When using presses with a priming feature, which direction should the primer anvil be facing?

The correct orientation for the primer anvil is such that it faces up during the reloading process. This position is crucial because it ensures that when the primer is seated into the cartridge case, the anvil can effectively receive the firing pin's strike. With the anvil facing upwards, the energy from the firing pin is directed towards the sensitive material within the primer, leading to reliable ignition of the propellant in the cartridge. This alignment is particularly important for safety and consistent performance in the reloading process.

Positioning the anvil downward would impede the proper functioning and could lead to misfires, as the firing pin would not effectively strike the primer. An angled orientation may fail to ensure reliable ignition as well, and an ambiguous positioning could result in varied performance, which is undesirable in precision reloading. Therefore, having the primer anvil facing up is the optimal and recommended practice.