Pulling Bullets

[fatbacks]

I have a bunch of loads that didn't show any promise and I pulled the bullets from the cases. What does everyone do when loading up those cases again? Do you run them through a full length sizing die again? Put in new primers?

Also, what's the best thing to do with the pulled bullets? I use a collet puller so they are in pretty good shape but I don't think I would trust them compared to a new bullet.

 

[rodell]

I shoot pulled bullets all the time (pulled with a RCBS collet puller). I've never seen any discernible difference between the pulled bullets and the "new" ones. I've never destroyed a bullet by pulling it apart, either, during the profess.

I always resize (at least the neck) after pulling. It is about consistency and I want all the loads to start in the same place. If you crimped, then you certainly need to resize. If not, it probably doesn't matter THAT much but it is a variable. The hardness of your brass will play a role as well.

 

[16Bore]

Just take out the decaping pin or else you’ll get quite a pop. Also VISUALLY inspect the cases to be sure there’s no powder in them. If it was a compressed load you might have to dig a little.

If you take primers out, do it sloooow and steady.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I just inspect the case neck, mouth etc, and load again.

 

[tdot]

I inspect the neck and load again. If I'm pulling bullets, then I'm often working on a ladder test or some other part of load development. I will reuse the case and bullet at some early, less critical portion of the process. No specific reason other then I dont have to question results that I achieve closer to maximum pressure and/or closer to the final load.

 

[Mike 338]

Resize w/new primers. I'd keep the primers but the die pops them out. Consistent neck tension is important if your loading for accuracy so that's why I resize.

 

[Wrench]

If loading for accuracy, the neck will have been stretched and should be resized. As mentioned above, remove the de capping pin or toss the primer and go new.

 

[fatbacks]

Thanks for the replies!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Elkero]

I use the pulled components for the range.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

if you are just pulling the bullet I see no reason to resize the case because the case is not expanding and the neck might by a couple of thousands no more than if you ran it threw a sizing die. Just my 2 cent

 

[tdot]

I was able to run a little experiment today. I had to pull 7 bullets this morning. Since I was loading up 50 fire forming loads, I reloaded those 7 bullets into the same cases.

I shot the 7 as a separate group. Velocity was with a lab radar. The group sizing and POI were very similar to other groups I shot, however Velocity ES increased from about 8fps to 30fps.

 

[bill_eb]

I shoot the bullet again after I pull it and check the neck for proper tension.

 

[Rich M]

I just resize em. The primers pop right out and reusable, as are the bullets.

 

[Chipz]

I've pulled bullets by putting the case in my press, running it up on an empty die slot, and pulled with pliers.
(my frankford puller is ******* garbage)

I've reused the bullets and and velocity and groups were on par with non pulled ones. Any burrs on the jacket i will usually file off before loading again.

 

[Mr.Crumbz]

if you are just pulling the bullet I see no reason to resize the case because the case is not expanding and the neck might by a couple of thousands no more than if you ran it threw a sizing die. Just my 2 cent

I’m on the same train of thought here. Pulling the bullet doesn’t expand the neck and re-seating another bullet of the same diameter should be the same neck tension. Having said that I finish all my rounds with a Lee factory crimp and that makes everything uniform.

 

[ericwh]

I take out the decapping pin and resize them. Reuse bullets.

 

[deadi]

I just pull the bullets, make sure all powder is removed form case and reload. I'm a bit paranoid so pulled bullets are used for range ammo.

 

[rayporter]

if you pull bullets and seat new bullets in the same brass with out resizing it will take less pressure to seat new bullets. you cant tell with an O press but you can with a hydroseater and even with plain wilson inlines and an arbor press.

many bullets, especially flat base bullets, have a larger base [pressure ring] which basically expands the neck as it enters. this is like running an expander mandrel into the neck and expanding it.

now what i cant measure is the pull force of them. which is really what matters.