Bullet puller questions

My inertia puller has lasted for 45 years.....but it's a little unconventional.

and a little controversial....yet not one accident in all these years ....

When it does break, it means a trip to Home Depot is all......



It does use case holders.....with keepers to keep them centered and safe. Was just thinking.....now that I have this new 3D printer, I think I can make an even better keeper.....hmmmmm.... (that is IF I can learn to use it)

The original (less safe design) was published in Handloader Magazine in 1974, I believe. Where do you think RCBS came up with the idea for the first commercial one? Here I am admitting my old age again......

Hornady Collet Puller. Does all of the 20 or so calibers I reload...including handgun.

I have been using a kinetic puller from Quinetics since 2011, and it was used when I got it. I upgraded the puller with the new Quinetics Uni-Chuck "Shim-Fit" Combo in early 2018, and it really does seem easier to pull bullets with the "Shim-Fit". https://www.quineticscorp.com/home

I too am a kinetic puller guy. Nothing says “don’t do that again” better than having to beat them out. That said, I have never told a kid to go to time out either...

Time out? We are seeing the result of "time outs" (or less) in the mob mentality in the cities.....entitled, and undisiplined mistakes of political correct society. Authorities go after the sane, who stand their ground, and encourage the insane who want to destroy everybody else's property. Rant over......back to pullers....

I've never used a press collet puller......made mistakes, but not that many....

Dewey 68 said:

Got the Lyman puller yesterday, thanks to Amazon prime. Nice to see that the shaft is aluminum, and the rubber handle is comfortable.

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$18.39?

I received the Lyman "Thor" hammer from Amazon Prime today. I promptly stuck a 9mm Luger into the small collet and the whole thing came apart. I was pushing the cartridge through the collet with it in my hands. O-ring went one way and the three machined pieces went their separate ways.

After reassembly, which was a chore, I did it again with the collet resting, where it rests in the hammer, cap on but loose, and managed to push a .38sp through with some finagling. I tried it with the 9mm again and the collet came apart . . again. A few more attempts with the 9mm without success. Same result.

I have come to the conclusion that the collets should be beveled so the case rim mouth can get a start into the collet. I am debating on whether to send it back or just bevel it myself. I know it is rather cheap, compared to some of the other brands, at "to your door" for $19.99 but I expected it to function without a battle.

I tried 9mm un-crimped, 9MM factory ammo and .38sp factory ammo. All were getting hung up on the case mouth. I think I'll send it back as it is made in China and I didn't expect that. Lyman products are on my bench alongside RCBS. I like their dies. Maybe I will call them and give them a chance to make this right or educate me on its use. It is a pretty simple device so I don't think it is operator error.

I really wanted the orange color so I could find it easily in my chest under the bench. Paint is my friend.

If anybody else has trouble getting the o-ring back on the machined parts, take a #1 collet from a trimmer setup, turn it flared end down on top of the hammer collet and press down while pushing the o-ring over the flared end of the trimmer collet and work it into the hammer collet groove that holds it all together. If that makes any sense. Makes reassembly less frustrating. I have practice so I know.

I will report back with what Lyman has to say about all this.

I use a Lyman puller myself and find that the small collet doesn't like having the round pushed in nose first.

I back the case in rim first into the bottom of the collet and it works much better.

SQLGeek said:

I use a Lyman puller myself and find that the small collet doesn't like having the round pushed in nose first.

I back the case in rim first into the bottom of the collet and it works much better.

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Go ahead . . you can say it. Works well.

I new I should have taken a step back and eyeballed the situation. Thanks!

Glad to help and glad that works for you!

Chuck R. said:

I just use the appropriate shellholder in mine.

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The Lee priming tool shellholders work as well.

I buy the cheapest bullet puller - got one 2 weeks ago for $8.
Just wrap it with leather, rubber or something laying around in the shop or garage.

Just my 2¢ worth
YMMV