TESTED: Hornady Versa-Prime

I’ve long preferred bench priming for bench reloading. Others vehemently support on-press priming and hand-priming has its place. Like much of reloading, it comes down to personal preference. Hornady’s new Versa-Prime features an adjustable-depth stop in a robust bench-priming package. I’m eager to see how I like it!

Disclaimer

Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.

About the Hornady Versa-Prime

The Versa-Prime comes securely packaged with clear instructions and a mounting template. Hole locations match those of the Classic, AP, and Iron Presses – convenient for users of those tools!

The Versa-Prime is only compatible with Hornady shellholders. Using any other shellholders will void the lifetime warranty. Hornady shellholders have a larger hole diameter (0.295”) than other shellholders (0.264”).

The Versa-Prime primer seating ram guides precisely match the internal hole diameter of the Hornady shellholders for consistent, centered primer seating.

From Hornady:

A quick‑change primer seater punch and rotary primer feed disc make switching between small and large primers effortless, while the 100‑primer capacity tube housing and rotary primer feed disc maximize safety. Adjustable hardstop for precise seating depth, a tactile primer follower, and spring‑assisted handle return ensure repeatable results with ease. The Versa‑Prime is engineered to work exclusively with Hornady shellholders, precisely matching the internal hole diameter to the primer seating ram guide, providing consistent, centered primer seating. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Features

- 6061 billet aluminum with hardened steel parts
- Quick change over between small and large primers
- Adjustable hardstop for precise seating depth
- Precision‑machined to work exclusively with Hornady shell holders for optimal alignment and consistent primer seating
- Made in the USA with lifetime warranty

Demonstration

I was very pleased with how easy it was to adjust the depth-stop and the leverage the Versa-Prime handle offered.

Switching between small and large primers was very simple. The rotary disc took a bit to get used to, but kept primers from jumping out and is designed to prevent chain ignition.

I do wish that the micrometer depth stop had engraved reference points.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed priming on the Versa-Prime more than I had anticipated. I appreciate the robust construction as well as the side-handle. I had zero issues seating primers and the depth stop worked well, I just wish it had engraved reference points.