DIY Kinetic Bullet puller

[kylix.rd]

Inevitably when you reload ammo, you're going to need to reverse that process on some reloads due to various problems, such as missing/mangled primer, improper charge, OAL too short, etc...

I kept putting off getting one of those hammer looking things that removes the bullet. Late one evening during a reloading session, I missed a primer in a couple of rounds. Being an impatient cheap-skate, I took this as an opportunity to "solve" this problem right there. After rummaging around the odds and ends I'd accumluated over the years, I struck upon a design. It turned out to be a very simple task.

First you need a holder that works like the shell holder plate on your reloading press. After trolling the workshop I found a box of large 1-1/4" washers with a 1/4" hole


Since I reload .45acp, I found a drill bit that was just under the overall diameter of the shell so that it fits in the rim. Drill out the washer thusly.


For the next step you need to snip or grind the washer into a kind of rectangle. I used metal shears since that was quickest and the washers were soft enough steel.


In order to fit the shell into the holder, you need to open up one end forming a "fork" or something that looks like a shafter retainer clip. Try and taper it so that the "fork" end is a little narrower than the back closed end. This will help hold it in place in the carrier.


Test fit a shell into the retainer. Grind or file as needed to get it to the point where the shell slides on easily, but cannot slip past the rim. File the edges round so there are no sharp edges to mar up the brass.



In the next post we'll make the carrier.

[kylix.rd]

DIY Kinetic bullet puller

Once you are satisfied with the fit, lets move one to the carrier for the shell holder. I used 3/4" PVC outdoor conduit, but any 3/4" PVC piping will work. Many of you probably have a scrap or two laying around from that last honey-do plumbing project. I had the conduit left over from running the electrical out to the hottub in the back yard. It's been sitting for nearly 10 years.


Using a Dremel or similar tool with a cutting wheel, or you can even use a coping saw or hack saw, cut two slots directly across from each other about 1/4 to 1/2" from one end. Be careful to leave enough on the sides to hold things steady.


Now test fit the shell holder so that it slips into the slots easily at first then get snug from the slight taper you did above. It should slide right across the pipe to the slot on the opposite side. File or grind the slots a little at a time in order to get the fit so that it is well supported and snug. You don't want this flying out in the "kinetic" phase.


You'll need a 3/4" PVC glued "tee" fitting. Make sure all three sides are glue-in. Some have a threaded fitting on the leg of the "tee". You'll also need a glue-on pressure cap. I just estimated the dimensions but this photo should give you an idea. Cut the shell holder carrier section of the pipe about 3-4" and glue into one side of the tee. Cut another 3-4" section of pipe and glue to the opposite tee. Leave the end opposite the carrier open for now. We'll use the pressure cap on that side to catch the bullet contents, but it needs a little tweaking. Now measure a longer section of pipe, 16-18" in length and glue into the leg of the tee fitting. It should looke like this.


PVC fittings are designed to be very tight and snug because the cement actually melts the top layer of plastic and when you slide them together they are literally welded chemically. Since we want to be able to easily empty the puller once the bullet has given up its secrets, you need to sand or grind down the pipe on the tee fitting opposite the shell holder carrier so that the cap fits snugly but you can still remove it. Also remember you'll be striking this end so that will tend to force it even farther onto the pipe and tend to wedge it it. Take that into account when fitting this peice. If you went too far and it doesn't want to stay on easily, a couple layers of masking tape should snug it right up. You can also drill a tiny hole across the cap, through the pipe and out the other side. Then install a long cotter pin or just a length of steel wire to hold on the cap.


Once you're satisfied with the fit and you can easily remove the cap, go ahead and fit it on the end of the pipe. Notice the galling on mine... I got it too tight and had to use a couple of channel locks to twist it back off.


To install a bullet that's going to be disassembled, I find that if I lay it on the side and push the bullet down the tube so that the rim is just above the slot. Then insert the shell retainer through the slot and into the rim all the way across to the opposide slot.


Once the bullet is installed into the device, just give it a few solid "whacks" on a hard surface with a section of old carpet, a neoprene mouse pad, or an old towel folded over a few times. You want a solid, unyielding surface like concrete or tile floor. However the padding will keep from cracking or breaking the puller. I was surprised at how lightly I had to swing it. Of course, the 45acp bullets are 230gr RN, so they have considerable mass so it doesn't take much velocity to generate enough kinetic energy. I'm sure a lighter bullet, such as a 9mm, would need a slightly harder swing. Roll crimped shells will also likely require a harder "whack".

Here's the completed unit and it's approximate size.

[Colt562]

Looks pretty cool to me, however I think Ill stick to my hammer style. I have to pull many calibers.

But thanks for the guide.

[kylix.rd]

Oh, I'm sure one day I'll get one of those commercial pullers... Or I'll revise the shell holder to be three-jaw adjustable, like the commercial ones. I've already got an idea on how to do that.

For now, I'm only reloading 45acp, so I don't need another caliper.

[hermosabeach]

I was not able to pull bullets when I first got the impact hammer style.

I was not hitting it hard enough

Have you used your device? How does the PVC hold up to the sharp impact???

I ended up bending the aluminum handle on my puller and had to bend it back.

I had messed up loading a batch of .44 and had to pull 200 rounds.

Let us know how yours works after some use...

[chozenfew805]

to your ingenuity! Take a video of it in action when you get the chance.

[kylix.rd]

I've pulled about 1/2 dozen so far. I was surprized at how light of a whack it took. About 3-4 solid whacks and I felt and heard the bullet strike the inside of the PVC pressure cap. I mean, I wasn't being necessarily gentle, but I didn't go all "caveman" on it either. I found that it works best on a concrete or tile floor. I have a scrap piece of carpet on the concrete floor in front of my work bench, so I just hit it on that. I use a light pad to strike against to keep from cracking the PVC pressure cap. I imagine an old neoprene mouse pad or a towel folded into a few layers would also work.

Mine is longer than the ones you buy, so that probably has a bit of an effect by translating the angular velocity of the swing into much greater linear velocity on impact.

[MIAMIbaseballer]

wow that's a hell of a design you thought up, nice job!

[patrickstarfish]

McGyver

[rsrocket1]

You should have a piece of pipe insulation at the bottom of the catcher so you don't damage a lead bullet or a spire point pullet when it hits the catcher. Better yet, think of a way to make 2-piece catcher with a "net" to catch the bullet and at the same time, separate the powder from the projectile.

Great project. I've done similar things before like spending a Saturday afternoon refurbishing and fixing a $5 radio from the thrift store . It's not the money you save, it's what you learn and the enjoyment of accomplishment.

[call-in]

You honestly should make tutorial videos of your diy projects and make a youtube channel, looks like you already have some people waiting to be subscribers including me.

[Kappy]

That is amazing work, sir. That's the spirit of America, right there. Keep it up!

[EL_NinO619]

I like, cool stuff. God Bless the American mind.

[kylix.rd]

rsrocket1, that is an excellent suggestion. I can imagine that if you had a cast bullet with a fairly sharp point, it could be damaged... Although, I don't think even the commercial ones take that into consideration. Also, the idea for a two chamber setup to catch the bullet in a net or sling while allowing the powder to sail past, is another good suggestion.

[doc1buc]

You are a McGuyver come again....awesome ideas man!