Are unloaded bullets,powder, brass usable?

[TonyM]

Ok, first off I know I screwed up-- I have a browning .300 mag that seems to shoot just about anything and shoot it well. So, I made a critical mistake to "save time" and trips to the range. I loaded up 100 rounds of 150 grain accubonds (not max load). Well, I went to the range and the groups are terrible-- figures the one time I don't load up 5 at a time to test and this happens. I have an impact bullet puller. Can I reuse the bullets? How about the powder? What about the cases, or will the neck be too stretched out, needing resizing? If so, how do I do that given the primers are "live?" Any/all advice would be appreciated.... I've learned my lesson regarding loading a bunch of loads before testing, even if they aren't near max load....

 

[bomb dropper]

We all make Boo boos don't be to hard on yourself.

I have a kentic puller and have reused bullets from it alot. The powder is also still good. The case is still fine too it might need ran through you resize die but I doubt it.

If it's just your charge weight that's wrong I'd pull the bullet, re charge and seat the bullet no need to de prime.

Just my $.02

 

[TonyM]

Any difference noticed regarding accuracy when you've done this (pulled the bullets and reloaded them)?

 

[loadedround]

I have frequently pulled and reused components as long as I'm 100% sure of the powder type. I will usually neck size the rifle cases or FL size pistol cases with the decapper rod removed.

 

[TonyM]

Can I neck size if I only have a full length sizing die (RCBS)?

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you put something soft in the nose of your bullet puller, it will help to keep the bullets from deforming. You can cut a piece of stiff foam, or just use a couple of foam earplugs.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[oneounceload]

Put a yellow foam ear plug in the bottom of the puller to keep the tip good.

 

[rcmodel]

Can I neck size if I only have a full length sizing die (RCBS)?

Most certainly.

Back the die off 1/4 - 1/2 turn, and back out the expander far enough it doesn't punch out the good primer.

Then Gofer it!

rc

 

[Smokey Joe]

Bullet puller padding...

When I first got my kinetic bullet puller I discovered right away that the noses of the bullets deformed when they hit the hard plastic of the puller. I solved that with the simplest of expedients--a simple wad of facial tissue. No need to use up a good earplug. A cotton ball or 2 would probably work, or a small wad of fabric. Whatever soft material comes to hand easily and cheaply will do the job.

 

[soloban]

The RCBS puller comes with a piece of foam in the bottom to catch the bullet. Pull away, you should be able to recharge the powder to the correct load and reseat the bullet without resizing. I've done something similar in the past with too light of an 8mm Mauser load.

 

[TonyM]

So basically to just neck size using FL die, I set it up as normal, then back off 1/4 to 1/2 turn and lock it down? How far do I need to go, or is anywhere between 1/4 and 1/2 good, i.e. is there a "feel" to neck sizing vs. full length? Perhaps I'm being too anal.....

 

[lwknight]

You don't even have to size them again after pulling the bullets.
The tension stays the same. If you are crimping , juse recrimp them.