Let’s Dive into Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet
Reloading ammunition is a science and an art. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mistakes happen, requiring us to disassemble rounds. That’s where the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet comes in, promising a quick and efficient way to reclaim components. It’s a seemingly simple tool, but in the world of reloading, simplicity and reliability are paramount.
My own journey to the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet began after a particularly frustrating reloading session. I was developing a new load for my .308 Winchester and, eager to test its potential, got ahead of myself. I ended up with a batch of rounds where I miscalculated the powder charge.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet appeared robust, a simple, yet effective piece of kit. The collet itself is made of steel, giving the impression of durability. It’s designed to fit the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller, which I already owned, making it a natural addition to my reloading bench.
Compared to the inertia-type bullet pullers (the ones you whack against a hard surface), the Cam-Lock system promised less impact on the bullet itself. I’d been using an impact puller for years, and while effective, it sometimes deformed the bullet tips. This was a common complaint that I’d heard echoed across different online reloading forums. The Hornady system also seemed faster for high-volume bullet pulling.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed solid, but I was keen to see if it would live up to its promise of speed and non-destructive bullet removal. I wanted to test the claim that it can pull bullets without deforming the bullet’s profile.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet at my reloading bench in my garage. The environment was relatively controlled, though garages tend to accumulate dust, which can be a minor nuisance when reloading. I was pulling bullets from .308 Winchester cartridges.
The performance was immediately noticeable. The collet clamped securely onto the bullet, and with a smooth pull of the Cam-Lock Bullet Puller handle, the bullet was extracted cleanly. The process was far quieter and less jarring than using the impact puller.
The ease of use was also a pleasant surprise. It took only a few minutes to set up the collet in the puller and adjust it to the bullet diameter. After that, it was a matter of inserting the cartridge and pulling the handle, a task that quickly became repetitive and efficient. The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet made bullet pulling significantly easier.
There were no major issues or surprises, aside from the relief of not having to repeatedly slam a bullet puller against my bench. I did, however, notice that the collet required occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet has held up remarkably well. It has pulled hundreds of bullets without any signs of wear and tear. The steel construction appears to be durable, with no bending or deformation of the collet itself.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is usually sufficient to remove any powder residue. Occasionally, I use a small brush to clean out any stubborn debris from the collet’s internal threads.
Compared to my previous experience with the impact puller, the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is a clear winner. It is faster, quieter, and less likely to damage the bullets. In addition, the bullets themselves are not deformed by the pulling process.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet
Specifications
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is a deceptively simple tool. Its purpose is to securely grip a bullet so it can be extracted from the cartridge case without damage. Here are the key specifications to consider:
- Manufacturer: Hornady.
- Compatibility: Designed exclusively for use with the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller.
- Material: Hardened steel for durability and longevity.
- Quantity: Sold individually, requiring selection of the appropriate caliber.
- Caliber Specificity: Each collet is designed for a specific range of bullet diameters, ensuring a secure grip.
- Cam-Lock Design: Utilizes the Cam-Lock Bullet Puller mechanism for smooth and controlled bullet extraction.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the tool’s performance and the reloader’s experience. The steel construction ensures the collet can withstand repeated use without wearing down. The caliber specificity guarantees a proper fit, preventing damage to the bullet or the cartridge case.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet performs its job exceptionally well. It securely grips the bullet and allows for controlled extraction using the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller. This prevents bullet deformation and minimizes the risk of damaging the cartridge case.
The tool’s strengths lie in its simplicity and efficiency. It works quickly and reliably, making it ideal for high-volume bullet pulling. Its main weakness is its caliber specificity; a different collet is needed for each bullet diameter.
It meets and exceeds expectations. It performs better than inertia-type pullers in terms of speed, bullet preservation, and noise reduction. Furthermore, it performs as expected according to the marketing material.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet has a straightforward, functional design. The steel construction gives it a solid feel, and its compact size makes it easy to store. The collet is designed to fit snugly into the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller, creating a seamless and ergonomic user experience.
The tool is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. It’s easy to install the collet into the puller and adjust it to the appropriate bullet size. The process is intuitive and takes only a few minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is built to last. The hardened steel construction can withstand the stresses of repeated use. With proper care, the tool should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple. A regular wipe down with a clean cloth and occasional cleaning with a small brush are usually sufficient to keep the collet in good working order. Avoid using harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet itself doesn’t offer many customization options. Its function is fixed, and its design is optimized for that specific purpose. However, the Cam-Lock Bullet Puller system as a whole has some flexibility.
The primary accessory is, of course, the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller itself. A wide variety of collets are available for different bullet diameters. The product is designed for seamless integration with the HornADY reloading product line.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet
Pros
- Faster than inertia-type pullers: Allows for high-volume bullet pulling with ease.
- Less likely to damage bullets: Provides a controlled extraction that minimizes bullet deformation.
- Easy to use: Simple design with minimal learning curve.
- Durable steel construction: Built to last for many years of use.
- Quieter than inertia pullers: Reduces noise and vibration during bullet pulling.
Cons
- Caliber Specific: Requires a separate collet for each bullet diameter.
- Requires Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller: Cannot be used as a standalone tool.
Who Should Buy Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet?
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is perfect for reloaders who frequently need to disassemble ammunition, particularly those working with high volumes of rounds. It is especially beneficial for reloaders who value preserving the quality of their bullets. This tool is a great addition to your toolset to minimize projectile damage.
This product is also well-suited for precision reloaders who are meticulous about component quality. It will help reduce errors that could affect accuracy. If you prefer single stage reloading and do not commonly need to disassemble, this product might not be the right fit.
Those who primarily reload pistol cartridges may find limited value in this product, as Hornady explicitly states it’s designed for rifle bullets. A must-have accessory is the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller.
Conclusion on Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet
The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is a valuable addition to any serious reloader’s bench. Its speed, ease of use, and ability to preserve bullet quality make it a significant upgrade over traditional inertia-type pullers. The Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet is a great way to pull projectiles.
The price of $11.49 is more than justified by the tool’s performance and durability. It’s a small investment that can save time, reduce component waste, and improve the overall reloading experience.
I would definitely recommend the Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet to any reloader looking for a faster, more efficient, and less destructive way to disassemble ammunition. Don’t struggle with old-fashioned bullet pullers; upgrade to the Hornady Cam-Lock system and experience the difference! Get yours today and make your reloading process smoother and more enjoyable!