APS Hand Priming Tool — Features, Setup & Care

The RCBS APS Hand Priming Tool uses a strip-fed priming system that eliminates all direct hand contact with primers — making it one of the safest and most convenient priming tools available. It's covered by RCBS's lifetime guarantee and accepts cases from .32 ACP to .45-70 with no adjustment required.

• Strip primer feeding system — no hand contact with primers required
• Die-cast body designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand
• Primer plugs are easily interchangeable between large and small
• Covered by the RCBS lifetime guarantee

Unpack the Hand Priming Tool carefully and confirm you have the following items:

• APS Hand Priming Tool (small primer plug installed at the factory)
• Plastic bag containing: large primer plug, hex key wrench, and knurled primer plug wrench

Each APS primer strip holds 25 primers and is color-coded by primer type. Strips are designed to connect to each other for continuous feeding.

1. Peel a strip from the package and identify the two ends. One end is cut square; the other has two small hooks. The hooked end feeds into the tool.
2. Confirm a primer plug is installed in the tool. Hold the tool and squeeze the handle until fully compressed.
3. Hold the strip with the primers anvil-side-up and insert the hooked end into the tool until the strip stops.
4. Release the handle — the strip will index to the first primer and is ready to use.

The knurled primer plug wrench is double-broached and works for both large and small plugs. The spare primer plug can be stored in the tapped hole of the primer plug wrench when not in use.

1. Ensure there is no primer strip in the tool. Squeeze the handle until fully compressed.
2. Tighten the small set screw on the side of the body with the hex key wrench. This locks the primer plug at the top of its travel for easy removal.
3. Unscrew the primer plug with the knurled wrench and replace it with the other plug.
4. Compress the handle and loosen the set screw to free the tool for normal use.

Periodically check that primers are seating to the bottom of the primer pocket. Correct seating depth is .000" to .005" below the case head. A correctly primed case will sit flat on a level surface — if it rocks, the primer needs to be seated deeper.

The pivot link assembly occasionally needs a drop of light oil. The shell holder should periodically receive a small amount of Lubriplate on the top and bottom surfaces of the two sliding case holders.

To access the shell holder for lubrication (also used to clear a wedged strip or convert the tool between right- and left-hand use):

1. Using the hex key wrench, loosen and remove the four flat head screws on the top of the tool.
2. Remove the cap to expose the two case holders.
3. Remove the case holders and lightly lubricate the top and bottom surfaces. Note that there is a right and a left case holder — ensure they are returned to their correct positions.
4. Replace the top cap and tighten the four flat head screws — tighten the two screws on the RCBS side of the tool first.

APS Primer Strips are color-coded to prevent misidentification. Use the chart below to confirm you're loading the correct primer for your application.