How fortuitous

[steveodtw]

Last night I just finished my first reloading of .38 spl, 158 SWC with universal 3.6 grains. Next thing I know I get a text from my local range inviting me to a free range day today.

So I packed up my first 25 rounds, and my GP100 and LCR and off to the range. Everything worked well. Very light load but shot well in both guns. Had to buy a box of ammo for the free day so I got a box of .38 spl. Now I have another 50 casings to load. Next I move on to a 4.0 or 4.2 grain load. Great experience. I like my new pastime.

Only one error, I have one completed round with a high primer seat. Can that be safely be re-seated in my Lee Classic Turret press? Or should I try to disassemble the round with a bullet puller?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Good for you. Great combo you are working with there.

About the primer. If you can't get the round in the gun to fire it then you will have to seat the primer deeper. There is a chance that some powder has gotten into the primer pocket through the flash hole. What I would do is turn the cartridge, bullet nose down, and tap it with a fingernail to get any powder out of the pocket and then keep the cartridge orientated that way while pointing in a safe direction and push the primer in all the way using my Lee Safe-T-Prime of whatever it is called. ..But the safest thing to do might be to pull the bullet and powder first. 8) 8)

 

[steveodtw]

Thanks Jimbo. My only primer seater is in the turret press so I have to prime bullet end up. So I think I'll take your advice and try my inertia bullet puller.

Now I know what they mean when they talk about "feel the primer." I didn't feel that one, kind of rushed it. Lesson learned.

 

[dennie]

steve, I have not been reloading all that long, about 6 years. When I started loading I was getting several high primers whether I used the press or the Lee hand primer. This was worse with mixed brass. So instead of just priming and tossing the brass into a tub, or whatever, I started setting each primed case on the bench in front of me. If the case does not sit perfectly flat I know there is a problem and deal with it immediately. This has helped a lot.
As for seating the primer in a loaded case, I would never do this. Just not worth the risk!
Good luck with your new hobby.
dennie

 

[steveodtw]

Thanks guys. I wound up using my bullet puller. Took more whacks than advertised, but it works. Then I just re-seated the case & primer on my press. 6 six years seems like a long time to me right now. Certainly long enough for good experienced advice.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Thanks guys. I wound up using my bullet puller. Took more whacks than advertised...

They say it's all in the wrist, but at least you know you got a good crimp. 8) 8)
.
.

 

[mikld]

FWIW; when using my bullet puller, inertia type, I hammer on a chunk of lead 4"x12"x 1". It seems to lessen the numer of strikes needed and is much quieter...

 

[Rick Courtright]

FWIW; when using my bullet puller, inertia type, I hammer on a chunk of lead 4"x12"x 1". It seems to lessen the numer of strikes needed and is much quieter...

Hi,

I use a piece of hardwood on the concrete garage floor. Unlike the lead, it's still kinda loud, but only takes 2-3 whacks to pull most bullets. And swing the puller exactly as you would driving a nail w/ a hammer. (As an old timer once told me, "driving" a nail is different than "hammering" on it. That must be the "in the wrist thing!")

Also, this "helpful hint" resurfaces now and again:

If your puller has one of those three piece collets, take it out and use the appropriate shellholder from your die set for the cartridge you're working on. Makes like much easier!

Rick C

 

[Sal1950]

The instructions say not to, but I've just been whacking my cheap Frankfort Arsenal puller right on the concrete for years and it ain't broke yet. Dang thing is cheap enough if it ever does.
Sal

 

[Lost Sheep]

FWIW; when using my bullet puller, inertia type, I hammer on a chunk of lead 4"x12"x 1". It seems to lessen the numer of strikes needed and is much quieter...

Hi,

I use a piece of hardwood on the concrete garage floor. Unlike the lead, it's still kinda loud, but only takes 2-3 whacks to pull most bullets. And swing the puller exactly as you would driving a nail w/ a hammer. (As an old timer once told me, "driving" a nail is different than "hammering" on it. That must be the "in the wrist thing!")

Also, this "helpful hint" resurfaces now and again:

If your puller has one of those three piece collets, take it out and use the appropriate shellholder from your die set for the cartridge you're working on. Makes like much easier!

Rick C

I have second hand testimony that using any shellholder (other than the three piece collet) can result in an unintentional discharge of the cartridge. Followed by pieces of plastic and brass all over the place.

Supposedly the cartridge can shift off-center and somehow get the primer to ignite. I can't see it, but then, I would never WANT to see it, either.

Lost Sheep

 

[Rick Courtright]

I have second hand testimony that using any shellholder (other than the three piece collet) can result in an unintentional discharge of the cartridge. Followed by pieces of plastic and brass all over the place.

Supposedly the cartridge can shift off-center and somehow get the primer to ignite. I can't see it, but then, I would never WANT to see it, either.

Hi,

I learned long ago to "Never say never" just because I haven't seen something. This is the first I've ever heard of such an event, and am having a hard time figuring how it happened.

But I suppose it's possible, using the shifting off center idea combined w/ a high primer? Gotta get out the puller and do some "looking." Thanks for mentioning it, LS!

Rick C

 

[Laserbait]

In my Quinetics inertial bullet puller, I use the collet on all my cases except the 50 Beowulf. The Beowulf has such a rebated rim that the collet can't get a good hold of it, so I use the shell holder.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I learned long ago to "Never say never" just because I haven't seen something. This is the first I've ever heard of such an event, and am having a hard time figuring how it happened.

But I suppose it's possible, using the shifting off center idea combined w/ a high primer? Gotta get out the puller and do some "looking." Thanks for mentioning it, LS!

I have seen some articles on this also but I can't explane it. I'll do a little search and see if I can find one. 8)

found one: http://www.shootersforum.com/handloading-equipment/50347-inertial-bullet-puller-warning.html