Best/Good Enough Puller?

B

Bowyer

CGN Regular
Rating - 97.7%
43   1   0
Location
BC
I've searched the forum a couple of times and am still not sure what to get.

I see the RCBS kinetic pullers everywhere and they're not really that expensive. I'm just wanting to pull bullets from surplus and maybe change the powder, but definitley switch out the bullets using a Lee Classic Loader.

Just looking for some advice. Thanks very much in advance.
 
I've not had any issues with my kinetic puller. It's like the RCBS but has an aluminum handle; not sure exactly who makes it. With soft point bullets you will get tip damage but if pulling surplus FMJ there shouldn't be any issues. If the bullets are sealed in the cases (usually a coloured compound visible around the mouth of the case) then it is a lot of work to pound them out. One method I have read about to make it easier is to push the bullets in a few thousands which will break the seal and make them easier to pull out.

I have heard of non-bonded bullets (where the jacket and lead core aren't mechanically or chemically welded together; usually match bullets) having the core and jacket separate when pulled with a kinetic puller. I have pulled some match non-bonded bullets and couldn't get them to shoot under 1-1/2 MOA when new match bullets could shoot 1/2 to 3/4 MOA. Haven't noticed any difference with pulled vs. new when using bonded hunting bullets or FMJ's.
 
I have a Hornady Cam-Lock, which I think is great for production-type work. It's a little fiddly to get the collet dialed in, but once it's there you can blast through a pile of ammo. You do have to buy collets for every caliber, though.
 
I tried one of the RCBS kinetic pullers and ended up returning it. Just couldn't get it to work. Bought one of the RCBS pullers that mount in the press and works great.
 
If you plan on pulling many surplus bullets you'll quickly realize it's too much like work. Especially when the are crimped &/or sealed into the brass. The kinetic pullers are fine for the odd reload you mess up but for quantity or surplus a press mounted collet puller is the only way to go! I've been there done that so just tryin to save ya some blisters! Cheers!
 
I use the RCBS kinetic. I broke it after a few hundred rounds and RCBS had a new one to me in a week no questions asked. I like it and it will do for most peoples uses, but I think a press type would be more handy for doing large amounts of jacketed rifle pull downs. The problem I think with most is there are a bunch of collets to buy for different calibres. I had the RCBS one and sold it new with one or no collets. If you have one of those and say a .30 cal collet and need to pull some .223 tonight you're out of luck unless you have a kinetic puller as a back up. Lee has a new press type puller die in development that might come out this year along with their new trim die. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzNTuQuebvs
 
hk33ka1 said:
I use the RCBS kinetic. I broke it after a few hundred rounds and RCBS had a new one to me in a week no questions asked. I like it and it will do for most peoples uses, but I think a press type would be more handy for doing large amounts of jacketed rifle pull downs. The problem I think with most is there are a bunch of collets to buy for different calibres. I had the RCBS one and sold it new with one or no collets. If you have one of those and say a .30 cal collet and need to pull some .223 tonight you're out of luck unless you have a kinetic puller as a back up. Lee has a new press type puller die in development that might come out this year along with their new trim die. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzNTuQuebvs
Click to expand...

Same here. I contacted RCBS and sent pictures of it in the beginning of December. I was told a replacement was on the way but as it hadn't arrived as of yesterday, I sent them another e-mail, inquiring. Waiting for a reply as we speak.
In addition, I have recently acquired one of their standard bullet pullers and a number of collets, and a couple more are on the way. From what little I've used/tried it, seems to work well.
 
Yes.. that will work, I've tried it. Never had much use for the 3 piece collar that comes with the puller. I don't recommend this puller for crimped bullets.
I just put a bit of cloth or paper towel in the bottom of the puller, won't damage soft point bullets this way.
 
Thanks a lot, guys!

That is very helpful and much appreciated.

I was intending on reloading for my Mosin Nagant M38s, so I wouldn't be doing hundreds of rounds at a time but it may end up being that many in the long run in trying to find a good bullet/powder combo for plinking.


Thanks again, gents
 
Last edited:
I've got one of each and prefer the one that goes into the press.
There have been different methods to prevent bullet tip damage when it
gets released.
I believe one chap put a push on the rear pencil eraser in there to soften
up the landing.
I just don't care for the powder getting all mixed up and having to deal with it.
Easier to pull the bullet, then dump the powder into the original can.
The thing with the RCBS puller is the need to have the proper collets.
It's only kerch$ng......right?
Haha, you thought I was going to type......aye.........aye?
 
If you buy a kinetic puller, avoid using one if you have a sinus cold. Will feel like your teeth fillings (if applicable) are going to fall out with each womp of the hammer.
 
kamlooky said:
I've got one of each and prefer the one that goes into the press.
There have been different methods to prevent bullet tip damage when it
gets released.
I believe one chap put a push on the rear pencil eraser in there to soften
up the landing.
I just don't care for the powder getting all mixed up and having to deal with it.
Easier to pull the bullet, then dump the powder into the original can.
The thing with the RCBS puller is the need to have the proper collets.
It's only kerch$ng......right?
Haha, you thought I was going to type......aye.........aye?
Click to expand...

I've only recently got my RCBS press set-up and collets, haven't used it much yet but so far, I do like it. Neater and tidier but I still will keep and use the replacement kenetic puller once it arrives. What I use in mine to protect the bullet tip is an ear plug or a piece of the no-draft material I use as a filler with small quantities of fast burning powder for light loads like in the 42-70.
 
I've done the shell-holder trick, but find it too hard on the rims.My old Quinetics puller has hung in there for over 20 years, the RCBS that I got to handle bigger cases broke in the first year. The one I bought to replace it hasn't broken yet.

If beating the puller on a concrete floor, make sure you don't hit a dropped primer. I can guarantee that it will scare the crap out of you. ;) When you are swinging a live cartridge in a hammer and hear a loud bang, your first thought won't be "so thats where that primer went".
 
All kinetic pullers will eventually break. Ask me how I know.

A foam earplug in the bottom of the puller will stop bullet tips from getting damaged.
 
I use the kinetic style and it works really well for the odd times a guy needs it, but if you need to pull say "20 plus" shells apart....it sucks like a bad job. There is one thing I did notice with the kinetic, maybe someone else here can verify this also: With the 3 piece collar.....no matter how tight you make the cap, when you use this hammer, I find that powder( if using the small ball type powder like Winchester 760) will come out through the 3 piece collar.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom