Hornady bullet-puller

[Ed333]

Thinking about getting one of those Hornady cam-lock bullet pullers, with a couple of different collets, but one question: will using this tool mar the bullet? If it renders the bullet unuseable, that is a strike against it for me. Any personal experiences out there?
thanks, Ed

 

[jr600yd]

I've had mine with several different collets for years. Never had a problem. Only time I screwed up a bullet is when I used the wrong collet for the wrong caliber bullet.

 

[Shynloco]

Thinking about getting one of those Hornady cam-lock bullet pullers, with a couple of different collets, but one question: will using this tool mar the bullet? If it renders the bullet unuseable, that is a strike against it for me. Any personal experiences out there?
thanks, Ed

Ed,
I've been using a Hornady cam-lock bullet puller for several years, especially while testing loads and then not shooting some loads and having to pull apart the loads for adjustment or changing the powder load. And I've done it with at least six different calibers, just changing the insert lock for the appropriate bullet. Rarely have I've been successful in NOT leaving scars or marks on the bullets I've pulled. What I do is set those bullets apart AFTER using 0000 steel wool for smooth out any high spots left on the bullets as you can't do squat about the gouges. But then I use those bullets as foulers so they don't go to waste or use them for testing to get near the sweet load. The Cam lock is still better (IMHO) then slamming a loaded round placed into some hammer and slapping the ground or hard surface.

Alex

 

[Ed333]

Ed,
I've been using a Hornady cam-lock bullet puller for several years, especially while testing loads and then not shooting some loads and having to pull apart the loads for adjustment or changing the powder load. And I've done it with at least six different calibers, just changing the insert lock for the appropriate bullet. Rarely have I've been successful in NOT leaving scars or marks on the bullets I've pulled. What I do is set those bullets apart AFTER using 0000 steel wool for smooth out any high spots left on the bullets as you can't do squat about the gouges. But then I use those bullets as foulers so they don't go to waste or use them for testing to get near the sweet load. The Cam lock is still better (IMHO) then slamming a loaded round placed into some hammer and slapping the ground or hard surface.

Alex

Thanks to both of you for your replies. When I went on Midway to see the price, I also saw collet pullers from Forster and RCBS. I read the reviews on all three, there were a fair number of Hornady users reporting breaking handles, and on the Forster model, there were comments about trouble getting the pulled bullet free from the collet. With the RCBS rebate, that pulled me towards ordering the RCBS unit. I will report back; we shall see.
Ed

 

[Cujo]

If it's not too late, get the Hornady. I can't see how you can break the handle but I guess it's possible of you crank down hard enough. You'll develop a feel for how much pressure is needed to grip and pull the bullet.

 

[Riesel]

I like my Hornady bullet puller and with some practice you will know how to adjust it. However, it is nigh on to impossible to not leave marks on those thin skin target bullets, especially if seated tightly. They do work great as foulers and testing as stated above.

 

[TRG300WM]

I had a the rcbs press mounted puller and it marked every bullet i pulled no matter how careful i was, the hornady puller has never done this and i pays to have a pair of mig welding pliers on hand. If a bullet gets stuck in the collet you can grip it and pull it out.

 

[jlow]

I've used one for many years - they are really the best and most handy and works very well. As to what it does for bullets, you have to understand that bullets are basically a soft bag of lead covered by a slightly harder skin of brass and if extracting them from a case with significant neck tension, you are going to need some significant hold on the bullets. I've found that this squishes the bullet slightly which may change they dimensions like base-to-ogive/bearing surface length. Because of this, those bullets are best used for plinking or in fouling rounds. In the end, it's really your choice.

 

[nmkid]

I gave up on that 'hammer' thing long ago.The Hornady will outlast my life. I use bushings for my cases so very little tension and my bullets come out with hardly a mark.

 

[ericbc7]

If you are using a co-ax press, the Hornady is your best option since the lever doesn't interfere with the press yoke. The rem puller will interfere and the die body will turn in the floating mount.

 

[Nude nut]

I gave up on that 'hammer' thing long ago.The Hornady will outlast my life. I use bushings for my cases so very little tension and my bullets come out with hardly a mark.

I also gave up on the conetic hammer after it decided to destruct itself and the cap and half the hammer thead with a win 270 round in it hit me in the eye.
I thought thr round went off thats how loud it was when it let go then I got the hornady and im very happy with it and no more black eyes and stiches.

Cheers Trev.

 

[DeadEyeDick45]

Hornady puller is the one I use when I have to pull a bunch (over 100) at a time. It's simple to setup and with practice, you won't even leave a mark on the bullet.

 

[Terry Altom]

I had a couple of light strikes from CCI 450. Didn't like the idea of slamming a live, half-struck round. Ordered the Hornady. Used it. Threw the impact puller in the bottom drawer.

 

[waldo1979]

I own the Hornady Cam-lock and have borrowed the RCBS. I prefer the RCBS. I've crushed a far amount of brass now using the Hornady tool. I find it's easier to use the RCBS tool, not sure why... could be use error. Maybe it just fit my Harold's turret press better.

The collect on my impact hammer is pretty much wore out so its basically garbage now. It definitely has its advantages but when the case is filled with powder is pretty messed.

While the maring from the pullers is minimal, I do notice that the bullets get a little damaged from multiple seatings. Probably too much neck tension.

 

[Dan Boone]

Crushed brass using the Hornady? Hard to figure out how you did that. I've pulled hundreds with mine and crushing the brass never entered my mind ......... ?

As for marks on the bullets, if you are EXTREMELY careful you might not get them, but there are generally a circle on the bullet when they are pulled.