Compressed Loads !!!

MacD · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

I smack mine (RCBS) into the end grain of a four inch square beech block. I find sharp raps as opposed to roundhouse swings works better. I also get less powder bouncing out through the colet and less bullet damage if I rap then look and, when the bullet looks nearly out, reduce my swings to firm taps. My last "pulls" were 7.62 FMJ that were crimped and sealed. After getting the first out I figured I better measure the case for stretch ;>)

Eremius · Member Joined: Dec 04, 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Owosso, MI

chambered221 wrote:

This might sound stupid .... but.... most guys I know don't understand the proper way to handle a inertia hammer !!!

If you grab it as tight as you can in an attempt to keep it from flying out of your hand chances are the energy isn't being applied in a proper manner.

I will agree with this.

Quote::

It also works better when hitting a piece of hardwood as apposed to a cement floor. The give of the wood plays into the acceleration deceleration reaction.

This really hasn't been my finding. I have always had better luck hitting objects that had less recoil. Cement > wood > reloading bench > carpet

Ominivision1 · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:24 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

Welcome aboard Eremius, grab a stump and some beer from Vince, this is a great forum and you will not be disappointed.

Regarding the inertia hammer method that we all dread at some time. As I cast my own bullets for some rounds that I have, I found that using lead pancakes when swinging the hammer down works great.

When the pancake is mashed out, I simply throw it back into the melter and make another pancake. I do put the lead pancake in a freezer bag and layer a cotton cloth over the top of the bag when I hit and it works better then cement, wood.

stovepipe · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:53 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

chambered221 wrote:

Haven't heard one truly negative comment of the subject....maybe this will help !!!

stovepipe wrote:

I avoid compressed loads like the plague. Way too risky and inconsistent.

Wonder where he's at.........probably out trying to find some primers !!! Poke

slimjim · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:40 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

chambered221 wrote:

most guys I know don't understand the proper way to handle a inertia hammer !!! ... It also works better when hitting a piece of hardwood as apposed to a cement floor.

I was unable to extract bullets with an impact puller while hitting it on wood. It has worked very well for me hitting on the cement floor. Don't have lead which sound like it works well.

chambered221 · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:03 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

I remember watching a guy use a lead block years ago.... seemed to work with a lot less effort.

The key to it is having the hammer come to an abrupt stop, if it bounces the energy has been deflected in the opposite direction.

inthedark · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:29 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

I have found that the inertia hammer I have will not take the short magnums or the ss magnums so I bought a Hornady Cam Lock Bullet puller #050095 that works SWEET! I have found that you really don't need to buy every collet as the .30 cal will pull bullets from .27 to .312 cal. It has a handle on top to apply the pressure on the bullet. I highly recommend this puller.

slimjim · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 7:02 am Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

inthedark wrote:

I have found that the inertia hammer I have will not take the short magnums or the ss magnums so I bought a Hornady Cam Lock Bullet puller #050095 that works SWEET!

Sounds like I'll need this for my WSSM project. Thanks, ITD!

chambered221 · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:09 am Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

If your gonna be pulling lots of bullets ........the collet/die type is the way to go !!!

Eremius · Member Joined: Dec 04, 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Owosso, MI

Ominivision1 wrote:

Welcome aboard Eremius, grab a stump and some beer from Vince, this is a great forum and you will not be disappointed.

Regarding the inertia hammer method that we all dread at some time. As I cast my own bullets for some rounds that I have, I found that using lead pancakes when swinging the hammer down works great.

When the pancake is mashed out, I simply throw it back into the melter and make another pancake. I do put the lead pancake in a freezer bag and layer a cotton cloth over the top of the bag when I hit and it works better then cement, wood.

Thank you very much!

I would have never considered hitting lead. It makes quite a bit of sense, actually.

English Mike · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:50 am Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

chambered221 wrote:

If your gonna be pulling lots of bullets ........the collet/die type is the way to go !!!

Having watched others fighting with the hammer type, I avoided that step & went straight to the collet method.
Probably saved myself much cursing. Very Happy

Aloysius · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 10:20 am Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

Lead is also very good layer to punch wads etc. on, soft enough not to ruin your equipment and not cut into pieces as f.e. wood.

jeh7mmmag · Member Joined: Dec 24, 2006 Posts: 223 Location: DFW, TX.

Just a tip about compressed load. I occasion workup compressed loads when using some mil surp 50BMG powder. I have found that rather than use a drop tube I have a old reciprocating electric shaver that I hold or put against the loading block and the powder level in case drop down to the level I need to seat bullet. Most of the time there is no crush of powder.

A back massager, or a engraving tool, would also work.

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

jeh7mmmag wrote:

Just a tip about compressed load.

A back massager, or a engraving tool, would also work.

Or "mothers little helper" Laughing

inthedark · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Compressed Loads !!!

Here is a photo of the Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller. You will be able to apply the amount of pressure that you need to grip the bullet or adjust the cam lock lever (red handle) into a locked position. I found that it is quicker to use one hand on the lock lever and the other on the press handle to remove the bullet.