Bullet removal without special tools

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LondonDave

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Sorry guys I asked this in my other thread about selling handloaded ammo but I'm afraid it might get missed and not answered.

How difficult is it to remove bullets without special tools. I don't have any metalic reloading equipment and it sounds like I'm going to have to disassemble these handloads and sell the parts.

What is the going rate for 6.5x55 Norma brass?

Thanks,

Dave
 
Lots of ways to pull them apart but you will need a purpose built puller if you are wanting to salvage the components.

I think that you can still get a kinetic hammer type puller for $20-$30.
 
If you don't want to save the bullets you can simply run the case up the loading press and clamp onto the bullet with a pair of pliers (I use linesmans pliers because the cutter can dig into the bullet) and then draw the case down while holding the bullet with the pliers. Pops the bullet out like a hot damn. Downside is that the bullets usually end up pooched, or at least damaged to the point that they aren't accurate anymore.
 
BigUglyMan said:
If you don't want to save the bullets you can simply run the case up the loading press and clamp onto the bullet with a pair of pliers (I use linesmans pliers because the cutter can dig into the bullet) and then draw the case down while holding the bullet with the pliers. Pops the bullet out like a hot damn. Downside is that the bullets usually end up pooched, or at least damaged to the point that they aren't accurate anymore.
Click to expand...

I've removed bullets that way, quite the odd time, even using the same type pliers you do.
Having a wondering mind, I wondered how bad the pulled bullets would shoot. I've tried both jacketed 30 calibre and 44 and 45 calibre cast bullets.
Surprise! Any group I tried would be plenty good for hunting. Hard to tell if, at 100 yards, they were doing any worse than unmarked bullets.
I read thats how they react, many years ago. It might even of been Jack O'Connor that wrote it.
 
You may be able to find someone with a set of bullet pulling collets and a press that they would let you use. If you were local I'd be glad to let you use my equipment and even show you how to use it. Try asking around at the local gun shop or fish and game club.
 
BigUglyMan said:
If you don't want to save the bullets you can simply run the case up the loading press and clamp onto the bullet with a pair of pliers (I use linesmans pliers because the cutter can dig into the bullet) and then draw the case down while holding the bullet with the pliers. Pops the bullet out like a hot damn. Downside is that the bullets usually end up pooched, or at least damaged to the point that they aren't accurate anymore.
Click to expand...

This is what I do as well, only I use wire strippers that have the serrated strippers between the handles, as these lie flat on top of the press. Short pistol cartridges don't work as well with this technique, unless you use a tall shell holder, and even then some soft pistol bullets tear apart rather than pull from a tightly crimped case. A hammer style kinetic puller is better for these, although they take lots of pounding if the crimp is tight and the bullet light.
 
If you are using a kinetic puller. put some cotton in the chamber. This will prevent the soft point from getting deform.

Pound it on concrete, doesn't work that well pounding on a workbech if the bullet is tight.
 
I epoxied a small piece of rubber to prevent bullet nose damage in mine.Chances are if he doesn't have tools for pulling bullets he don't have a press either...............Harold PS:concrete will wreck a kinetic puller use a block of hardwood
 
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sell them as componants or brass & state the buyer must unload them. Or use a puller from a buddy. I have gotten reloads before just to pull & use the brass. A much easier way to get them gone.
 
Hornady's Camlock puller is one of the best I've come across yet.
Speedy: no more screwing/unscrewing a small T-handle, just push or lift a small lever.
Trusty: when settled right it stays that way and doesn't mar extracted bullets.
Economical: priced right, as well as the different caliber chucks.
PP.
 
BigUglyMan said:
If you don't want to save the bullets you can simply run the case up the loading press and clamp onto the bullet with a pair of pliers (I use linesmans pliers because the cutter can dig into the bullet) and then draw the case down while holding the bullet with the pliers. Pops the bullet out like a hot damn. Downside is that the bullets usually end up pooched, or at least damaged to the point that they aren't accurate anymore.
Click to expand...

I use this method, with large smooth pliers and a small thin rag....9/10 come out without a scratch on them...
 
If you are going to use the press and Pliers method, use a set of wire-stripping pliers, use the largest sized wire stripper, It leaves 4 tiny cuts on the bullet, but these do not seem to effect accuracy. Fast, and no new equipment to buy (if you have a set of wirestrippers.
 
I use a pair of large side cutters that have 25 cal hole milled in the jaws, so it bites a bullet in 4 places.

I have tested pulled bullets from time to time (I use them for setting up the Chrony, initial zero of a scope, etc, and cannot see much difference in a hunting rifle.
 
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