RCBS Automatic Priming Tool - Ultimate Reloader

The RCBS Automatic Priming Tool offers a dedicated, bench-mounted solution for seating primers during the reloading process. In this video, I took a closer look at this tool, from unboxing and setup to priming brass and evaluating its features.

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What’s in the Box

The RCBS Automatic Priming Tool comes with the components needed to accommodate both small and large primers. Included in the box are the priming tool, small and large primer pickup tubes, and separate small and large primer rod assemblies. The tool also comes with an instruction manual and safety documentation.

One feature I appreciate is that RCBS provides separate primer rod assemblies for each primer size. Once assembled, these can be swapped without having to disassemble and reconfigure the same rod each time.

The rod assemblies require some initial assembly, but the process is straightforward once you understand how the components fit together.

Another convenient feature is the built-in storage for the primer rods. When switching primer sizes, you can keep the unused assembly with the tool instead of searching for a place to store it.

Safety is important when working with primers. RCBS specifically warns against using objects or tools to push live primers through a primer tube if they become stuck. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.

About the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool

The RCBS Automatic Priming Tool is made in the USA, another appealing feature for reloaders interested in American-made equipment.

Watch our RCBS factory tour here!

The bench-mounted design provides excellent leverage when seating primers. The stable mounting arrangement also makes it easy to apply pressure without having to hold the tool in your hand. For reloaders who prefer a dedicated bench-mounted priming station, this is a significant advantage.

The automatic primer feed tube holds 100 primers, providing plenty of capacity for a typical priming session before reloading the tube. The system feeds primers individually, making the process efficient without requiring you to handle each primer during seating.

Switching between small and large primers is straightforward thanks to the separate primer rod assemblies. Rather than repeatedly disassembling and reconfiguring the same assembly, you can simply swap rods and install the appropriate primer feed tube. The built-in rod storage is another thoughtful touch.

The tool uses standard shell holders, which is convenient for reloaders who already have a collection of them.

One limitation worth mentioning is that the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool does not offer an adjustable primer seating depth. For some reloaders, this may be a deciding factor. Personally, I typically prefer priming on the press, where I use a consistent setup rather than adjusting seating depth for different applications. For my purposes, the lack of a dedicated depth adjustment isn’t a significant drawback.

That said, the tool does provide some tactile feedback as you seat a primer. Reloaders who specifically want to experiment with primer seating depth may prefer a tool designed to provide more control over that variable. The best choice depends on your preferences and how you approach the reloading process.

Mounting the Automatic Priming Tool

I mounted the Automatic Priming Tool to an RCBS Accessory Base Plate, making installation quick and straightforward. The mounting holes align with the base plate, and the included base plate hardware makes securing the tool simple. The entire setup took approximately 15 minutes, including filming.

You can also mount the tool directly to a workbench or use another compatible mounting solution. One important consideration is handle clearance. The handle extends toward the operator and travels below the bench surface, so you’ll want to account for this when choosing a mounting location. The tool is designed to operate in a specific orientation, so side mounting isn’t an option. Once mounted, the tool feels secure and provides a stable platform for priming.

Priming Brass

The tool also uses standard shell holders (not included). For this demonstration, I used an RCBS No. 10 shell holder for .223 Remington cases. Installing a shell holder is simple, and its position can be rotated to suit your preference.

The automatic feed tube holds 100 primers, allowing you to load a full tube before beginning your priming session. The pickup tubes make loading the feed tube straightforward. Once the primer rod and feed tube are installed, the tool is ready to use. For this demonstration, I primed ten virgin Lapua 223 Remington cases using small primers.

The operating sequence is a little different from some other priming tools, so it took me a moment to get comfortable with the motion. Once I found the rhythm, however, the process became quick and intuitive.

The lever provides excellent mechanical advantage, making it easy to seat primers. I also had good results with the Lapua brass used in this demonstration. After a short learning curve, I was able to prime cases quickly and consistently.

Conclusion

I came away impressed with the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool. Setup was straightforward, the mounting arrangement was secure, and the lever provided plenty of mechanical advantage for seating primers. It took a little time to get accustomed to the operating sequence, but once I found the rhythm, priming became quick and easy.

I especially like the separate primer rod assemblies, built-in storage, and compatibility with standard shell holders. The lack of adjustable primer seating depth may be a drawback for some reloaders, but it isn’t a major concern for my own approach to priming. At $134.99 MSRP, the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool is worth a look if you’re interested in adding a dedicated, bench-mounted priming tool to your reloading setup.