Pulling bullets

[sfl_gunner]

So when I got into reloading years ago, the guy I bought my stuff from said it was all or nothing when buying his set up. For the most part I think I got a good/decent deal. Along with it came a bunch of loaded bullets which I have no desire to fire since I don’t know how they were loaded. Which leads me to this interesting situation.
I have a bunch of 38 specials I’m pulling apart with the intention of reloading. I’m pulling them with a collet puller on my single stage. I’ve noticed that some of the powder is really sticky inside of the cases. Why would that be? Also I’ve dented the noses of a few of the bullets I’ve pulled. I wonder if they are good to reuse if it’s just the nose that’s damaged?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Someone gave me a bunch of pulled bullets. They had collet rings on them. The deal was if i like them. Just cover the shipping. They worked fine. I gave him double the shipping price. So some dents should not matter. Not sure why the powder would be sticky. Maybe some lube got in it?

 

[rfwobbly]

>> It doesn't matter what the powder looks like because you're not going to use it. It is most probably too much sizing lube or bullet lube.

>> 38Spcl doesn't travel fast enough (or usually far enough) for the aerodynamics of a dented nose to matter. If you'll use them for target practice under 50 feet, then you're OK.

Have fun.

 

[sfl_gunner]

Thanks everyone.

>> It doesn't matter what the powder looks like because you're not going to use it. It is most probably too much sizing lube or bullet lube.

>> 38Spcl doesn't travel fast enough (or usually far enough) for the aerodynamics of a dented nose to matter. If you'll use them for target practice under 50 feet, then you're OK.

Have fun.

As far as the powder is concerned I just wanna know because I’m interested. And I’m certainly glad I’m not shooting these.

 

[AJC1]

Thanks everyone.




As far as the powder is concerned I just wanna know because I’m interested. And I’m certainly glad I’m not shooting these.

Mist likely lube if they are cast. No big deal just a little more smoke.

 

[kell]

First question is how much is a bunch? If it's 2 or 3 hundred, pop the bullets out and re-use the case. Otherwise, don't chance messing up guns with a bunch? of questionable stuff. Second, powder should never be stickey - not a little not at all. Throw it away. Third, Do not use dented or otherwise boogered up bullets. Keep the cases and move on.

 

[sfl_gunner]

I haven’t counted them but it’s probably less than 100. I don’t have much for 38 spc so I’m trying to conserve the cases and bullets if I can. Not shooting anyone else’s reloads.

 

[AJC1]

I haven’t counted them but it’s probably less than 100. I don’t have much for 38 spc so I’m trying to conserve the cases and bullets if I can. Not shooting anyone else’s reloads.

If you have need of cases I have a ton. PM me...

 

[kell]

I haven’t counted them but it’s probably less than 100. I don’t have much for 38 spc so I’m trying to conserve the cases and bullets if I can. Not shooting anyone else’s reloads.

Cases don't seem to be the problem right now. It's the other components that are in short supply.

 

[sfl_gunner]

If you have need of cases I have a ton. PM me...

I worked out a trade I got more cases and bullets coming my way.

 

[DMW1116]

Is it a reasonable thing to save powder from cartridges I reloaded? My latest 308 test met my accuracy requirement after the third batch. Rather than keep the others from the incremental testing can I pull the bullets and reuse the powder? The last 3 charges are near Hornadys max charge or above.

 

[rfwobbly]

I find shooting 38Spcl to be extremely fun and highly conservative. You can get supreme accuracy for pennies, and not need to chase a single cartridge case ! When things get better, try 148gr DEWC with Accurate No2 powder.

Enjoy !

 

[rfwobbly]

Is it a reasonable thing to save powder from cartridges I reloaded ? My latest 308 test met my accuracy requirement after the third batch. Can I pull the bullets and reuse the powder?

Only if you loaded the cartridges and KNOW (eg documented) exactly what powder is inside the cartridge. If so, then yes you can.

 

[DMW1116]

Yes on all counts. I loaded these up last week and tested on Saturday. I ran out of time and didn’t make it through the whole batch. The second from the bottom had the best accuracy. I’m still a bit concerned having CFE Pistol and CFE 223 in the house at the same time but I’m certain (documented) of the powder used. To be honest the top 2 loads are above Hornadys maximum and I kind of see it as divine intervention I didn’t get to try them, for the sake of my rifle if nothing else.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I keep the bottle of what powder im using at the time on the bench. It helps from confusing powders. Comes in real handy if you walk away from the bench for awhile and forget whats in the powder hopper.

 

[mdi]

Like CoalCracker Al mentioned, make it a hard and fast practice to have only one jug of powder on your bench at a time. Also a hint for new reloaders; when you set down at your bench and before you do anything else, read the labels on each component. I've been reloading a few decades and I still write the load on a sticky note. stick it to my powder measure, and read/check all the component labels. I made this a hard and fast habit many years ago and thankfully my method has worked perfectly. Never used any "wrong" powder or primers and all bullets were the right ones...

 

[DMW1116]

That is my procedure as well though I don’t use a powder measure for load development. I stick with a coffee mug, Lee dipper, and powder trickler. The coffee mug stays in the reloading area for such purposes. The 2 powder jars look similar enough that I keep them on separate shelves to avoid mix-ups. I’m quite pleased at how my budget rifles do with hand loads. I’d hate to blow one up.

 

[DMW1116]

I also keep notes in my reloading manual and a separate notebook with load specs and sources. Specs vary widely from different sources I’ve found.

 

[kmw1954]

Interesting to read the various perspectives you all have posted. Some I have agreed with and others have left me scratching my head.
For those that think it unsafe or a waste of time to pull bullets down I wish there were a way I could acquire them from you.

This past winter I received a bucket full of range rejects in all different calibers. From 22 rimfire to 8mm. Some were duds with struck primers, some there severely dented and some had measurable bullet setback. So far I have all the 22 centerfire pulled and have over 350 various weights of usable bullets, the 30cal the same thing. I also have salvaged over 140 SRP and about 160 LRP. The cases that were not dented all got saved though I do not have count on them. The rest have all gone into the scrap brass bucket. Haven't even started on the pistol stuff yet.

Then last week while at work one of the guys that had worked with us stopped by and had a box of 9mm that he had another friend load for him. He only shot a few magazines of this stuff and was having all sorts of problems with it, from FTF, stovepipes, bullet setback to 3 squibs. He explained what was going on and asked if I wanted this box and of course I accepted. There are just less than 500 rounds here all loaded with 124gr Barry's RN, CCI500 primers and Auto Comp powder. So I know what I'll be doing for awhile.

 

[sfl_gunner]

I keep notes about each load on a notebook, computer and the in each ammo box. If you are certain what powder you used you can certainly reuse the powder.