Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Pulled bullets question

I got these 28cal 160gr NPs from RMR a couple years ago. Just getting into them now as well as some 180gr 30cal NPs.

Noticed these pull marks. Not many overall. Only about 35pcs in an empty 1lb powder container almost full.

Would one expect any accuracy issues with these?

Except for the top center it almost looks by design...
Probably see some BC loss.
Load a string and see.
Given a 180 degree symmetrical spinning mass. I don't expect you will have an issue at moderate ranges.

The bulk of the bullets have no issues and the other marked ones had the same mark to a lesser degree and only on one side.

It would only be for a 7x57 so a bit lower BC is moot.

Agree on the spinning mass thought.

I have pulled some with side cut pliers and so far they have been shooting on target.

Usually it's the rear that if messed up that will cause them to suck.

I'd not do competition bench rest shooting with those, but run of the mill hunting distances they should be fine.

If you have a good accurate load worked up with the ones without blemishes, use these bullets in that load and see how they shoot. Thats the only way you are going to know. If it were me, I'd use them in practice, if they shoot well. Practice your offhand and field position shooting skills with them. I probably wouldn't use them for hunting or competition, but then again I wouldn't use a partition in competition anyway... Shoot them and get back to us....

I would use the ones with marks as part of developing a charge ladder or fir gathering velocity data. The small pull marks might affect accuracy to some extent, but won’t affect pressure or velocity.

Yep. +1.

I've shot a lot of 2nds and pulls, including a lot from RMR. I've yet to see that they are notably less accurate for basic hunting than factory 1sts of same make. Never had any weird fliers or anything. Never expected gilt-edged accuracy from them, either. I expect you'll see the same from those bullets. If you don't trust them though, it's pointless to use them for anything but paper.

That is exactly why I don't use a collet bullet puller. I'm certain they will fire but you'll never know how well till you fire them! A hammer type bullet puller without some though will mess up the tips! But it can be used so the bullet's don't get damaged at all.

Just as long as they haven't been dropped on a concrete floor.

Shoot 'em. I doubt you'll see any accuracy loss unless you're looking to set a new record at 800 yards. The base of the bullet is the steering end. Mangled noses have been tested so many times it shouldn't even be a question anymore.

Your experience with collet and inertial pullers is exactly opposite mine. I'll admit I haven't had the need to pull any glued in and heavily crimped GI rounds, but as best I recall i have only had 2 bullets that were so tight that the collet puller damaged them, most hardly have a mark. Inertias on the other hand can cause core and jacket separation which you don't even notice.

HawkI, personally I'd run a test with the worst of those to see if there was a noticeable difference in accuracy, but I admit to being an incorrigible experimenter.

I've been using a Hornady collet puller for years and have had never had any issues whatsoever with it. Very seldom it leaves even a mark let alone a dent as shown in the OP. I used a hammer puller and an RCBS collet before buying the Hornady and the Hornady was the best of the bunch. Try it out sometime.

Same as Son of the Gael, I trust Collet pulled bullets more than inertia. For stubborn bullets I bump them with the seater before pulling and usually it is easier. I just got a Grip & Pull puller and I think this will be good for fewer marks if I can get consistent with using it. https://grip-n-pull.com/

I got tired of not having the right collet or miss placing them when I needed one. Also degreasing the bullets can help, some case lube can get on them and many bullets come from the factory lightly lubed or waxed. A shot of carb cleaner and a shop towel is all it takes.

Just noticed the mark in the bearing surface of the bottom middle one.
That might cause more issue than the ogive marks. .