Need a new bullet puller (collet type)

Wildbillz said:

Hi All
I have a bunch of 40 S&W ammo (reloaded) that I need to pull down. I think I would like to get a collet type puller to do this as it looks easyer then using the kinetic hammer type. It looks like the chosies are either RCBS or Hornady. Anyone recommend one over the other? Would like to pick up the puller and a couple of the collets for it so I can cover most of the rounds I reload for.

Thanks
WB

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I have the RCBS and like it a lot. I use it in an RCBS Partner single-stage press and it makes for a compact and easy to use pulling station. Nice thing about the collet type is you get to recover the powder and primer easily, too. Most times with the RCBS and jacketed bullets, the bullet is undamaged and unmarked so I can reuse it, too. I have not tried lead or plated so can't answer if they will be reusable or not. It depends on how tight you have to make the collet pinch in to pull the bullet. I have not used the Hornady but if it's like the rest of their product line, it works and is robust. Hope this helps.

I use the Hornady Collet Pullet, but I have no experience with the RCBS. I use the Hornady quite successfully for many different calibers, but 40 S&W is the most challenging as the closest collet is .410. Consequently, the initial setup is critical to get it just right or you (I) end up grabbing the case mouth more often than I'd like. That said, once set the process is highly repeatable, significantly faster and quieter than kinetic pullers.

I use the RCBS and have no complaints.

I have the RCBS, but if I was starting over, I think I would go Hornady since it uses a top lever instead of a 1/4 - 1/2 turn crank.
With either, it may be hard to get a grip on pistol bullets - never tried them.

I also use the RCBS. No experience with the Hornady one. The RCBS does a great job and I'm glad I got it. I have collets for every caliber I reload for. Had to pull a bunch of plated 9mm. No damage to bullets and I reloaded them with no noticable difference in shooting.

I use the Hornady. It works very well. Sometimes, if I only have a few to pull,, I won't even set the collet. I can just put a light finger touch on the lever to feel the right tension. In my mind it seems to be better than a quarter turn of the handle, but I have not used the RCBS.

Collets work great with jacketed bullets. If you have lead you need the whack-a-mole. I have the RCBS, haven't tried the Hornady.

But I LIKE hitting things with a hammer! ;-)

-kBob

I'm in the RCBS camp and can tell you that right now the Puller and the collets are Out of Stock about everywhere. Can find some on ebay but right now you will pay a premium for them.

9mmepiphany said:

It is also more flexible as you can vary the pressure applied to the lever as you feel the collet tighten on the bullet

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Not that I want to disagree, but the same thing can be said for the RCBS. It’s very easy to gauge how tightly the bullet is being held.
I’ve only ever used the RCBS though...
I’m sure the Hornady is great, but I’d buy the RCBS again with no hesitation.

but at this point, I’d say but whichever one you can find, and you’ll be well tooled for your task

I like my rcbs puller.

I have the hornady and rcbs. I feel about the same as 9mmepiphany. I think the rcbs is more durable though, the cam lever on the hornady is its weakest point while being the best feature.

I only use one on occasion but the rcbs works well enough to not buy a different tool

I also have the Hornady puller after trying the RCBS one at a friends house. The major problem is with most lead and many handgun bullets the collet style puller would not get a grip at all and I ended up using the hammer type. You might be luckier than me, I hope so.

I too have the Hornady. I had an RCBS but didn't like how it worked. Sold the green one and got a red one.

I have the Hornady one and works just fine for the few times I've needed it. Like Frog0207 said, it works for most rifle but may not for handgun ammo. If your only gong to do a few kinetic ones are fine and your only choice for most pistol ammo. These work with all but in any case if you have a round that is heavily crimped it will take some work. If your dealing with mil ammo that has sealant, put them in your bullet seater die and bump the bullet down to break the seal. This will allow the bullet to be pulled easier.

I should update my post to report that over 90% of my pulls with the Hornady Cam Lock puller were handgun loads. They work perfectly well with plated, jacketed, and even Sinterfire frangible bullets...with the already mentioned caveat that 40 S&W requires paying more attention. The Sinterfire frangible 40 S&W projectiles actually measure .399" vs .400" or .401", and thus the .410" collet may require a couple of goes.

No challenge at all with .300 Blackout, the only rifle cartridge I've needed to pull.

Definitely for most of us a case of "I have and therefore this is the best although I haven't tried the other". I have the Hornady and love it.

I have an RCBS, Midway and Berry’s (sold by Dillon). Personally I like the Berrys out of all 3. Of course I have a tendency to break them and so far Dillon has warrantied them for me.

I must be an oddball. I have a Forster. Works fine-like everything else -good luck finding one.