I have some 25-20ss in improperly annealed bertram brass (yes, I did it wrong). I need to pulled the bullets before I split anymore of the cases so I can attempt to do it the right way. 

I have one of thos bullet pullers that looks like a hammer,. I used it years ago on some 45-70 with no problem., but these silly little rounds dont want to letloose the slug with what SEEMS like ample force. At this point, I am scared. 

Has anyone ever heard of someone lighting off a round in one of these things? I know it is unlikely, but the thing worries me. Do some rounds take more whack than one might expect? Am I just paranoid? How hard shouldmi smack??!!

Tim,

I might! Lol I had loded these to fire them to get them to chamber size. It was my first go and I guess I crimped them too much or that hardish brass is not forgiving.  Which ever, it aint worth an accident,

I've used the inertia type pullers with never a problem. I've never seen a documented incident of a round going off using one. 25-20s should not be hard to pull down. A good whack is usually required, tap tap won't cut it.

Boats has the preferred method in my book and I personnely would run with it. The bullets are toast either way you do it so no need to even take that into consideration. Put the pliers so they are verticle thus the more you pull the more the nose of the jaws clamp down on the bullet.

I also use Boats' technique. I've found sometimes that the collet pullers will just strip lead off of the bullet if you have a fair bit of neck tension.  The press and pliers have never failed me, although they do generally ruin the bullet.

Chris.

Thing about the pliers and press method is nothing to buy and not caliber specific.

Boats

If you put a cotton ball in the nose of the inertia puller, it keeps the bullets in pretty good shape.

Terry

westerner wrote on Jun 27^th, 2013 at 8:16am:


Histerically correct!