Question RCBS bullet puller collets

[Bullseye]

My question is a matter of saving money on buying collets that might work on other bullets like my .357 / .38 spl collet works on 9mm bullets just as well.

So has anyone used a 45 colt / 45 acp collet ( .451 ) to pull a
45-70 bullet ( .458 ) for example?

Perhaps a 25-06 collet to pull a .243
or a 40 S&W to pull a 405 Win etc.

I think you get the idea, if you have, please post your findings.

 

[fguffey]

My opinion; it is a bad habit to pull small diameter pullets with a collet that is designed to pull larger diameter bullets.

I have pulled 8MM bullets with a 30/06 collet.

F. Guffey

 

[Bullseye]

I agree, it's not a good idea in all cases, but might be worthwhile to save some powder and time in some and have to toss some of the bullets in a pinch . If I really need a collet, I'll set the one I need to pull aside and buy it. But if one collet worked for another diameter bullet without a problem, I'd like to know.

 

[Blue68f100]

There is a reason there are so many sizes. Using one that is too large will likely damage the collet. Meaning that the fingers will be over loaded to a point that they do not spring back. Besides the contact point on the bullet will not be flat and may even cut through the jacket.

 

[Mauser69]

You must properly match the bullet size to the collet - too small bullet and you will squeeze the collet fingers so far together that they will not reliably release bullets unless you use a small screwdriver to re-expand the fingers.

BUT, you will find that you need a variety of collets for different calibers, and even different bullets in the same calibers. This is especially true for handgun bullets, were you often do not have enough of the full-sized shank exposed to pull the bullet with the "correct" collet. For example, to pull a SWC bullet in a .40, you will find that a .35 collet is the best choice. When in doubt, best to measure the bullet where you hope to grip it, and if still in doubt, start with a slightly smaller collet so that you do not risk over compressing it.