RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips for Small Pistol 8 Per Pack

Optimizing Your Reloading Process: The Essential Guide to RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips for Small Pistol

For dedicated reloaders, the pursuit of precision, efficiency, and safety is a constant endeavor. Whether you're a competitive shooter meticulously crafting rounds for peak performance, a high-volume reloader keeping pace with practice demands, or a hobbyist who values streamlined processes, the method of primer handling and seating is a critical aspect of ammunition production. One of the most common bottlenecks in reloading can be the priming stage, often a slow, tedious, and sometimes uncomfortable process when primers are handled individually.

This is where innovative solutions like the RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips for Small Pistol (8 Per Pack) become indispensable. These strips are not just a simple accessory; they are a cornerstone of the RCBS Automatic Priming System (APS), designed to revolutionize how you prime your cases. If you've ever asked, "What's the best way to prime a large quantity of brass quickly and safely?" or "How can I reduce hand fatigue during long reloading sessions?", these primer strips, integrated within the RCBS APS ecosystem, offer a compelling answer. They represent RCBS's commitment to delivering reloading solutions that are both practical and performant, enhancing your overall experience and output.

What Are RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips?

The RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips are specifically engineered polymer strips designed to hold primers in a secure, organized, and ready-to-use fashion. Each pack contains eight individual strips, with each strip capable of holding a specific quantity of small pistol primers (the exact capacity often varies slightly depending on the primer size and strip design, but they are consistently designed for batch loading). The "unprimed" designation clarifies that these strips come empty, ready for you to load with your preferred brand of small pistol primers.

These strips are a fundamental component of the RCBS APS, a patented system developed to eliminate the need for handling individual primers. Instead of fumbling with loose primers, which can be slippery, prone to static cling, and easily contaminated, the APS strips keep primers aligned, clean, and ready for automated feeding into your priming tool or progressive press. This innovative approach addresses several common challenges reloaders face, including maintaining primer orientation, preventing contamination from skin oils, and significantly speeding up the priming process.

Why Choose RCBS APS for Small Pistol Priming?

1. Unparalleled Efficiency and Speed

For reloaders focusing on volume, speed is paramount. Manually picking up and orienting each primer is inherently slow. The APS strips, in contrast, allow for rapid, sequential priming. Once a strip is loaded into an APS-compatible tool, primers are automatically fed into the seating mechanism. This continuous feed dramatically reduces downtime between primers, allowing you to prime cases at a pace previously unimaginable with manual methods. Whether you're preparing hundreds of rounds for a competition or simply stocking up on practice ammunition, the time savings provided by the RCBS APS system, enabled by these strips, are substantial. It answers the question, "How can I maximize my reloading output per hour?"

2. Enhanced Safety and Reduced Primer Handling

Primers are energetic components, and while generally safe when handled correctly, direct manual handling carries inherent risks. Skin oils can degrade primer compounds over time, and accidental dropping or crushing can lead to unintended detonation. The RCBS APS system minimizes direct human contact with primers. Once primers are loaded into the strips, they remain encased until they are fed into the case. This not only protects the primer from contamination but also provides a layer of safety by reducing the chance of accidental ignition due. For any reloader asking, "What are the safest ways to handle primers?", the APS system offers a compelling solution.

3. Superior Consistency and Seating Quality

Proper primer seating is crucial for reliable ignition and consistent ballistic performance. Primers must be seated firmly against the bottom of the primer pocket, below the case head, without being crushed or tilted. The RCBS APS system, using these rigid strips, ensures consistent orientation and feed, contributing to uniform seating depth. This precision minimizes the risk of high or low primers, which can lead to misfires or poor accuracy. Achieving such consistency manually, especially over long sessions, is challenging. The automated nature of the APS system, facilitated by the strips, provides a level of repeatability that human hands struggle to match, answering "How do I ensure consistent primer seating every time?"

4. User-Friendly Design and Quick Changes

The design of the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips focuses on ease of use. Loading primers into the strips is a straightforward process, often accomplished with a dedicated strip loader or directly from a primer tray. Once loaded, the strips snap easily into APS-compatible tools. Swapping out an empty strip for a full one takes mere seconds, further contributing to uninterrupted workflow. This seamless transition makes batch processing of different primer types or sizes (when using the appropriate strips) incredibly efficient.

Understanding the RCBS APS System Ecosystem

The true power of the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips is realized when they are integrated into the broader RCBS Automatic Priming System. These strips are the fuel for a range of RCBS tools, each designed to optimize your priming process. Understanding this ecosystem is key to leveraging the full benefits.

Core RCBS APS-Compatible Tools:

• RCBS APS Bench Priming Tool: This dedicated bench-mounted tool provides exceptional leverage and feel for precise primer seating. The APS strips feed directly into it, allowing for smooth, rapid priming with minimal effort. It's a favorite for reloaders who prefer a dedicated station for priming.
• RCBS APS Hand Priming Tool: For those who prefer the tactile feedback of a hand priming tool, the APS version offers superior comfort and efficiency. It accepts the APS strips, eliminating the need to handle individual primers, making long priming sessions far less fatiguing. It's an excellent solution for reloaders seeking portability or who do not have a dedicated bench setup.
• RCBS Piggyback-II Progressive Press Kit: This upgrade kit transforms single-stage presses into progressive machines, and critically, it integrates the APS system for automated priming directly on the press, significantly increasing throughput.
• RCBS Pro 2000 Progressive Press: As a dedicated progressive press, the Pro 2000 is built with the APS system fully integrated. It uses the primer strips to ensure a continuous supply of primers during high-volume production, making it a powerhouse for serious reloaders.
• RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Autoprime: While the Rock Chucker Supreme is a robust single-stage press, the Autoprime system allows it to feed primers from APS strips, adding a layer of convenience and speed to an already legendary press.

The synergy between these tools and the RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips ensures that whether you're working on a bench, by hand, or on a progressive press, your priming process is consistent, safe, and efficient. The strips act as the standardized medium that connects all these diverse tools under one seamless priming methodology.

Who Benefits Most from RCBS APS Primer Strips?

While any reloader can appreciate the advantages of the APS system, certain user profiles stand to gain the most from investing in these primer strips and the accompanying tools:

• High-Volume Reloaders: If you process thousands of rounds annually for rifle or pistol shooting, the time savings alone will make these strips invaluable.
• Competitive Shooters: Consistency is king in competition. The precise, uniform seating offered by the APS system helps eliminate primer-related inconsistencies that can affect accuracy.
• Safety-Conscious Reloaders: Those who prioritize minimizing direct handling of primers will find the APS system a significant improvement for their peace of mind.
• Reloaders Seeking Ergonomic Improvements: Reducing repetitive fine motor movements, particularly when hand priming, can alleviate fatigue and discomfort over extended sessions.
• Owners of RCBS APS-Compatible Equipment: If you already own an RCBS press or priming tool that supports the APS system, these strips are the natural, indispensable complement to unlock its full potential.

Getting Started: Loading and Using Your APS Strips

Loading the RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips (RCBS Product No. 88513) is a straightforward process, designed to be as efficient as the priming itself. While exact methods may vary slightly depending on your specific primer tray or strip loader, the general steps involve:

1. Gather Your Primers: Ensure you have a fresh, appropriate quantity of small pistol primers. Always keep primers in their original packaging until ready for use to protect them from environmental factors.
2. Load the Strip: Place an empty APS strip into your chosen loading method (e.g., an RCBS APS Strip Loader, or carefully by hand if supported by your primer tray setup). Orient the strip correctly according to the instructions for your loader.
3. Fill the Channels: Introduce primers into the channels of the strip. Many strip loaders allow you to simply pour primers into a tray and then shake them until they fall into the strip's slots, automatically orienting them anvil-side down.
4. Cap the Strip (If Applicable): Some strip loaders include a cap or cover to secure the primers in the strip once loaded, preventing them from falling out during transport or storage.
5. Insert into APS Tool: Once filled, the primer strip is ready to be inserted into your RCBS APS-compatible priming tool or progressive press. The tool will then automatically feed the primers as you cycle it.

Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your RCBS APS tool and any strip loaders for the most accurate and safe loading procedures.

Small Pistol Primers: A Critical Component

The RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips are specifically designed for "small pistol" primers. It is absolutely crucial to use the correct primer type for your ammunition. Using the wrong size or type (e.g., large pistol, small rifle, large rifle, or magnum versions when not specified) can lead to dangerous conditions, including misfires, ruptured cases, or even firearm damage.

Safety Always Comes First:

Primers are an explosive component of ammunition. Always observe the highest safety standards when handling them:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses.
• Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to avoid transferring skin oils to primers, which can degrade them.
• Small Batches: Handle only the quantity of primers needed for your immediate task.
• No Smoking/Open Flames: Keep primers away from heat, sparks, or open flames.
• Proper Storage: Store primers in their original, sealed containers in a cool, dry, and secure location, away from children and unauthorized access.
• Never Force: If a primer doesn't seat easily, do not force it. Investigate the cause (e.g., crimped pocket, incorrect primer size).

Troubleshooting & Best Practices for Your APS System

Even with a highly efficient system like the RCBS APS, understanding common issues and best practices can further enhance your experience:

• Primer Orientation: Ensure all primers are loaded correctly (anvil-side down) into the strips. The APS system relies on consistent orientation for flawless feeding.
• Primer Pocket Cleanliness: While the APS system ensures clean primer delivery, the primer pocket in your brass must also be clean and free of carbon residue or debris. A clean pocket allows for proper primer seating and better ignition.
• Strip Condition: Inspect your primer strips periodically for any signs of damage or wear. Damaged strips can lead to feeding issues.
• Tool Maintenance: Keep your RCBS APS priming tool or progressive press clean. Primer residue can build up over time, affecting performance. Refer to your tool's manual for recommended cleaning and lubrication schedules.
• Consistent Pressure: When priming, apply consistent, steady pressure. Avoid jerky or excessive force, which can deform primers or damage primer pockets. The leverage of RCBS APS tools is designed to provide ample force with smooth application.
• Environmental Factors: Humidity and extreme temperatures can affect primers. Store both unprimed strips and loaded primers in a stable environment.

RCBS: A Legacy of Reloading Excellence

RCBS has been a trusted name in the reloading industry for decades, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and durability. From their iconic Rock Chucker press to advanced powder dispensers and, of course, the groundbreaking APS system, RCBS continually strives to provide reloaders with tools that enhance their craft. The RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips for Small Pistol embody this legacy. They are engineered to the same exacting standards as all RCBS products, offering reliability and precision that reloaders have come to expect from the brand. Investing in RCBS products means investing in a system designed for longevity and performance, backed by a company that understands the needs of the modern reloader.

Where to Purchase Your RCBS APS Primer Strips

To ensure you receive genuine, high-quality RCBS products, including the essential RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips for Small Pistol, it's recommended to purchase from authorized and reputable retailers. These premier RCBS APS Unprimed Primer Strips, like all top-tier RCBS reloading equipment, are readily available from trusted suppliers such as DEGuns (deguns.com), ensuring you receive genuine products and expert support. DEGuns provides a reliable source for all your reloading needs, helping you equip your bench with the best tools in the industry.

By integrating the RCBS 88513 APS Unprimed Primer Strips into your reloading routine, you're not just buying a component; you're upgrading your entire priming workflow, ensuring greater efficiency, enhanced safety, and ultimately, more consistent and reliable ammunition. This small yet vital component is a testament to RCBS's dedication to making the art of reloading more accessible, enjoyable, and productive for everyone.

Product Specifications

Key Benefits

RCBS APS Compatibility Overview