Couldn't figure a way to pull a bullet.

[Ben]

I had a box of 50 ea., 38 Spec. Wadcutters.
I was suspicious of the exact weight of the powder charge.
I wanted to pull a single bullet to put my mind at ease.
I don't have and inertia bullet bullet puller.
You don't have enough bullet protruding from a case to grab.
So , what do you do ?

This is what I did.
Fortunately, I didn't want to pull all 50 rounds, only 1 round.
Turns out the powder ( and the charge weight ) was exactly what it was suppose to be. All is well that ends well.

Ben

 

[popper]

Or size the case down and use wire stripper to pull bullet out?

 

[Snakeoil]

I would have drilled the bullet and run a wood or sheet metal screw into it.

Your Dremel created heat and you ran the risk of setting off the powder. You'd have been better off using a fine-tooth hack saw.

 

[Ben]

If you'd have been looking over my shoulder and watching how slow I was going I think you'd have felt better about my method.

 

[Snakeoil]

Okay. My point was not to simply be critical of you, and I did hesitate to reply. But felt it necessary to make sure some newbie did not try this at home.

We all have to keep in mind that when we post something here, there are first timers or technically challenged folks that can read our posts and then proceed on their own. I'd hate to see some kid cut open a steel cased cartridge with a cut-off wheel in a Dremel and fill his face with schrapnel or damage his eyesight just because he was curious what was inside.

 

[L Ross]

Ben, (sniff sniffle sniff), you killed a perfectly good .38 spl. case? Oh the humanity.

 

[Ben]

Ben, (sniff sniffle sniff), you killed a perfectly good .38 spl. case? Oh the humanity.

So very true.
Ben

 

[Petrol & Powder]

Because the casing and the bullet are both non-ferrous metals, there was no risk of sparks. There would be some heat generated by the friction of the cutting disk on the brass but if you went slow, the mass of the bullet would likely absorb most of that heat. I doubt it would reach the point to ignite the powder charge.
Since you're destroying the casing anyway (see prior comment of sorrow ) you could also slit the casing longitudinally near the case mouth and grab the brass with a pair of needle nose pliers. You could then just peel the casing away. That would require a bit less cutting and generate a bit less heat.

OR YOU COULD JUST BUY AN IMPACT PULLER !

 

[Dusty Bannister]

Channel locks just below the case rim, 2 x 4 on end, smack channel locks on wood until you can get a grip on the bullet to pull it. Some of us just do not think that electricity and pistol powder should be in close proximity. Yes, I am concerned about safety, perhaps too much.

 

[JWFilips]

Ben,
Would not an inertia hammer puller work? I have had one of those Frankfort Arsenal ones for years and it has pulled hundreds of bullets incling factory crimped rifle bullets! I takes about 6 wacks but all have come out. Recovers the powder + the bullet.

 

[CZ93X62]

These are the scenarios for which Ruger Blackhawks were intended. (J/K)

 

[Jeff H]

Very resourceful, Ben!

I would cry too a little over a ruined 38 case, but likely much more over a ruined revolver or eyeball.

 

[RBHarter]

I too once or twice have resorted to alternative tools for a task .
I don't even cut up shotshells except where I might shorten a 3" to 2-3/4" .

I think I used long nose vise grips last time I found myself between bullet pullers . Muscle memory makes pretty hard for me to use water pump pliers that way .

 

[Ian]

I don't have and inertia bullet bullet puller.

Well ya done good to make perfect ammo for all these years until now!

Muscle memory makes pretty hard for me to use water pump pliers that way .

I actually spent a few summers using water pump pliers for their sole intended purpose...removing and installing brass windmill pump cylinders from their galvanized ends. What aggravates me is the pliers LIKE water pump pliers which do not have curved jaws, danged things are practically useless.

 

[JWFilips]

Sorry Ben,
I missed that tin from 1st message

 

[Matt]

Ben,

A cautionary tale: I once did something similar with a Dremel tool and a cut off wheel. The primer in the case detonated and took a sizable chunk out of my right index finger when it exited the case at high velocity. I’ve seen similar wounds in fingers from .22 rimfires. I’ve had a very healthy respect for primers ever since

 

[fiver]

long wood screw and some pliers/vice grips.
run the case up in the press, grab the screw and lower the handle.

 

[Bret4207]

Well ya done good to make perfect ammo for all these years until now!




I actually spent a few summers using water pump pliers for their sole intended purpose...removing and installing brass windmill pump cylinders from their galvanized ends. What aggravates me is the pliers LIKE water pump pliers which do not have curved jaws, danged things are practically useless.

Well how else are you supposed round off the edges of something that's too big for any wrench you own?

 

[Ben]

I didn't think it was a dangerous technique, considering how slow I made the cut. However, after reading all the comments, I think I'll avoid it in the future and simply order an inertia bullet puller.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

Inertia Bullet Puller = A reloader's Eraser.