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Bullet puller question

kingfamous

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Minuteman
Dec 12, 2010
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I am new to reloading and I have a question about a bullet puller. Can someone tell me if the bullet puller that you screw into the press makes markings on the bullet? Once you pull the bullet out can that bullet be reused? It's hard to see from the pictures of them, but I imagine that it has some sort of teeth that grabs the bullet and holds it while you pull the case down.
 
Re: Bullet puller question

I've used both. The inertia pullers don't leave marks as bad as the collet pullers. However, using the inertia puller with ballistic tipped bullets can deform the tip or break them even if you use padding in the puller.

Plus powder can get quite messy. I've also broken 2 inertia pullers
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The one I like the most that is quickest and easiest is the hornady cam lock. it doesn't mark the bullets all that bad, and it doesn't make such a bad mess....

but those bullets that I do pull I end up using for foulers or sighters...I wouldn't use them for a long range hunting shot or score. I'm sure there is some damage to the jacket even if I can't see it after I pull them. just my .02
 
Re: Bullet puller question

I use the RCBS collet puller and as frogman said, I will still load the bullets I pull but not use them for long range work. There are some very minor markings on them. I think the collet puller is a much better solution than the inertial puller.
 
Re: Bullet puller question

Hit the inertia puller against a metal hammer head. Hitting metal as opposed to wood or concrete REALLY makes a difference. I use an inertia puller and reuse everthing, never had a problem. It is a bit tricky taking it apart and putting it together, but after a while, you get good at it :)
 
Re: Bullet puller question

If you use an inertia puller like I do just remember to always wear safety glasses. I had a 223AI round blow out the back sending plastic pieces and the brass casing everywhere. It was a freak accident but was thankful I decided to put on my glasses.
 
Re: Bullet puller question

I'm on my 3rd inertia puller. Mainly for pistol cartridges. They will booger up the nose of most rifle bullets.

I have had a RCBS collet type for years. But I got one of the Hornady Cam-Loc designs last year. I like it more than the RCBS. You will learn quickly how much tension to screw on the collet. If you do it right and don't have too much neck tension on the case you'll be OK.

Yes you can reuse the bullets with a little ring on them. Just I wouldn't shoot them in a long range match. Shoot them for practice or for foulers.
 
Re: Bullet puller question

A foam ear plug jammed down in the end of an inertia puller will save your bullet tips, as will learning quickly how many hits it takes, and how hard.......