I see a warning that a guy isn't supposed to use Federal Primers in a Lee AutoPrime. Why? I've only violated their warning by several thousand reloads.

Me too. There are some threads on this in other boards, with two or three different explanations. The most plausible has to do with Richard Lee's belief that the Federals are more susceptible to a chain reaction should one be set off accidentally in the tray.

We've discussed it here, too. If you'll look at the bottom of the page where it lists "Similar threads" you may find more information.

I, too, have used Federal primers in the Lee AutoPrime without incident, and only heard of this warning recently.

The short (and accurate) explanation is that Federal primers use a priming compound that is more susceptible to mass explosion. Federal uses that compound because it is a bit more sensitive, and thus easier to set off with a weak firing pin strike. But the drawback is the added danger. It is also the reason why Federal primer packaging is so large - they have to keep the individual primers farther apart to meet shipping regulations for ignition/mass detonation resistance.

That's good information to know Rocky. I've always wondered why the packaging was so bulky with the Federal primers compared to the other manufacturers. That's the main reason why I don't use Federal primers because they take so much storage room.

This is one reason I always recommend that if you are going to use Lee Precision equipment, as every right thinking person should, you need to get Modern Reloading by Richard Lee. I know everyone recommends the Lyman Manual but I would get Modern Reloading before I got the Lyman manual if I was using Lee equipment. Richard Lee provides a very thoughtful explaination as to why he does not recommend Federal Primers in the Auto Prime. He makes a lot of sense but as others have indicated many people have used the Auto Prime with Federal Primers and they are not blind or speak in a very high tone. I use Winchester Primers and this is based in part on Richard Lee's recommendations.

Modern Reloading is a good resource book, for sure. There are several things in it, such as Richard's formula for reduced load computation, that appear no place else.

Be advised, however, that Lee does NOT do any load testing. They simply re-print data gathered from other sources. That's valuable, but it doesn't provide a guard against typos or other mistakes: if it was printed wrong in the original, it's probably wrong in the Lee book, too.

I agree completely but even "original source materials" may have "typos" as you point out. I don't use Lee's reloading data. I go straight to powder manufacturers' web site. I do not recommend Modern Reloading over the Lyman Manual just want to make the point that it is invaluable if you use Lee euipment. Thanks for all you, and others do to make this the best reloading and firearms site on the web.

"I've only violated their warning by several thousand reloads."

Me too. I've found Federal primers too reliable and others too variable for my taste. Others aren't "bad", it's just that Federals are so GOOD!

My various Lee priming tools are pretty reliable too.

I DON'T take ANY loading data as gospel truth. It's all suspect to me until I test it. Start low and ..... etc.<!-- / message -->

Thanks men. I've asked around since posting my question. Responses aligned with what you all posted: because the Fed primers can more easily chain-react if one goes off in the primer tray due to their chemical composition.

I apologize for posting in the wrong forum (gen disc) and thank the moderators for moving my thread to handloading equipment.

Enjoy your summer. Shoot in the wee hours of the a.m. to keep them barrels cool.- Kevin

The compound in Federal primers not only ignite easier but also detonate violently when they do go off as compared to other brands. I use them in my Lee priming tools too but my preference is Winchester primers although the last lot i purchased due to economy was CCI. I have also run a few thousand of the Magtech primers through an auto prime with no problems other than difficult seating in some brands of cases.

My book by Richard Lee says he did not test Federal primers because Federal did not donate primers to be tested and one day someone will load 100 case, matching cases, same type bullet with 4 different primers (25 each) NO POWDER, after loading them they will go the shooting range and fire the test cases in one pistol, they will after firing each measure the distance the bullet is driven into the barrel with a stick scribed with a pencil or a depth micrometer, after firing each bullet will require removal from the barrel with a dowel and hammer? I doubt the bullets fired with Federal primers will require a larger hammer, take one (JIC) just in case, but then again, MORE POWERFUL? I like that in a primer, then add footnotes ****

The test results will change nothing about the primers I use or the equipment I use to install them.

Again, I believe Federal uses the large tray to annoy Lee, if the large tray got the best of me I would cut the sleeve that covers the primers with a square hole that would allow 25 primers at a time to be dumped in the flip tray, then I would rotate the tray 90 degrees for the next 25 and continue rotating until the tray was empty, or use the large Dillon flip tray and dump all 100 at a time until I had enough primers flipped to load three tubes.

****add 200 fps for cases primed with FEDERAL primers.

"and only heard of this warning recently".
__________________
MODERN RELOADING second edition by RICHARD LEE reprinted in 2003

Fguffey, let's be real. For you to state: "I believe Federal uses the large tray to annoy Lee" makes no sense, either business sense or common sense. If your reloading bench is in your garage please turn off your car engine.

Lee hand primer vs. Federal primers, or, Lee vs. Federal, that does not make sense. Lee sells priming tools, Federal sells primers, for those that have Lee's book on reloading, they should get their money back, their book is different, their book is not like my book, my book has R. Lee saying he did not test Federal primers BECAUSE Federal did not donate primers. "makes no sense, either business sense or common sense" Lee got his feelings hurt? I do not know if Federal failed to take him serious or had a policy of not donating primers,

Federal primers are more powerful because someone said he said they said?? I said Lee did not test Federal primer because Federal did not Donate primers.

Jmortimer, I do not have a reloading bench, I use stands, with 2 lathes+ a mill etc., to put a car in-I have to get out, no room.



F. Guffey

My edition of Modern Reloading states that the primer mix is more volitile and and can detonate and a chain reaction. He describes the composition of the primer mix and makes an argument as to why he does not recommend Federal Primers. That is his recommendation as a manufacturer. I use Winchester Primers in part because of his recommendation. I also like them and have never had a misfire. Really not a big deal. I use the Auto Prime like many others and stick to the manufacturer's recommendation. The car in the garage thing was a joke - sorry if it did not come off that way or you were insulted. I apologize.

To just say Lee says not to use Federal primers is a bit of a simplification, too. Here's what it says in my AutoPrime manual, copyright 2000:

ONLY the following should be used with the Lee AutoPrime:

Not to load more than 20 at a time of Winchester SPM, LP, LRM and only 10 at a time of Winchester LR.

He recommends 100 at a time only for CCI (all), Winchester SP, and Remington SP and LP. And then says: "All other brands or types have not been tested or have been tested and are not safe." Though only the Federal has the specific mention not to use any of their types. So, technically, I'm not supposed to be loading Wolf, S&B, and MagTech primers with my Lee AutoPrime, either. Or Remington magnum or benchrest primers, either, for that matter.

I think the gov had something to do with the packaging.I use fed.I turn the lee upsid down aand stradle the tray and have no problem.fed may be a little sensitive but I think the main concern is hamer handed reloaders that break all their toys.I have my first tool and first press.goes back to 1937 [win tool] and 1945 [M B press].
Lees loads are taken right from factory manuals.:rolleyes: