Opinions on Bullet Puller

[joejo]

i just have a grip n pull. it does alot of calibers with one tool. and it works fine.

 

[Lesloan]

I think that anybody who prefers an inertia bullet puller to the collet type has never used a collet type. At least that was the case with me. The collet type is quiet, doesn't spill powder and, used right, doesn't damage the bullet. I used an inertia puller for many years, until I found myself with of a bunch of military style Winchester .223 ball (crimped primer & 55-gr. FMJ), & wanted something a bit more accurate. So I invested in an RCBS collet puller and a .223 collet, pulled all the bullets & replaced them with 52-gr SMK's. Ended up with a buncha (near) match-grade .223's, (I was amazed at how well they shot!) a new bullet puller and a valuable lesson. To my mind, the only advantage of an impact puller is that you don't need a collet for ea. caliber you'll pull. Otherwise, the collet type has the edge in every way--quieter, faster, not messy and doesn't waste powder. Oh, yeah--and the inertia type is doubtless better for pulling wadcutters!

I should add that I haven't really pulled a pile of bullets except for the ersatz match stuff referenced above, but when I do it's collets for me.

 

[Grimstod]

I think that anybody who prefers an inertia bullet puller to the collet type has never used a collet type. At least that was the case with me. The collet type is quiet, doesn't spill powder and, used right, doesn't damage the bullet. I used an inertia puller for many years, until I found myself with of a bunch of military style Winchester .223 ball (crimped primer & 55-gr. FMJ), & wanted something a bit more accurate. So I invested in an RCBS collet puller and a .223 collet, pulled all the bullets & replaced them with 52-gr SMK's. Ended up with a buncha (near) match-grade .223's, (I was amazed at how well they shot!) a new bullet puller and a valuable lesson. To my mind, the only advantage of an impact puller is that you don't need a collet for ea. caliber you'll pull. Otherwise, the collet type has the edge in every way--quieter, faster, not messy and doesn't waste powder. Oh, yeah--and the inertia type is doubtless better for pulling wadcutters!

I should add that I haven't really pulled a pile of bullets except for the ersatz match stuff referenced above, but when I do it's collets for me.

1+

 

[dkhunt14]

Yep I use the Kinetic with a shell holder. Faster and doesn't damage bullets. I have shot and won relays at 1000 with pulled bullets. Matt

 

[jonbearman]

With regards to inertia pullers I would like to make one cautionary statement. I have had multiple surgerys including carpal tunnel surgery. It isnt fun.I would really think hard about doing alot of pulling with the hammer as it damages your wrist with every blow. Not alot but it accumulates. If you only have a few that were seated with light neck wall tension ,then go for it. If you have to take apart alot of military stuff or old stuff,put a seating die in and just bump it down a couple thou and then use your puller.If you have a heavy crimp then the collet wins hands down. Save your wrists from cumulative trauma disorder and avoid surgery down the line.The hammers have no ergo grips to protect against the vibration from smacking it on a hard surface. Using a nail hammer is bad but the nail moves where the inetia hammer just rattles the bones.

 

[Grimstod]

Jon those are valid points. I never thought of that. Guess cause I am younger I sometimes neglect to think long term and the consequences.

 

[Lesloan]

With regards to inertia pullers I would like to make one cautionary statement. I have had multiple surgerys including carpal tunnel surgery. It isnt fun.I would really think hard about doing alot of pulling with the hammer as it damages your wrist with every blow. Not alot but it accumulates. If you only have a few that were seated with light neck wall tension ,then go for it. If you have to take apart alot of military stuff or old stuff,put a seating die in and just bump it down a couple thou and then use your puller.If you have a heavy crimp then the collet wins hands down. Save your wrists from cumulative trauma disorder and avoid surgery down the line.The hammers have no ergo grips to protect against the vibration from smacking it on a hard surface. Using a nail hammer is bad but the nail moves where the inetia hammer just rattles the bones.

So...one more reason to go with a collet-type puller. It's quieter, it saves the powder, it doesn't damage the bullet, and it's faster. And now we know it's easier on the joints & bones.

Now my inertia puller is strictly reserved for pulling wadcutters. If I ever get any.

 

[Lesloan]

RCBS collet puller works OK for me. Light scratches on the bullet but accuracy isn't compromised.

That's the one I use, too. I've never noticed any scratches, though.

 

[Grimstod]

I know most of you don't use Berdan primed brass but I found this in a reloading book today and thought I would share because I have pulled Berdan primed stuff and am now really glad that I have only done it with the Forster bullet puller.

From the book called INTRODUCTION TO
RELOADING CARTRIDGES

"NEVER USE A KINETIC PULLER WITH BERDAN PRIMED AMMUNITION because of the way the primer sits against the fixed anvil there is a possibility that it could be detonated."

 

[Lesloan]

I know most of you don't use Berdan primed brass but I found this in a reloading book today and thought I would share because I have pulled Berdan primed stuff and am now really glad that I have only done it with the Forster bullet puller.

From the book called INTRODUCTION TO
RELOADING CARTRIDGES

"NEVER USE A KINETIC PULLER WITH BERDAN PRIMED AMMUNITION because of the way the primer sits against the fixed anvil there is a possibility that it could be detonated."

Now THAT could be embarrassing!