17 HMR bullet question

[markT]

I tried to double load a 17 HMR round in my rifle the other day. The bullet got pushed back into the brass. I was able to dump all the power out as the bullet moves in and almost out.
Question: I’d like to have a look at the bullet and was thinking of using a metal file to remove brass material near the shoulder so the brass will be in two pieces and I can excavate the bullet. Is this safe to do?

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Sure, you won't be anywhere near the primer. It appears your pic is a 17Hornady Hornet, and not the HMR though.

You could always grab the bullet with pliers in your press with no die inserted and use the press for 'reverse press' and pull the bullet out. Done it before.

 

[markT]

The label says 17 HMR. Marlin bolt action rifle Rifle says 17 HMR..
I don’t want to scratch or deform the projectile so pliers are out of consideration.

 

[jepp2]

Is this safe to do?

How can this be accurately answered if you don't provide more information? How do you intend to "hold" this rimfire cartridge? The squeeze action "could" set off the priming compound. How do you intend to remove part of the brass case? Anything that generates a hot particle (like a Dremel ziz wheel) could also initiate the priming compound.

I assume you just want "a" 17 gr bullet, right? Might be easier to pull one from a normal load that hasn't been shoved back in the case. If you are destined to get that bullet, I would probably try to set off the priming compound (and not by firing it in your rifle). I have set off berdan primers by drilling a 2x4 for a tight fit on the case, and set it off with a propane torch, pointed in a safe direction with a towel in front of the hold in case the bullet gets ejected. But even though I have done this safely (setting off primers) I can't claim any responsibility in you doing it safely.

 

[markT]

Good info jepp. I was just thinking about hiding the brass with my left hand and use a small file to remove material all the way around the case below the shoulder. The filings shouldn’t have any heat.

 

[1raggedhole]

I filed a case neck just enough to release the neck tension. Bullet was easily pulled

 

[Bill K]

I think if you pushed the bullet in further and can get a hold on the lip/mouth of that rimfire case, with two sets of needle nose, you could hold one still and twist with the other and pry the mouth open/apart enough to get the bullet to drop out and would not have to fear bothering the powder in the rim and cause it to go off.

 

[markT]

Bill K it worked!! Thanks so much! Needle nose did the trick. Wow that bullet is so small. And what speed does is amazing. I put some pellets beside the bullet for comparison.

 

[Bill K]

Surprising how a simple little thing, which has been done for years, will work. And safely also. Now you found the answer too your question. Thanks for sharing the photo.