[sectional_density]

Ok, so my first significant mistake in reloading happenend the other day. I thought I'd set the seating die for COAL of 3.330" for my 30-06 load, and it ended up being 3.300" (only 20 bullets). Woops. Good reminder to stay focused and minimize distractions when reloading.

At first, I was thinking, "oh, well, there's some plinking/fouling ammo", but then started to think more about it, and decided that it's not worth messing around w/. I've worked up this load w/ all the same COAL's (and of course everything else remaining the same except powder weight) and was getting about one grain off of the max powder listed by the bullet manufacturer.

Could .03" less case capacity really affect the overall pressure that much to cause problems? Well, I guess I decided I don't want to find out....so I'm wondering what people would recommend for a bullet puller for 20 bullets (and potential future needs). One of the $14 dollar plastic ones, or something that's more expensive and fits on the press. Not sure exactly how these things work, but I was hoping that it wouldn't make a big mess, and that I could still use the same bullets and powder.

[KI.W.]

Moi. Could .030" less capacity ....It is not capacity, it is only OAL. Yuo can shoot those cartridges because 30-06 has long neck and powder room. Kauko.

[FieroCDSP]

The plastic(kinetic) ones have the advantage in that they usually don't screw up the bullets. THe problem is that you have to sit there and whack the end of a 4x4 with it to work it.

The cam-style pullers (like the Hornaday I have) use different collets for ranges of bullet sizes, so you have to get separate collets for 9mm, 40S&W, 45auto, 30cal rifle, etc. Which can add up quickly (8 bucks a pop), and they tend to mark up the bullets (from the jaws of the collet, lesser pressure sometimes helps), but they're quick and make a good item to keep your single-stage press working after getting the progressive. They also can't reach in to get bullets that are really deep.

If you just need a puller, go for the kinetic hammer type. They're cheaper anyway.

[Jim Watson]

It won't risk damage to the gun but might affect accuracy.

I have a couple of times used a kinetic puller tapping just hard enough to move the bullet out far enough to be reseated to the desired OAL without pulling it clear out and dumping the powder. You can develop the touch.

[koja48]

What Jim said . . . for 20, I'd use a kinetic. Move them out a bit, then re-seat to the desired length. Eventually, you may want a collet puller if you anticipate needing to remove significant numbers of bullets. I made due with a kinetic model for years (and have the forearm to prove it, lol), but I eventually bought an RCBS collet puller . . . I've only used it on (uncrimped) 223 & 204 rounds, but didn't see any damage to the bullets.

[Snapping Twig]

Lots of people make up a dummy round with the bullet seated way out and smoke the bullet so they can custom seat to the length of their chamber. They repeat the exercise until the bullet just stops touching the lands.

Published OAL is a general and generic thing.

You shouldn't have any problems firing those rounds if you choose to do so.

Kenetic bullet pullers are quite effective.

[gandog56]

Kenetic bullet pullers are quite effective.

And cheap. too.

[Ol` Joe]

Unless they are smokin` hot I`d shoot them. I don`t think 0.03" will make much difference in pressure in a `06 sized case at normal levels. It might in a straight walled handgun cartridge though.
I work up my loads at the lands and when I reach max I start dropping back at 0.005" until accuracy improves then starts degrading, or I reach a point around 0.05" and give up. This is with cartridges on both the `06 and 308 case. I`ve yet to find a problem with pressure due to shortening the OAL.