Lee Auto-Prime Kit Review

First Impressions of Lee Auto-Prime Kit

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit promises to be a comprehensive solution for hand-priming ammunition. Lee Precision is a well-known name in reloading, and the prospect of a complete priming setup, including shell holders for a wide range of cartridges, is immediately appealing to any reloader looking for efficiency and organization. As someone who has spent countless hours priming cases using various methods, from hand tools to progressive presses, the allure of a dedicated, organized system is strong.

I was tired of fumbling through disorganized shell holders and priming tools. I needed a centralized, efficient system that could handle a variety of cartridges. Other options existed, but the Lee Auto-Prime Kit‘s promise of a complete package at a reasonable price point led me to choose it. I had considered standalone hand priming tools from RCBS and Frankford Arsenal, but they lacked the all-in-one convenience of the Lee kit.

Upon unboxing, the kit presents a sturdy, molded plastic case containing the Auto-Prime tool, a selection of shell holders, and space for additional ones. The weight feels substantial, suggesting reasonable build quality, though the plastic construction does raise some initial concerns about long-term durability. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the organization is excellent, but the feel of the plastic components left me wondering about its longevity compared to all-metal alternatives.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Auto-Prime Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I put the Lee Auto-Prime Kit through its paces at my reloading bench. I was preparing .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and 9mm Luger ammunition, all calibers well-represented by the included shell holders. The priming process was straightforward. The tool seated primers consistently, though I noticed the leverage required varied depending on the case and primer brand.

Initially, I found the handle slightly awkward to grip, especially for extended priming sessions. After about 50 rounds of .223, I noticed a slight bit of hand fatigue. Also, the small primer feed seemed a bit finicky. I had a few instances where the primer didn’t align perfectly, requiring a slight adjustment to the case before seating.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Lee Auto-Prime Kit has held up reasonably well. There are no major structural issues, but the plastic components show some minor wear and tear, particularly around the shell holder insertion point. Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after each session is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous hand priming tool, a basic universal priming tool, the Lee Auto-Prime Kit offers significant advantages in organization and convenience. However, the plastic construction and occasionally finicky primer feed are drawbacks I didn’t encounter with my older, simpler tool. I’m priming faster with the kit, but I’m also more careful to ensure primers feed smoothly.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Auto-Prime Kit

Specifications

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit is designed for hand-priming ammunition cases. It comes with eight shell holders: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, and 19. These shell holders accommodate over 130 different cartridges. The kit also features storage space for an additional ten shell holders. Lee Precision lists the weight of the kit as 1 lb. The case is made of a molded shell material. While the product description lists the gun type as “Shotgun,” this is incorrect, the Lee Auto-Prime Kit is designed for priming metallic rifle and pistol cartridges.

The included shell holders cover a wide range of popular calibers, making the kit versatile. The storage for additional shell holders is a welcome feature for reloaders who work with less common cartridges. The weight and material choice contribute to the kit’s portability but raise questions about long-term durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit performs its core function – seating primers – adequately. It consistently seats primers to the correct depth, ensuring reliable ignition. However, the priming process isn’t always smooth. As previously mentioned, the primer feed can be finicky, occasionally requiring manual adjustment.

The kit’s strengths lie in its organization and comprehensive shell holder selection. Its weakness is the plastic construction, which feels less robust than metal alternatives. The Lee Auto-Prime Kit largely meets expectations for a budget-friendly, all-in-one priming solution. However, it doesn’t exceed expectations in terms of overall priming smoothness.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit features a functional design centered around a molded plastic case. The case provides dedicated storage for the Auto-Prime tool and shell holders, keeping everything organized and readily accessible. The Auto-Prime tool itself is made of plastic and metal components. It feels relatively lightweight in the hand.

The handle is ergonomically adequate but could benefit from a more contoured shape for improved comfort during extended use. There is a moderate learning curve associated with mastering the primer feed mechanism. It takes some practice to consistently load primers without issues.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit‘s durability is a mixed bag. The shell holder case feels reasonably robust. The Auto-Prime tool’s plastic components are more vulnerable to wear and tear. With careful use, the kit should last for several years of moderate reloading activity. However, it’s unlikely to withstand the abuse that an all-metal tool could endure.

Maintenance is simple. The tool can be wiped down with a dry cloth to remove powder residue. Occasional lubrication of the moving parts with a light gun oil can help ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit comes with eight shell holders. These cover a wide range of popular cartridges. Additional shell holders are available for purchase separately from Lee Precision. This allows reloaders to expand the kit’s compatibility to include less common calibers.

There are no other significant customization options available for the Lee Auto-Prime Kit. The tool is designed to work with standard small and large primers. Aftermarket accessories are not typically used with this type of tool.

Pros and Cons of Lee Auto-Prime Kit

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Who Should Buy Lee Auto-Prime Kit?

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit is perfect for beginner to intermediate reloaders who are looking for an affordable and organized hand priming solution. It’s also well-suited for reloaders who work with a variety of common calibers and appreciate the convenience of having dedicated shell holder storage.

This product is not ideal for high-volume reloaders or those who prioritize maximum durability and priming smoothness. If you plan on priming thousands of rounds per year or require a tool that can withstand heavy use, you may want to consider a more robust, all-metal priming system.

A must-have accessory for this kit is a set of additional shell holders to cover any less common calibers you may reload. A good bench rest to support the tool during use can also improve comfort and stability.

Conclusion on Lee Auto-Prime Kit

The Lee Auto-Prime Kit offers a compelling combination of affordability, organization, and versatility. While the plastic construction and occasional primer feed issues are drawbacks, the kit’s comprehensive shell holder selection and consistent primer seating make it a valuable tool for many reloaders.

The price is certainly justified, considering the included shell holders and storage case. For reloaders seeking an economical and organized hand priming solution, I would recommend the Lee Auto-Prime Kit.

If you’re looking to simplify and organize your priming process, the Lee Auto-Prime Kit is worth considering. Grab one today and streamline your reloading bench!