Let’s Dive into RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding process, allowing you to tailor your rounds to specific firearms and shooting needs. However, mistakes happen, or perhaps you want to disassemble some old ammunition for component recovery. That’s where the RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet comes in – a seemingly simple tool with the potential to save you a significant amount of time, money, and frustration.
I stumbled upon the need for a bullet puller after a particularly frustrating reloading session where I ended up with a batch of rounds with incorrect powder charges. I needed a reliable way to disassemble them without damaging the bullets or cases, and I was tired of the kinetic (hammer-style) pullers. They are loud and inconsistent.
Unboxing the RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet, my first impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The steel body felt robust and well-machined, inspiring confidence that it could handle repeated use. It’s a straightforward design, a testament to RCBS‘s reputation for producing dependable reloading equipment.
Compared to hammer-style pullers, the RCBS puller promised greater control and less potential for bullet deformation. Against other press-mounted pullers, I chose the RCBS due to its compatibility with my existing reloading press and the readily available range of collets. I was optimistic, hoping for a smooth and efficient bullet-pulling experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet took place in my reloading room, a dedicated space in my garage. I was working with .223 Remington rounds, and the first few pulls were a bit of a learning curve. Finding the right collet and adjusting the puller to the correct height took a little experimentation.
Once I found the sweet spot, the process became much smoother. The RCBS puller worked flawlessly, extracting bullets cleanly with minimal deformation. Even with slightly crimped bullets, the puller exerted enough force to separate the bullet from the case without excessive effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, pulling hundreds of bullets of various calibers, the RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet has proven its worth. There are no signs of wear and tear on the puller body itself, which speaks to the quality of materials and manufacturing. The collets themselves have held up remarkably well, showing only minor marks from the bullet seating.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is generally sufficient. Compared to the hammer-style puller I used previously, the RCBS puller is far more efficient, precise, and quiet. It’s a significant upgrade that has saved me considerable time and effort in my reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet
Specifications
- The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet is designed to work with virtually any length or shape of bullet. This provides versatility for reloaders working with diverse cartridges.
- It fits all presses with standard 7/8 inch by 14 threads. This ensures compatibility with the vast majority of reloading presses on the market.
- The puller’s body is made of steel. The durable construction guarantees a long lifespan and resistance to wear.
- Collets are sold separately and allow for specific bullet diameters. Having the appropriate collet ensures a secure grip and minimizes bullet damage.
- The product is proudly made in the USA by RCBS. This emphasizes the commitment to quality and supports American manufacturing.
Performance & Functionality
The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet excels at its primary function: safely and efficiently disassembling ammunition. The puller provides a controlled and consistent method for extracting bullets.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The only real weakness is that you need the correct collet for each caliber to avoid damaging the bullets, which can be an additional expense. The product meets and exceeds expectations for anyone looking for a reliable way to pull bullets.
Design & Ergonomics
The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet features a simple, functional design. Its sturdy steel construction provides a solid, stable platform for bullet pulling.
The product is easy to use, but requires some initial setup and adjustment. Once you establish the proper settings for a particular bullet and collet combination, operation is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its all-steel construction, the RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet is built to last. It is likely to outlive most reloaders with proper care.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; a simple wipe down keeps it clean and functional. The collets may eventually need replacing with heavy use, but they are inexpensive and readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet does not come with any accessories, as it requires caliber-specific collets for operation. RCBS and other manufacturers offer a wide range of collets to fit various bullet diameters.
The RCBS puller is compatible with most standard reloading presses with 7/8 inch by 14 threads. This widespread compatibility makes it a versatile addition to any reloading setup. There aren’t many customization options for this product, it’s designed to do one job very well.
Pros and Cons of RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet
Pros
- Provides a controlled and consistent method for pulling bullets.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Compatible with most reloading presses.
- Minimal bullet deformation, allowing for reuse in most cases.
- Simple and easy to use once properly set up.
Cons
- Collets must be purchased separately.
- Initial setup and adjustment required for each bullet type.
- Can be slightly slower than hammer-style pullers for small quantities of bullets.
Who Should Buy RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet?
The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet is perfect for serious reloaders who need a reliable and controlled method for disassembling ammunition. Those who frequently develop loads, correct mistakes, or reclaim components will find it an invaluable tool.
This product may not be ideal for occasional reloaders who only need to pull a few bullets. The hammer-style puller might be sufficient for very light use. Reloaders should consider purchasing the appropriate collets for their specific needs to maximize bullet reuse.
Conclusion on RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet
The RCBS Standard Bullet Pullers w/o Collet is a well-built and effective tool that delivers on its promise of safely and efficiently disassembling ammunition. The price of $44.99 (plus the cost of collets) is a justifiable investment for reloaders who value precision, control, and the ability to reuse components.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone who reloads regularly and needs a reliable bullet-pulling solution. It’s a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench, providing peace of mind and saving time and money in the long run. Stop hammering away at your bullets and upgrade to the RCBS puller; you won’t regret it!