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Posted: 3/16/2011 11:57:00 AM EDT
I accidentally crushed the shoulder when bullet seating my first 750gr A-Max round.  I'm sure I don't want to "fireform" the case back into shape, but I would like to at least recover the $2 bullet.  Are there any cheap safe ways of doing this without purchasing what I naturally assume would be a high-dollar .50 BMG collet pulling system?
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 1:21:28 PM EDT
[#1]
You might be able to twist it out using a small-size strap wrench.  Wipe the (metal) contact surfaces down with alcohol and make sure the rubber strap is clean and dry so the strap gets a good grip.

If you remove the decapping stem from your sizing die, you should be able to carefully re-size the shell to save it.  I’ve done that a few times with no problems loading .308 – but I couldn’t say for certain that it would work for a .50 BMG.  After re-sizing it, load the empty shell in your rifle to ensure it chambers OK – and if so, you can go ahead and reload it.
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 4:53:35 PM EDT
[#2]
I made my own bullet puller with a pair of fencing plyers.  I drilled where the hole was in the jaws out to 1/2 inch starting with smaller bits.  I also never quite got to the full 1/2 inch.  I used a round grinding stone on a die grinder that was tapered to just about the right taper for the bullets I need to pull.  It does leave a small mark much like the GI pullers do but they clean up ok.  I put the loaded case in my RCBS press and leave the die out.  I then grab the bullet with the plyers and railse the handle to remove the bullets.
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 4:59:18 PM EDT
[#3]
I use a plumbers flaring tool and bicycle tire rubber.  Just put the rubber around the bullet.  Put bullet in press, run press up, clamp on flaring tool push press handle down.  Done!
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 6:10:33 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I made my own bullet puller with a pair of fencing plyers.


I really like that idea.  In fact, I’ll be looking for a pair of fencing pliers on sale at Harbor Freight just so I can make a set..
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 6:27:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I use a plumbers flaring tool and bicycle tire rubber.  Just put the rubber around the bullet.  Put bullet in press, run press up, clamp on flaring tool push press handle down.  Done!


That is brilliant!!
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 6:40:26 PM EDT
[#6]
This is what I used but it wasn't really that cheap.  And I use it for other stuff too.  



Link Posted: 3/16/2011 6:48:29 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
This is what I used but it wasn't really that cheap.  And I use it for other stuff too.  

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu140/likesoldiron/IMG_1035.jpg

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu140/likesoldiron/IMG_1036.jpg


LOL! That is what I use also! Works great!

Ummm.....as you stated, a little expensive though.
Link Posted: 3/16/2011 7:45:31 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I use a plumbers flaring tool and bicycle tire rubber.  Just put the rubber around the bullet.  Put bullet in press, run press up, clamp on flaring tool push press handle down.  Done!


Now that's worth a try!   Thanks.  That A-Max bullet is as good as reclaimed now.
Link Posted: 3/17/2011 2:18:12 AM EDT
[#9]
I used a piece of pipe with a cap on the end . put a small rag in the bottom and wrapped tape around the case and taped it in place. I held the pipe with big vice grips and banged the end down on a table .
Link Posted: 3/17/2011 6:37:23 AM EDT
[#10]
Lots of us are using a 5c collet block and a metric collet that approximates .50 caliber.  You can ebay the whole setup for under $50-$70, which is much cheaper than an RCBS or CH4D bullet puller.  Does an awesome job and keeps your bullets in good shape.

I sold mine with my ALS so I don't have the exact number you need.  Search the archives for bullet puller or 5c bullet puller.  It'll come up what size you need.  I think it's a 13mm collet.

-David
Edgewood, NM

Link Added:  http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=3&t=269713

5c block on Ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5C-HEX-SQUARE-COLLET-BLOCK-SET-MILL-GRINDER-/400116973584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d28d48010

13mm collet:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Gloster-5C-collet-13mm-ROUND-Quality-suit-Hardinge-/370488101620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5642cfcaf4
Link Posted: 3/17/2011 4:06:27 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Lots of us are using a 5c collet block and a metric collet that approximates .50 caliber.  You can ebay the whole setup for under $50-$70, which is much cheaper than an RCBS or CH4D bullet puller.  Does an awesome job and keeps your bullets in good shape.

I sold mine with my ALS so I don't have the exact number you need.  Search the archives for bullet puller or 5c bullet puller.  It'll come up what size you need.  I think it's a 13mm collet.

-David
Edgewood, NM

Link Added:  http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=3&t=269713

5c block on Ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5C-HEX-SQUARE-COLLET-BLOCK-SET-MILL-GRINDER-/400116973584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d28d48010

13mm collet:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Gloster-5C-collet-13mm-ROUND-Quality-suit-Hardinge-/370488101620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5642cfcaf4


Right David, 13mm. This is what a lot of us who own the LEE 50BMG press have turned to. The pullers for the RCBS or Hornady does not fit the LEE press.
Link Posted: 3/17/2011 5:59:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Lots of us are using a 5c collet block and a metric collet that approximates .50 caliber.  You can ebay the whole setup for under $50-$70, which is much cheaper than an RCBS or CH4D bullet puller.  Does an awesome job and keeps your bullets in good shape.

I sold mine with my ALS so I don't have the exact number you need.  Search the archives for bullet puller or 5c bullet puller.  It'll come up what size you need.  I think it's a 13mm collet.

-David
Edgewood, NM

Link Added:  http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=3&t=269713

5c block on Ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5C-HEX-SQUARE-COLLET-BLOCK-SET-MILL-GRINDER-/400116973584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d28d48010

13mm collet:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Gloster-5C-collet-13mm-ROUND-Quality-suit-Hardinge-/370488101620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5642cfcaf4


Thanks David... I just bought the two items.  I hope that they can pull the 750 A-Max bullets too.
Link Posted: 3/18/2011 8:39:29 AM EDT
[#13]
They'll pull amax bullets just fine.  I've done it.

Now they'll have trouble pulling ANY bullet when you've seated them so deeply there's no full-diameter portion of the bullet showing above the neck of the case.  But that's the case with any puller and any bullet.  Example would be seating AMAX to 5.45".  I doubt anything will pull an Amax seated that deep and not destroy the bullet.

Of course very few folks seat Amax's that deep.  They don't work very well when they have a half inch jump to the lands.

-David

Link Posted: 3/20/2011 2:04:46 PM EDT
[#14]
No need to pay the extra money for the 13mm, a 33/64 " collet works fine.
Link Posted: 3/23/2011 10:50:21 AM EDT
[#15]
http://www.mcmaster.com/#shaft-collars/=bk7bg8

I stumbled across these today and thought I would share.  
Link Posted: 3/23/2011 1:17:57 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#shaft-collars/=bk7bg8

I stumbled across these today and thought I would share.  


Interesting concept. I presume you are looking at or have you bought the one with the lever release? So, do you actually own one of those collects? And it works for you? I would be concerned trying to use this on a bullet that has the tar sealer. That takes a bit of grunt work to break the seal.
Link Posted: 3/23/2011 2:11:34 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#shaft-collars/=bk7bg8

I stumbled across these today and thought I would share.  


Interesting concept. I presume you are looking at or have you bought the one with the lever release? So, do you actually own one of those collects? And it works for you? I would be concerned trying to use this on a bullet that has the tar sealer. That takes a bit of grunt work to break the seal.


Actually I was ordering some other stuff and literlly stumbled across these on the webpage. Just thought I would share.

I wasnt / didnt see the lever latch ones I was looking at the screw ones that have the extra ring inside . Figured it would be easy to just raise the round in the press. Latch the collar in place and pull down on the case thus unseating and removing the projectile with minimal damage.
Link Posted: 3/30/2011 11:23:31 AM EDT
[#18]
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who posts in this forum.  I've gained invaluable info about 50 caliber rifles and reloading by reading here for the last few years.

Some time back I'd read here about a collet puller but I was never able to find the post when I later looked for it.  I've looked at the cost of 50 BMG pullers and balked, so this new post was very helpful.  It turned out that the toolsforcheap.com location was relatively near me, so I went there and picked up the blocks and quick release.  I then ordered the 5C collets (.223 thru .50) from victornet.com.  All told, for around $80 I have all my rifle calibers covered.

I've successfully pulled projectiles from some 50 BMG handloads and the 33/64 collet doesn't even leave a mark on the extracted bullet.  The whole process was quick and painless.

I'd post pix, but I don't seem to have that capability.
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