Unknown reloaded ammo

H Wally

H Wally

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
193   0   0
Location
Canada/New Zealand
So, I just got a hundred reloaded 8x57mm rounds. Half are 8x57mm headstamped, and the other half are resized 270 win and 30-06 brass. Loaded with 150 gr interlock .323.

What's the consensus on using reloaded brass? I'm nervous to put them into my new rifle, but I don't have a puller, and while I do have the basic equiptment for reloading (press, dies, holder) I don't have the space right now.
 
IMO I would never suggest anyone use ammo that that are not sure about.

They could be fine or they could be dangerous & you have no way of knowing.
As much as you will probably want to use, I suggest that you don't.
Put them aside in a container & mark them to be pulled. When you can pull
the bullets & dump out the powder then you can reload them yourself.
 
maynard said:
RCBS Kinetic Bullet Puller. Every reloading bench needs one.
Click to expand...

Got one of those as well and it works fine for the odd time I need to pull a bullet. Can't say I'd envy anyone having to pull 100 though. Get a block of wood to smack it on, as you'll ruin your floor or bench hitting it with the hammer.
 
Grizzlypeg said:
Got one of those as well and it works fine for the odd time I need to pull a bullet. Can't say I'd envy anyone having to pull 100 though. Get a block of wood to smack it on, as you'll ruin your floor or bench hitting it with the hammer.
Click to expand...

Get a block of wood and smack it on it..... I'm afraid I really don't know what you're suggesting... Do you mean I should mash the bullet into the casing???:confused:

I suppose I could try to make a kinetic puller...
 
No, he means hit the wood with the puller. Hitting the floor or table will leave dents. Hitting concrete with the puller is not a good idea either as it is plastic, at least there is a bit of give with wood.
 
H Wally said:
Get a block of wood and smack it on it..... I'm afraid I really don't know what you're suggesting... Do you mean I should mash the bullet into the casing???:confused:

I suppose I could try to make a kinetic puller...
Click to expand...

For $20 at WSS I don't think it would be worth while to try and make one.
 
An inexpensive puller is a pair of plier type wire cutter/strippers. Use the portion of the stripper between the handles designed for stripping wire. Simply put a round in your shell holder, raise the ram until the neck of the case sticks up above the press, squeeze the strippers onto the shank of the bullet. As you lower the ram the tool will contact the top of the press and the bullet will slide easily out of the cartridge. Done correctly there will just be a couple of dimples left on the bullet, and it can safely be reloaded.
 
you might as well get a bullet puller anyway- the hammer type is a universal fit( all calibers)- and you'll need it sooner or later for reloading- it's basically the eraser to your pencil - and who says you have to do all 100 or whatever at once- i've had a few where i've had to pull the entire run( i use a progressive) of 100 due to a powder mix-up or no powder, or folded primers- just do it until you get tired or bored, then go back when you feel like it-and scrap the powder, since you don't know what it is- i'd also be inclined to scrap the brass, as you don't know how many times it's been fired, and if you're told only once, i'd be suspicious- even if the source can be trusted- in other words, if you want, keep the bullets, but scrap the lot for safety's sake-just write it off as a bad idea
 
Never use reloaded ammo if you are not confident in its origins, or the abilities of the reloader. It's your life.


RCBS bullet puller for sure.
 
Spend the $20 on a kinetic puller. Never, ever, ever, shoot other people's reloads. You have no idea if the loader knew what he was doing or what powder was used. Don't try to re-use the powder either. Burn it or throw it on your garden/lawn.
"...a block of wood to smack it on..." Wood ,especially plywood, has too much give. Use a hunk of granite, preferably with one flatish side, about the size of a cantaloupe. One or two whacks is all that is required, most of the time. Best of all, a rock, won't cost you anything. It won't do anything to the puller either.
 
Do not shoot reloaded ammo that isn't from a commercial source. Years ago, I bought a couple hundred .223 that were reloaded. After examining them, I was not comfortable with the thought of shooting them. I ended up pulling the lot. Powder was mixed in with grass fertilizer, bullets were reused. Brass was loaded one at a time and primers fired. I then crushed the brass with pliers.

I used a kinetic hammer. I tapped the hammer on the basement concrete floor with firm strikes. You shouldn't bash it, wanting the bullet to come out on the first strike, as that will damage the hammer. Took about three to four strikes each to slide the bullet out of the brass. I found that doing this on a block of wood dampened the effect too much to be useful. Examining the hammer, there is absolutely no damage.

I should also note that I have put together ammo for friends but I insist that they join in on the fun. They see exactly how it is put together and they have part in quality control.
 
If you don't want to buy a kinetic puller, take about 2' of 2x4" fir and drill a 1/2" hole through it near one end. Put a shell holder on the shell, stick the shell in the hole with a piece of duct tape over it to keep it there. Smack the 2x4 on something hard and heavy, like an RCBS kinetic puller and voila the bullet comes out. Might take 2 or 3 whacks but it works. The plastic puller is easier in the long run. :>)

cheers mooncoon
 
Boomer said:
An inexpensive puller is a pair of plier type wire cutter/strippers. Use the portion of the stripper between the handles designed for stripping wire. Simply put a round in your shell holder, raise the ram until the neck of the case sticks up above the press, squeeze the strippers onto the shank of the bullet. As you lower the ram the tool will contact the top of the press and the bullet will slide easily out of the cartridge. Done correctly there will just be a couple of dimples left on the bullet, and it can safely be reloaded.
Click to expand...

I have an RCBS puller with quite a few different collets, but usually reach for the pliers. It works, and is quick!

Have reloaded bullets pulled this way, and there is virtually no difference in POI or group size. Buddy of mine and I purposely tried this one afternoon, just to see what would happen.

Ted
 
Pulling bullets

Ted, that has been my experience, also. I have used both types of pullers. Don't like the hammer type and the collet is slow to set up, but the pliers work. In all my years of reloading I am sure I havn't wrecked enough bullets to begin to pay for a puller.
Bruce
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom