[RetiredFCC]

Ok, I tried to use the search function here to find info about the Hornady Cam-Lock bullet puller and failed miserably.


I've got about 300 .308 rounds that I need to redo because I have a new OAL gauge and my "old" measurement was way off! I have a kinetic (Hammer) bullet puller but it will take forever to do that many rounds.


I ordered the Hornady puller based on reviews but am curious if anyone here has experience with it and can pass along any hints, tips and things to avoid when using it. It's supposed to be here on Friday so you can guess how my weekend will be spent!

 

[Knightslugger]

i have one, use it regularly. I also have an RCBS bullet puller and a Frankford Kietic puller.

I prefer the Hornady.

ProTips: It doesn't take a lot of pressure to grab the bullet enough to pull it. I've pulled many, screwed up the jacket in front of the ogive pretty hard core on many, and they all still shoot just fine. don't sweat the itty bitty marks.

 

[mtnlvr]

Pulled a lot of 300 .223 in a single stage press with one and it worked well. Doesn't take a lot of "cam" as was already mentioned. If you use it for .45 ACP, look out! Very easy to break the collet fingers!

 

[JeremyB]

Explain the failure

 

[Knightslugger]

the "fingers" that hold the bullet on .45 are thin due to the size of the die vs. the projectile.

 

[JeremyB]

the "fingers" that hold the bullet on .45 are thin due to the size of the die vs. the projectile.

I guess I should have quoted RetiredFCC's post but I didn't know that about the 45 collet

 

[USMCFURY]

I have pulled a ton of x51, x54, x39, rem to get the .308 collet with the puller, best way it to screw it in lose, then barely clamp down and then slap the handle don't pull/push, kind of punch it quickly. you will get the feel down.

 

[rcc]

I use Hornady's bullet puller on calibers 22 thru 45 with no problems. I'm pretty sure all the bullets I have pulled have been FMJ since that is 90% what I use.

- keep the lock nut loose
- adjust the bite until it can't quite pull the bullet
- use small adjustments until it can just barely pull the bullet
- adjust it about 1/8 of turn more
- after few successful pulls, hand tighten the locking nut
- now you can get into a nice rhythm and pull a bunch of bullets


You should be able to pull bullets without making any marks on the (FMJ) bullets or maybe just a tiny mark here and there.

It's been a while but I recall some good You Tube videos on the Hornady bullet puller.

 

[Turkey]

I have found that it works well to adjust the collet so that the round is stopped by the mouth of the case hitting the collet when the lever is up. This allows the bullet to enter the collet as far as possible. It does not work as well if you try to grab up on a tapered part of the bullet. A firm but not excessive pressure on the lever should grab the bullet enough to allow the bullet to be pulled. You should do not need to cam the lever all the way down.

Take to case out of the press, pour the powder into a suitable container, and then raise the lever to release the bullet into your hand. The powder may be caked inside the case and require some probing with some type of tool to get it out of the case.

You can get into a rhythm that makes the job go by quickly.

 

[rcc]

I have found that it works well to adjust the collet so that the round is stopped by the mouth of the case hitting the collet when the lever is up. This allows the bullet to enter the collet as far as possible....

Yes, that is great tip and I do it as well.