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AUTO PRIME XR HAND PRIMING TOOL Reviews & Ratings

The original and world's most popular hand-held priming tool. Fast and economical hand held priming with unmatched feel and accuracy. Ships with 1 folding primer tray, 1 small and 1 large priming assembly. Includes a FREE molded storage box to keep your priming tool shell holders and tool together. Molded storage box holds up to 18 shell holders. Lee Auto Prime uses inexpensive Lee hand prime shell holders only (sold separately).

Please note: Lee Precision has tested the tool by intentionally setting off a variety of brands and types of primers. Lee testing has demonstrated that wearing safety glasses and hearing protection will prevent serious injury. However, all types of FEDERAL BRAND LARGE PRIMERS frequently caused the entire tray to explode with sufficient force to cause serious and painful injuries. These primers must be fed individually, see step 7 of product instructions, single priming option.

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Reviews Summary

The AUTO PRIME XR HAND PRIMING TOOL receives mixed reviews; while some users appreciate its ease of use and ergonomic design, many report significant issues such as jammed primers, construction quality, and unreliable feeding mechanisms. Overall, satisfaction varies greatly, with older models favored over the newer versions due to performance shortcomings.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Performance

70%

A significant portion of reviewers expressed frustration with the product's inconsistent performance, citing frequent jamming, misalignment of primers, and overall unreliability compared to older models. Many mentioned difficulties in using the tool effectively for a smooth priming process.

Design and Build Quality

65%

Many users criticized the construction quality of the AUTO PRIME XR, describing it as cheaply made with flimsy components. Issues such as the breaking of parts and awkward handling detracted from the overall usability of the tool.

Comparison with Previous Models

60%

Reviewers frequently compared the XR model unfavorably to previous versions of the Lee Auto Prime, highlighting that the older models had better performance and durability. Many expressed disappointment that the new version failed to maintain the quality expected from the brand.

User Experience

55%

A mix of positive and negative user experiences was noted. While some appreciated the tool's ease of use, especially for smaller loads, others found it uncomfortable and challenging to work with over extended sessions, reflecting a divided opinion on its ergonomic qualities.

Customer Support

40%

Several reviewers mentioned reaching out to customer service regarding product issues but noted unsatisfactory responses, leading to frustration and disappointment in the brand's customer support.

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Primer reveiw

Replaced my original lee auto prime from the early 90s that finally broke

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by LAWRENCE H. on January 28, 2026

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burr head

works great. i have primed 100+ shells with no problems

by WAYNE G. on June 09, 2024

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Very Happy and I'm a first time loader

Loaded 100 rounds for small pistol primers for 45 ACP in Federal Cases. Worked like a dream. Honestly. Very easy to use and follow instruction.. I never had a single hang up or a primer end up the wrong way. They flip sometimes and look like they'll be upside down, but they never were. Just watch how it's orintated beneath the shell plate before you squeeze. It's very easy to squeeze with little force.

great tool

I have a couple of the earlier models. I liked the first one so well, I bought a second so that one is set up for large primers and the other is for small primers. Great product at a great price. Love it!

Benchmark for Priming Tools

I've been using the Lee Auto-Priming tool for many years and I'm very satisified with the design and feel of this product. I also like the built in primer flipper feature.

"Best of Class" item in my view

I have never had a primer failure using this "No Touch" primming tool, it is easy to use, does a perfect job every time. Everything else is a copy that has it's faults. As a custom reloader I have used this tool over 50,000 times.