming tools. If you’re invested in another brand, these strips are essentially useless. The strips are designed to mitigate the risk of a chain reaction, but I’d prefer if loading was easier.
Design & Ergonomics
The strips are made from durable plastic and are designed to be easily loaded and unloaded. The color-coding is a well-thought-out design element. While lightweight, they feel sturdy enough to withstand repeated use.
The biggest ergonomic issue is the initial learning curve associated with loading the primers into the strips. Once mastered, the process becomes more fluid, but it’s not immediately intuitive. I still prefer the classic priming arm method on my RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme press.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction seems robust enough to last for many reloading sessions. I anticipate these strips will last for years with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.
The simple design lends itself to longevity. There are no complex parts to break or wear out.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips are primarily designed to work with RCBS APS priming tools. There are no real customization options for the strips themselves. Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited, as these are designed specifically for the RCBS APS system.
No further accessories came with the product itself, which is to be expected. They’re very proprietary, so third-party accessories are unlikely.
Pros and Cons of RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-PackPros
- Streamlines the priming process when used with an APS priming tool.
- Color-coded for easy identification of primer sizes and types.
- Reloadable, offering long-term cost savings.
- Increases safety by minimizing direct handling of primers.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
Cons
- Only compatible with RCBS APS priming systems.
- The initial loading process can be fiddly and time-consuming.
Who Should Buy RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack?
Pros
- Streamlines the priming process when used with an APS priming tool.
- Color-coded for easy identification of primer sizes and types.
- Reloadable, offering long-term cost savings.
- Increases safety by minimizing direct handling of primers.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
Cons
- Only compatible with RCBS APS priming systems.
- The initial loading process can be fiddly and time-consuming.
Perfect for reloaders who already own or are planning to invest in an RCBS APS priming system and are looking for a safer, more organized way to prime cases. Competitive shooters who need to reload large quantities of ammunition may also find this system beneficial.
This product isn’t for reloaders who prefer other priming methods or are already heavily invested in other brands’ priming systems. Those who don’t mind manually handling primers may not see enough value in the APS system to justify the cost.
A must-have accessory would be the RCBS APS priming tool, obviously. A good primer tray to help orient primers during loading would also be beneficial.
Conclusion on RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack
The RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips 8-Pack offers a unique approach to primer handling, with a focus on safety and organization. While the initial learning curve and limited compatibility are drawbacks, the benefits of streamlined priming and reduced primer handling are worthwhile for some reloaders.
At $11.99, the price is reasonable for a set of eight reloadable strips. The value proposition hinges on whether you are already committed to the RCBS APS system.
I would recommend this product to reloaders who value safety and are willing to invest the time to learn the system. I’ll be keeping mine in use as another option for primer management. Give the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips a try and see if they fit your reloading style.