Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200

The Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200 is a reloading component intended to interface with Lee’s Auto Prime tools, designed to securely hold specific cartridge cases during the priming process. Specifically, it caters to reloaders working with the potent 7.62x54mm Russian and the monstrous .500 S&W Magnum cartridges. At a budget-friendly price point, this shell holder promises to streamline the primer seating process for these calibers, but initial user feedback suggests a potential mismatch between the advertised and actual functionality.

My journey to acquiring this shell holder stemmed from a desire to simplify primer seating for my 7.62x54R Mosin Nagant loads. Frustrated with inconsistent primer seating using a universal hand priming tool, I sought a dedicated shell holder system hoping for improved precision and reliability. I was looking for something that was not too complex or expensive, so the Lee product fit the bill.

Unboxing the Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder, I was immediately underwhelmed; the product seemed smaller and lighter than anticipated, almost flimsy. The design, while functional, lacked the robust feel I associate with other Lee reloading components, raising initial concerns about its long-term durability. It did not look like the shell holders used in my reloading press, so I immediately became suspicious.

I was considering the RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool and a set of Redding shell holders, but the cost was significantly higher. The Lee shell holder promised similar functionality at a fraction of the price, which ultimately swayed my decision. However, I now have regrets.

My first impression was definitely one of disappointment, especially given the user feedback highlighting the potential misrepresentation of its intended use. The product description implied compatibility with reloading presses, but the physical appearance screamed “hand priming tool only.” A sense of buyer’s remorse began to creep in, hoping the product could still meet some of my needs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder with Lee’s Ergo Prime hand priming tool, attempting to prime .500 S&W Magnum cases. While the shell holder fit the Ergo Prime tool perfectly, seating primers into the .500 S&W cases required significant force, revealing a less-than-ideal fit between the shell holder and the case. The holder was too loose and caused primer seating to be crooked.

The shell holder functioned as intended under the dry conditions of my reloading room, but the excessive force required for primer seating highlighted a potential weakness. It would be difficult to operate the tool with cold or wet hands. This did not fill me with much confidence.

The shell holder required no “getting used to,” as its operation was simple and intuitive. However, the excessive force needed for primer seating and the cases not sitting squarely in the holder led to significant hand fatigue after only a few cases. This would get exhausting when preparing large numbers of cartridges for a range visit.

The primary surprise was the amount of force required to seat primers and the poor fit between the case and the holder. This wasn’t the smooth, effortless priming operation I had hoped for, and certainly not the experience I have when using shell holders in my reloading press. It felt more like a struggle against poorly matched components.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, primarily priming 7.62x54R cases, the Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder shows no signs of physical wear and tear. However, the persistent issue of excessive force required for primer seating continues to plague the user experience. The poor fit between the case and the holder results in tilted primers, which are a safety hazard.

The shell holder’s durability seems adequate for its intended purpose, but the imprecise fit and difficult operation detract significantly from its value. Primer pockets must be carefully cleaned or primers will not seat at all using this shell holder. This becomes tedious quickly.

Cleaning and maintaining the shell holder is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping with a clean cloth to remove powder residue. However, the time saved on cleaning is easily overshadowed by the increased effort required during the priming process, and the need to correct improperly seated primers.

Compared to my experience using shell holders with a reloading press, the Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder performs significantly worse. The press offers far greater leverage and a more consistent seating depth, resulting in a faster, more reliable, and less fatiguing priming process. The product is not a match for shell holders used in a reloading press.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee. Lee is a well-known manufacturer of reloading equipment, particularly known for budget-friendly products.
• Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum, 7.62x54mm Russian. This shell holder is specifically designed to fit these two cartridge types.
• Additional Features: Shell Holder. This simply means it holds the shell, nothing more.
• Size: 16. This number corresponds to Lee’s shell holder sizing system for their priming tools.

These specifications matter because they dictate the shell holder’s compatibility and intended use. It’s crucial to understand that this is specifically designed for Lee’s priming tools, not necessarily reloading presses from Lee or other manufacturers. The “Size 16” designation is vital for ensuring compatibility with other Lee priming equipment, but offers limited information on its own.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder performs its basic function of holding the case adequately, but the overall priming experience leaves much to be desired. Primer seating requires significantly more force than expected, resulting in inconsistent primer depth and potential damage to the primer. The shell holder is too loose.

The shell holder’s strength lies in its low cost and compatibility with Lee’s priming tools, while its weaknesses include the excessive force required and potential for inconsistent primer seating. It does not meet my expectations for a smooth, reliable priming process. The product should be avoided.

Design & Ergonomics

The shell holder’s build quality is adequate, but the materials feel lightweight and somewhat flimsy. It is machined steel, but very thin. This is not reassuring for long-term durability.

The shell holder is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special skills or training to operate. However, the force required for priming can lead to hand fatigue, and the lack of a secure fit contributes to inconsistent results, increasing the learning curve and overall frustration. It is difficult to feel when the primer seats.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its simple construction, the Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning to remove powder residue is the only maintenance required.

However, the risk of damaging primers due to excessive force or inconsistent seating could shorten the lifespan of other reloading components. The need for meticulous primer pocket cleaning adds extra time and effort to the reloading process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder comes with no accessories. It is designed to be used with Lee’s Auto Prime or Ergo Prime tools.

There are no customization options available for this shell holder; its function is fixed. However, it is compatible with any of Lee’s Auto Prime tools that accept interchangeable shell holders. It is not compatible with other accessories.

Pros and Cons of Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200

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Who Should Buy Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200?

This product is perfect for reloaders on an extremely tight budget who already own a Lee Auto Prime or Ergo Prime tool and are willing to tolerate a less-than-ideal priming experience. It may also be suitable for those who only reload small batches of 7.62x54R or .500 S&W Magnum.

Those seeking a smooth, consistent, and reliable priming process, or those who reload in large quantities, should skip this product. Anyone expecting this to function as a shell holder for a reloading press will be sorely disappointed.

A must-have modification would be a more robust and precisely machined shell holder from a different manufacturer, if one exists that is compatible with Lee’s priming tools. If not, consider upgrading to a higher-quality priming system altogether.

Conclusion on Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200

The Lee #16 Auto Prime Shell Holder/7.62X54 Russian/500 Smith & Wesson 90200 offers a budget-friendly entry point into primer seating for specific calibers, but its shortcomings overshadow its affordability. The excessive force required, inconsistent primer seating, and flimsy feel make it a frustrating tool to use.

The price is justified only if you are absolutely constrained by budget and already own the compatible Lee priming tool. Otherwise, the performance and reliability issues make it a poor value.

I would not personally recommend this product, unless you are fully aware of its limitations and have no other options. Investing in a higher-quality priming system will save you time, frustration, and potentially prevent damaged primers or inconsistent loads. Avoid this product and buy a product made by RCBS or Redding.