new bullet puller needed

[WestKentucky]

I broke my kinetic bullet puller today trying to break down a heavily crimped 357 round just to ease my mind after second guessing myself after a few test loads got built.

Whats the best way to go for a bullet puller? I dont plan to use it a whole lot, and since i do put a heavy crimp on 357 and 38 im not too sure that i need to buy another kinetic puller just to beat it up and break another one trying to get the bullet to move. Suggestions would be appreciated. Until then, my old kinetic puller (sans-handle) is duct taped to a broom handle and it still ont budge the bullet and its rather awkward to swing now. I may try a golf club handle tomorrow as i just need to pull 1 to weigh.

 

[RainDodger]

If you're not going to get a kinetic one, that leaves a collet type. That's what I use. Works great and generally doesn't damage the bullet. Of course it needs to have enough bullet to "grab"... you couldn't use it on a flush-seated wadcutter for instance. I can't remember the last time I used my kinetic puller.

 

[TenDriver]

Another vote for the collet type. You'll never look back once you buy one.

Shop around to put together a package of the puller and the collets you'll need. I found the Forster to be the most cost effective for my needs.

 

[witchhunter]

West, if your bullet puller is an RCBS they will replace it. Best to use several lighter taps than one huge whack. They last longer that way, ask how I know this.

 

[788Ham]

If using a kinetic puller, I use a 6" X 6" hunk of timber block, heavy enough to pull those rounds, also stays put.

 

[JWH321]

Yet another vote for the collet type. And I can supply parts for at least three types of broken kinetic types -- broken parts that is. Shipping is extra of course.

 

[sexybeast]

I have both but seem to use the impact all the time. Usually I have just a few to pull and with pistol I shoot mostly lead.
As someone said earlier, "it depends on the bullet".
I've found that I have only used my collet puller with fmj rifle rounds. At least that limits the collets I had to buy.
For impact pullers go with the RCBS. Best company and best warranty.

 

[Smirak]

I bought a kinetic puller when I started second guessing my loads a while back. It was a Frankford arsenal brand I believe. It never really worked for me. The part you screw on came loose after a couple whacks. Also, no matter how "softly" I rapped the puller, as soon as the bullet released, powder went everywhere. I need to buy a collet style puller now, but I load in a progressive, so I need to buy a single stage press now too (unless I disengage my lnl).

That said, I too have looked at the foster, and I think it to be the most cost effective for my purposes as well.

 

[J_McLeod]

I had a RCBS impact puller for about a year before my son broke. I replaced it with a Lyman and I'm not as happy with it. The piece that hold the bullet tends to come apart easily. this weekend I pulled several .243 100gr Hornady BTSP and the tips got a little deformed from the impact.

 

[BobWright]

Most of my reloads are base on Keith-type semi-wadcutter bullets, and collet type pullers that fit into your press are all but useless on these.

You broke the handle on a kinetic type bullet puller? Wow!

Mine is the RCBS type with maybe 3/8" hex (or octagon) steel rod.

Hint: I use the RCBS shell holder instead of the case holder that comes with the bullet puller. Faster and less frustrating to use. This the shell holder for my re-loading press.

Bob Wright

 

[witchhunter]

To stop deforming bullets, use an old foam earplug in the front of it. Works great. Then pour bullet and powder in a clean bowl to reuse. Repeat.

 

[gamestalker]

Kinetic pullers, and even the collet types are easier to pull with if you first seat the bullet a hair more, without crimp of course. This helps to free the bullet up a little bit before attempting to pull it.

As for which puller to use, I use both and have found each has it's limitations. That said, pulling roll crimped handgun bullets can be difficult with a collet puller, this is due to the limited amount of bullet shank for the collet to grab onto.

GS

 

[WestKentucky]

My kinetic was a clear blue plastic with a square metal handle. It broke by me whacking it on a carpeted floor a couple hundred times and it not ever moving my bullet at all. I think it was already cracked because I never really got rough with it.

 

[dickttx]

I have seen where several people have said RCBS will replace their broken kinetic puller. Is that from actual experience or just assuming that they will do that on everything.
I recently e-mailed them needing three small items. They sent two of them but said I would have to order the collet for my kinetic puller that had been eaten away from use.

 

[BYJO4]

I use the RCBS kinetic puller for handgun loads and the collet puller for rifle.

 

[rchery59]

If using a kinetic puller, I use a 6" X 6" hunk of timber block, heavy enough to pull those rounds, also stays put.

The hardest hardwood you can find. I use a block of osage orange, makes a world of difference

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I got back into reloading not quite a year ago now and bought a collet puller from RCBS with a lot of other new stuff.

I'll never use a kinetic puller again. The collet style puller is more suited to the way I do things.

VooDoo

 

[emptybrass]

Take a look here...
http://grip-n-pull.com

 

[WestKentucky]

Grip-n-pull seems like a probable winner... Time to make my own. Though because I see improvements to be made, and I want all my calibers on one setup. Sorry if anybody here owns patents or anything, but I'm making one just for me.

 

[TenDriver]

I bought a kinetic puller when I started second guessing my loads a while back. It was a Frankford arsenal brand I believe. It never really worked for me. The part you screw on came loose after a couple whacks. Also, no matter how "softly" I rapped the puller, as soon as the bullet released, powder went everywhere. I need to buy a collet style puller now, but I load in a progressive, so I need to buy a single stage press now too (unless I disengage my lnl).

That said, I too have looked at the foster, and I think it to be the most cost effective for my purposes as well.

Wrap a little Teflon tape around the thread and it'll solve that problem. The tape will last several, and I mean SEVERAL rounds before you need reapply.

Anyone have any experience with that Grip n Pull? Looks like a nice product.

 

[Elkins45]

Do you care about saving the bullets? If not then just use your press and a pair of vice grips. Remove the die, run the ram up until the bullet sticks out of the top of the press opening, then grab the bullet with vice grips. Yank up on the handle and pull the case off of the bullet.

 

[deadeye dick]

I use a Frankfort with no problems. I have a 55 # anvil that I wack on. Works for me.

 

[Swampman]

The "Grip-n-pull" looks interesting but I have my doubts.
A standard collet type puller has four "fingers" that completely encircle the bullet and provide equal force from all four sides.
The Grip-n-pull encircles the bullet, but it seems like the majority of the pressure is going to come from the direction that the two jaws are moving in from, much like a pair of pliers.

I'm worried that it might tend to smash bullets out of round.

 

[jgh4445]

Lately all of the brass from the bullets I'm pulling with the kinetic puller, pops out of the top of the puller as soon as the bullet releases. Powder every where. Sometimes the bullet too. The hole in the cap should be smaller I think.

 

[788Ham]

^^^^ The knob on the top of the puller, that holds the catridge case? Tighten it down a little bit, will secure the case better, not allowing fly-away things !