How To Use a Bullet Puller Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

A bullet puller can be a useful tool for removing a bullet from a cartridge. It’s not the most glamorous piece of equipment, but it can come in handy if you find yourself stuck with a damaged or jammed cartridge. Bullet pullers work by clamping onto the cartridge with a vice-like grip and then using leverage to pry out the bullet. This process is relatively simple.

However, without the right know-how, using a bullet puller can be an exercise in frustration. In this article, we’ll discuss different types of bullet pullers and share some tips on how to use a bullet puller like a pro. Let’s dive right in!

Different Types of Bullet Pullers

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of using a bullet puller, let’s take a look at some of the different types available. There are two types of bullet pullers available on the market, including the inertia bullet puller and the collet bullet puller.

Inertia Bullet Puller

An inertia bullet puller, also known as a kinetic puller or an impact puller, uses the principle of inertia to remove the bullet from the cartridge. The main benefit of an inertia bullet puller is that it works with any type of cartridge (rimmed or rimless).

Because this type of tool uses friction between the case and the bullet, it may be difficult to remove stubborn bullets without damaging the cartridge or spilling the powder.

How To Use an Inertia Bullet Puller

To use an inertia bullet puller, you will need the tool itself and a hard surface to strike the tool against. The steps to use the inertia bullet puller are as follows:

Disassemble the kinetic bullet puller by unscrewing the cap and removing the collet.
Insert the cartridge into the tube of the tool.
Reassemble the bullet puller by screwing the cap back on and inserting the collet over the case neck.
Strike the bullet puller firmly against a hard surface, such as a bench or the ground.
Remove the bullet from the cartridge by tipping the tool upside down and allowing the bullet to fall out.

Collet Bullet Puller

A collet bullet puller, on the other hand, uses a different mechanism to remove the bullet without damaging either component. It typically consists of a hollow cylindrical body and a strong, adjustable clamp to grip the cartridge to extract the bullet.

The collet bullet puller can be used to pull jacketed, spitzer-pointed style bullets. This extractor is also ideal for removing stubborn or tightly crimped bullets.

Tips for Using a Collet Bullet Puller

Collet bullet pullers are easy to use, but they may require additional setup. To use one, follow these steps:

Screw the bullet puller into the reloading press and lock it into place with a lock nut.
Release any tension from the ram so that it doesn’t push on the bullet puller.
Put the cartridge into the proper shell holder and raise it until it enters the collet.
Hold the puller firmly against the cartridge’s base or rim, then twist it counter-clockwise until it grabs on securely.
Depending on the leverage system on the reloading press, this may require some elbow grease. If the puller doesn’t grab on, try adjusting its position slightly until it does.
Now give the handle a sharp upward or downward blow to force the cartridge away from the bullet.
Release the tension on the collet, and the bullet will pop out.
If the cartridge doesn’t pop out on its own, gently tap the puller, and the bullet will come loose.

How To Use a Bullet Puller – Saftey Tips

Regarding firearms, safety is not an option. It’s a necessity. To avoid any accidents and injuries, you should take the following safety precautions when using a bullet puller:

When bullets are removed from cartridges, they can fly out at high speeds and cause injury or damage to nearby objects if they aren’t contained properly. Make sure to wear eye protection and other safety gear as appropriate.
Never use a bullet puller on live ammunition or bullets with primer pockets that have been fired. Doing so could cause an explosion and serious injury or death.
Use the correct size collet for the cartridge you are working with to guarantee a proper grip on the bullet.
Never use excessive force when tightening or loosening the collet as this can cause damage to the cartridge or bullet.
Always make sure that your reloading equipment, including the bullet puller, is in good working order. Check for cracks or other damage before using it. If there are any issues with the tool, don’t use it until they’re fixed.
Never try to reuse the powder or primer from a pulled cartridge as it may have been damaged during the pulling process. If you have any questions about reloading, feel free to contact a certified shooting instructor.
Always handle pulled bullets and cartridges with care as they may still contain a small amount of powder or primer residue. Gunpowder contains lead, which is highly toxic. Lead poisoning can lead to many health problems including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and muscle weakness.
Store pulled bullets and cartridges separately from live ammunition to avoid confusion.
Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable local, state, or federal laws when working with firearms and ammunition.

Summary

Bullet pullers can be an indispensable tool for gun enthusiasts and collectors. And now that you know how to use a bullet puller, you’ll be able to remove the bullets from your spent cartridges in no time.

Remember, never let your guard down when it comes to gun safety. It only takes one mistake to cause irreversible damage. So be sure to use a bullet puller only when absolutely necessary and always be careful when handling firearms!

Happy shooting!