Using an RCBS Collete Bullet Puller with Progressive Press

[rdtompki]

I had a powder drop misadventure that left me with 100 9mm cartridges with some powder load uncertainty. I wanted to take apart a good percentage of these, more than would be feasible with my kinetic tool. I bought the subject device and it work beautifully in my Hornady LNL AP press event with coated lead bullets.

RCBS advises against using the die in a progressive press and indicates that it won't work with lead bullets. I assume these cautions relate to the stresses that might be produced by heavily crimped and/or larger caliber bullets? Can anyone confirm this? I'd probably shy away from larger calibers, but I'm only going to be loading 9mm and 40S&W.

 

[gamestalker]

For 9mm and .40 cal. I wouldn't think it would be an issue. But I've pulled some bottle necks, and also some roll crimped loads that were pretty tough to break free.

The rule of thumb here that has worked well for me, is bump the bullet a few thou with the seating die first to break them free, they will pull a lot easier. And if they seem to be excessively resistant, you might want to use a different press, single stage would be best, or switch to a kinetic puller.

GS

 

[rdtompki]

I opened up about 40 bullets so kinetic would have been tough, but the main reason for the collete puller was my need to weigh the powder. I only found one load out of the 40 that was slightly higher than max.