I saw a tube of someone using one of these pullers (I have a Lyman) replacing the "keepers" with shell holders. I found this worked quite well.

 

Last night while pulling 223 rounds I had a primer activate/explode with a loaded live round, Needless to say this was a little startling. The powder never fully ignited, The bullet was dislodged from the cartridge.

When I inspected the powder I found that some heating had occured I believe, because I had some powder that was clumped together and not free flowing. I would guess 25% of the powder was like this.

 

Apparently in the course of me striking the puller the cartridge somehow moved in the shell holder enough to put the primer cap in position to be struck. I really dont have any other explanation for this. The Primers Iam using are Federal small rifle primers #205.

 

This was the first bullet of the 20 or so I had to pull, The rest sure were fun to do!!!!

 

Has anyone else had something like this occur?

I am looking to replace my puller with either a Hornady or RCBS press bullet pulling die after this episode

Primer was struck with what?

 

I've never had such problems with mine, there's nothing anywhere near the primers when I use the puller that i have though. Maybe I'm not following what you "replaced".

 

EDIT: I googled (actually Bing'd) that shell holder replacement. Don't do that, use the collet.

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

Using a shell holder seems like a terrible idea.

Do you have an RCBS puller, i think that uses a shell holder type device.

Here are some pics of mine never had a problem but have not used it much. not sure it is still available i purchased it late 1980's..it does not use holders has its own grip plates..

 

 

 

EDIT: I googled (actually Bing'd) that shell holder replacement. Don't do that, use the collet.

http://www.shootersf...er-warning.html

 

The picture in post 10 of the above link shows why using the shell holder is a REAL BAD IDEA.

 

The puller was designed by engineers and scrutinized by lawyers for liability reasons.

 

If they think it's safe to use as designed, it probably is.

It may not be the best at what it does but it will be as safe as they can make it.

Once you go tinkering with all bets are off.

Yes using shell holders in a inertia puller is a recipe for disaster.

 

I probably struck this particular cartridge 5 or 6 times the bullet wouldnt come out.

 

After thinking through it I think the only reason the powder didnt ignite/discharge was because it must have come out at the exact time the primer went off. Heating the powder charge closest to the primer just enough to clump it together if thats possible.

 

Im just glad my wife and grandson were not at home at the time. Using the collet with the pullers may be the safest procedure in the world. However it dont matter to me Im getting a puller die for the press.

 

Be safe everybody

Ive heard of people using the shell holders like that but your the first Ive heard setting off a charge that way, I even did it once to dismantle a 223 round because I lost the smaller collet. Ill surely never do it again now! I bet you had to change your pants. I had a primer go off when I was hand priming brass a month or two ago and it scared the hell outta me.

Ken

Wow... i had no idea that a shellholder would even fit. Definitely won't be trying it though.

 

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I dont know if it fits em all but it does fit the RCBS kinetic puller. I did it once in a pinch but wont anymore after reading this post

 

Ken