Rounds from 1982 - Over the max loads now listed

[RunninLate]

OK, I tried to pull apart 200 rounds of 357 but only could get 150 apart.

2 questions:

I have about 1800 grns of Unique powder that was loaded in 1982 but stored in a weather controlled environment. Would you reused it?

2nd, I have 50 rounds that the kinetic hammer type bullet puller did not want to separate them. Has anybody used any other type of bullet puller? If so, what do I need?

 

[LiveLife]

Place shell holder and round in a single stage press without the die. Push up on the ram and while holding the bullet with a side cutter/pliers, push the ram down.

Ta da.

Watch 8:45 minute mark of the video of this demonstrated (video shows 4 ways to pull bullets) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEBFwVyNNqg

 

[witchhunter]

What is the load of Unique? It might still be good to go, if a little hot. The powder is probably good if it has been stored sealed. I have some older than that!

 

[RunninLate]

The loads of Unique is between 9 and 10 grns behind some 125 and 150 grn sjhp. I know that my 686 will handle them but not sure about my 66. I am going to pull them apart and load them around 75% of max loads.

 

[Jlr2267]

10 grains of Unique is REALLY hot for a 150gr 357 load...no way I'd put that in my 686. Not even my GP100. I use 10gr in mild 44 mag loads

 

[Kernel]

I would reuse the powder.

 

[Blue68f100]

Unique was re formulated a while back so the 2 are not exactly the same. If they were safe back then they are safe now.

 

[Catpop]

Blue68f100, super good reply. If it was a safe load when loaded, it is still a safe load. Ie, 1982 data with 1982 powder.
Use the powder. If worried test a few loads before loading it all up. If have chrono, check fps against known. (Assuming you don't have way to test pressue)
Pullng? Hit it harder if trying to save bullets
Catpop

 

[Jlr2267]

Unique was re formulated a while back so the 2 are not exactly the same. If they were safe back then they are safe now.

The 1983 Alliant Manual has a max charge of 8.5gr Unique with a 158gr bullet @ 37,000 CUP and a max of 9.3gr for a 125gr bullet @ 40,000 CUP.

Looks like it was an unsafe load then, and therefore unsafe today.

 

[Scoutdog99]

2nd, I have 50 rounds that the kinetic hammer type bullet puller did not want to separate them. Has anybody used any other type of bullet puller? If so, what do I need?

If you have not tried already, try seating the bullet a little deeper and then use the kinetic puller. Seating a little deeper will help loosen the crimp.

 

[Macchina]

You have to REALLY whack them sometimes. I have one I use from time-to-time and I keep a surface ground steel plate in my reloading room for just this use. You have to hit against something hard to get a good impact. Concrete works well but eats up the end of the hammer. Fine-grain cinder blocks work well. Wood is not good enough and you can easily crack tile...

I've have had bullets not pull on the first whack, but they always come out on the last whack

 

[Catpop]

I use the flat of my 6" shop vice. I've only wrecked one puller so far! Wear safety glasses or better yet a full face shield! Catpop