bullet pulling question

1chig

I have a stupid question.i have some 30-06 ammo that has been resized and loaded. I do not like the bullet that is in them. If i pull the bullet do i have to re-size the case or can i just punch another bullet in them???

B17-P51

Resize the case with the primer stem out of the die.If the new bullet is the same powder and charge (highly unlikely) dump the powder into a pan and reinstall it after you size. If not you will have to remeasure.

XXCross

Rather than removing the primer stem, just back it out far enough to avoid the primer. You will still need to run the expander ball out of the ctg. neck or your cases will be a very tight fit for any new bullet you try to seat.

JustC

it's less work to just shoot them and reload. Pulling bullets, then getting the powder back in them, then resizing the neck for uniform neck tension, etc is a real PITA

336marlin

Using a collett type puller it is possible.

joshmb1982

my brother loaded up a bunch of 30-06 ammo back when he was in gunsmith school(that was a waste). in one box i had 3 rds that wouldnt fit in a mauser98 30-06 i have. i ended up pulling all his lads to start over. i bought that rcbs bulletpuller that looks like a hammer. i didnt think theyd be that hard to get out.

Mobuck

Considering the price of primers and bullets it would pay well to pull the bullets. A hammer type puller is cheap and works OK. Soft points may be dinged up some but testing shows the damage will not compromise later use. Don't smack concrete with the puller-use a piece of lumber/firewood. I have simply replaced the bullet w/o any resizing. It depends on what type/burning rate powder is used. Some don't work well with a light bullet pull. The possibility of bullet setback is increased by not resizing the neck.

jonk

I've never resized when I'm pulling. But as is said, it may depend on the powder. A very slow burning powder that needs a firm crimp may need resizing.

1chig

thanks guys . i have a hornady puller not to bad . i think ill pullem and resize. thanks again

1chig

wait,, one more I am using a lee reloading die. Do i just back the primer pin out , say even with bottom of die would that be enough to save primer and still size case . IM glad this forum is here!!

JustC

yes,..remove the decapping pin

sandwarrior

Just screw it out the top. Lee dies primer pins are (used to be) a screw in collet around the smooth shaft of the pin.

Personally, I wouldn't resize as you're just working the brass more unnecessarily. Just pull the bullets, re-powder if your puller requires you to do so, and seat the bullets you want. You will still have plenty of hold on that bullet.

1chig

thanks again for all the help. What im doing is pulling some 165g. Failsafe bullets and dumping the h4831 powder and replasing the bullets with 150g. nosler bt. and the powder with imr 4064. I didnt want to have to resize if i didnt have to. Ididnt know if the case would have enough presure to hold the new bullet tight enough or not[?] thanks

Okie743

If I want to save the bullets I use the kinetic type bullet puller, because the RCBS collet type puller distorts the bullets! When using the kinetic type bullet puller I place some foam in the end of the puller so as the point of the bullet don't get distorted! Couple of the foam ear plugs works great!
Most of time you can plan on removing the de-priming pin from your sizer die and re-size the necks because the bullets will be too loose! You can get a immediate feel for such by doing a immediate bullet seating test without powder in the case and you will find that the feel will be too loose and a case could leave a bullet in the chamber and next round if fired would try to send two bullets down the barrel, etc! (also bullets with varying pull from cases will usually cause groups to open up) Be sure and wear safety glasses and a face shield is additional protection during all these operations, because you are dealing with live primers, live rounds etc!
What I'm saying is protect your eyes fully, because you won't grow any new ones, but you might can hear others having fun shooting their guns, but you can't see them!

tommie

quote:Originally posted by 1chig
I have a stupid question.i have some 30-06 ammo that has been resized and loaded. I do not like the bullet that is in them. If i pull the bullet do i have to re-size the case or can i just punch another bullet in them???

firstly you should ensure that the type of powder will still be safe for new bullets that you wish to use--after you removed unwanted bullets and inserted new ones you will have to check if they still fit snugly and if process did not ream the case neck--if still tight it should not be a problem-some bullets differ form other so check carefully.

1chig

thanks for the help guys,, got them taken care of