Best Hand Depriming Tool
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (6 sections)
You have a stack of fired brass that needs reloading, but hammering primers out with a nail is messy and risks damaging the flash hole. This page ranks the top handheld deprimers that make the job fast and clean so you can focus on your loads.
In short: The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series is the best overall choice for most reloaders due to its universal collet system and built-in catch tube. If you shoot military Berdan ammunition, you must use the RCBS Berdan Decapping Tool, as standard deprimers will damage those cases. For a compact, low-cost option for boxer primers only, the Harvey Hand Deprimer is a solid alternative.
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Its universal collet fits many calibers, and the catch tube keeps primer residue off your bench.
It safely removes Berdan primers from the back, preventing damage to the rim that generic tools cause.
It is small, lightweight, and affordable, making it easy to store or take to the range.
Best for Versatility and Cleanliness: Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series hand depriming tool is the top pick for the majority of hand-loaders. It features a patented universal collet system that adjusts to fit cases from small pistol calibers up to large rifle rounds. This eliminates the need to swap out die sets or shell holders for every cartridge you reload. There is more on evaluating he510c durability in a separate guide.
A key strength is the built-in containment tube. When you pull the trigger, the tool ejects the spent primer directly into a removable catch tube. This prevents primer residue from scattering across your reloading bench or floor, which is a huge plus for keeping your workspace tidy.
The tool works on both boxer and crimped military primers, though it is not designed for Berdan cases. Forcing a Berdan primer through this mechanism can damage the case rim.
- Who it suits: Reloaders who shoot multiple calibers and want a single tool that fits them all.
- What it fixes: The mess of flying primers and the hassle of changing tools for different case diameters.
Setup involves unscrewing the cap, inserting the appropriate collet, and tightening until the case fits snugly but moves freely. Operation is simple: insert the brass, pull the trigger, and the primer pops into the tube.
Pro tip: Always check that the collet is tightened securely before pulling the trigger. A loose collet can cause the case to slip and the primer to eject unpredictably.
The universal collet and catch tube make this the most efficient tool for a mixed-caliber reloading bench.
- The patented Universal Collet System deprimes brass from .20 cal up to .338 Lapua
- Features an easily removable spent primer catch tube and an assisted-ejection case
Best for Berdan Primers: RCBS Berdan Decapping Tool
If you reload military surplus cases with Berdan primers, the RCBS Berdan Decapping Tool is the only safe option. Standard hand deprimers often fail on Berdan cases or damage the rim, rendering the case unusable for the next load.
This tool uses a lever mechanism specifically shaped to accommodate the Berdan primer’s unique fit. It pushes the primer out from the back, protecting the case mouth and rim from the deformation that happens with generic tools. We cover our notes on crosshair scope review in a guide of its own.
Who should skip it: Anyone who shoots exclusively boxer-primed commercial ammo. This tool is overkill for standard brass and may not fit those cases properly.
Drawback: It is a specialized tool. If you do not shoot Berdan ammo, it will sit unused in your kit.
Safety first: Berdan primers can pop out with significant force. Always point the tool away from your face and ensure the case is seated correctly before applying force.
It is the dedicated solution for safely removing Berdan primers without destroying the case rim.
- RCBS 9460 auto priming tool
- Item weighs 2.25 pounds
Best Compact Option: Harvey Hand Deprimer
The Harvey Hand Deprimer is a simple, cast-aluminum tool that prioritizes portability over features. It is significantly smaller and lighter than the Frankford Arsenal model, making it ideal for shooting ranges where bench space is limited.
It works on a simple squeeze mechanism. You insert the case and squeeze the handle to eject the primer. Because it lacks a collection tube, you must be careful where the primer goes, or use a small container nearby to catch it.
Key strengths: Affordable price point, very compact size, and simple operation with no moving parts to jam. It feels solid in the hand. We cover handling military brass in a guide of its own.
Drawback: It cannot accommodate very long cases. If your cartridge exceeds the tool’s maximum capacity, you will not be able to deprime it with this specific model. It is best for pistol and mid-size rifle cartridges.
Its compact size and low cost make it a great backup tool for the range or for small-caliber reloading.
- The patented Universal Collet System deprimes brass from .20 cal up to .338 Lapua
- Features an easily removable spent primer catch tube and an assisted-ejection case
How to Choose the Right Depriming Tool
Choosing the right depriming tool comes down to what you shoot and how you work. Here are the main factors to consider before you buy.
- Primer Type: Boxer primers are standard and work in almost all hand deprimers. Berdan primers require a specialized decapper. If you mix them, you need both tools.
- Caliber Range: Check the max case length. A tool for 9mm will not fit a .338 Lapua Magnum. Ensure your largest cases fit the tool’s maximum capacity.
- Containment: Do you want a catch tube? The Frankford Arsenal has one; others do not. Cleanliness matters in a small workspace.
- Grip Strength: Some tools require more grip strength. If you have hand issues, look for a lever-assisted design or a tool with a larger handle surface area.
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford Arsenal | Most Reloaders | Universal Collet & Catch Tube | Requires more grip strength |
| Harvey | Pistol/Short Rifle | Compact & Cheap | No catch tube, small capacity |
| RCBS Berdan | Military Ammo | Safe for Berdan Primers | Not for Boxer Primers |
If you are unsure, the Frankford Arsenal is the safest bet for a general-purpose reloading bench.
Pro tip: Before buying, measure the longest case you plan to reload. Most hand deprimers have a maximum case length listed in their specs. Check the maker's current spec sheet to ensure compatibility.
The bottom line
For the average hand-loader, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series is the best buy because it handles the widest variety of calibers and keeps your bench clean. If you shoot military surplus, add the RCBS Berdan decapper to your kit. Start by identifying your primer type; that single decision determines which tool you actually need.
- The patented Universal Collet System deprimes brass from .20 cal up to .338 Lapua
- Features an easily removable spent primer catch tube and an assisted-ejection case
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between decapping and depriming?
For standard boxer primers, the terms are used interchangeably. However, ‘decapping’ often refers specifically to removing Berdan primers, which requires a different tool because they are rimless. ‘Depriming’ is the general act of removing any spent primer from a case.
Can I use a hand deprimer on Berdan cases?
No. Standard hand deprimers like the Frankford Arsenal or Harvey are designed for boxer primers. Using them on Berdan cases will likely damage the rim or fail to eject the primer. You must use a specialized Berdan decapping tool to preserve the case for reloading.
How do I clean a hand deprimer?
Most tools have a removable collection tube. Empty this tube regularly to prevent clogging. For the collet or mechanism, wipe it with a cloth and a small amount of solvent if primer residue builds up. Avoid soaking the tool in solvent unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
Is depriming necessary before cleaning cases?
Yes. Removing the spent primer cleans the flash hole and primer pocket of residue. This helps your cleaning medium, whether ultrasonic, wet, or dry, actually reach the bottom of the pocket. This ensures better ignition consistency when you reload the case next time.