Silly question probably but...

[CajunBass]

I've got several hundred lead bullet reloads around taking up space on the shelf. The indoor range where I shoot doesn't allow exposed lead bullets anymore, and frankly since I started shooting plated bullets, I don't want to shoot lead anyway.

However, right now, it's difficult to find primers at any cost. If I pull those lead bullets, and dump the powder, can I resue the primer in the case. I'd be using an inerta puller. I've always just discarded the primers figuring they'd be damaged in some way, but I thought I'd toss out the question and what some of you with more experience than I have say.

 

[Y-T71]

Yes, you can most certainly pull the bullets and reload the primed cases.

I have done it countless times myself as I'm certain many here have as well.

Some may recommend pulling the depriming stem from your sizing die and running your brass through it to resize the case mouth to restore proper case tension on your new, plated bullets but, I personally have never done that nor have I ever had a problem by not.

You don't mention what caliber your using but I suppose if you're talking about a heavy recoiling one it might be prudent to resize to add extra "insurance" (along with the new crimp you'll be applying) against your bullets being pulled from their cases, "walking forward" and tying up a revolver.

Again, I've never had any problem but YMMV.

Hope this helps

 

[LiveLife]

After pulling bullet and dumping out powder, you can resize brass with depriming pin removed.

Then reload as usual with plated bullet.

Typically lead bullets are sized larger at .001" over plated bullets (with exception to Berry's bullets) and resizing brass would restore neck tension for smaller diameter bullets.

 

[CajunBass]

Thanks. They're 38 Special, and I'll be reloading them with Berry's plated 148 grain wadcutters. Standard charge of Bullseye, and shooting them out of a Colt Python, so recoil won't be a problem. I was thinking I could probably get by just reflaring the cases and recrimping.

 

[LiveLife]

38 Special, and I'll be reloading them with Berry's plated 148 grain wadcutters ... probably get by just reflaring the cases and recrimping.

I would think so, especially with roll crimp.

 

[dtwalters]

I'd resize them. What powder did you use in the lead ones?

 

[Y-T71]

Thanks. They're 38 Special, and I'll be reloading them with Berry's plated 148 grain wadcutters. Standard charge of Bullseye, and shooting them out of a Colt Python, so recoil won't be a problem. I was thinking I could probably get by just reflaring the cases and recrimping.

Yes, your plan is is a good one.

It's a shame, however, that you don't find an outdoor range and save yourself the trouble of pulling those bullets... Bet you'd have a lot more fun

 

[reloaded_in_pa]

Primers and brass are reusable. Like stated above, pull the pin before resizing.
If you have records or notes showing what powder you loaded with, I'd use the powder too. But if in doubt, toss it out.

 

[CajunBass]

I used Unique in the lead loads. The power I'll dump. Not worth the hassle really IMHO. I'm good for powder...and brass really. It's the primers I don't want to toss if I don't have to.

As for shooting them. When the range went to the "no exposed lead" policy I was ticked off. All I'd ever shot since my Lee Loader days was lead. Then I started to load plated and discovered that cleanup was a LOT easier. I've never wanted to shoot a lead bullet since. Yea. I'm lazy.

 

[Y-T71]

As for shooting them. When the range went to the "no exposed lead" policy I was ticked off. All I'd ever shot since my Lee Loader days was lead. Then I started to load plated and discovered that cleanup was a LOT easier. I've never wanted to shoot a lead bullet since. Yea. I'm lazy.

I understand that.

I also went the plated route for a time before I started casting and powder coating my own because of the dirty nature of traditional, lubed lead.

Now that I cast, I would "recycle" those pulled cast bullets (especially if they were commercial "hardcast" ones), adding them to pure lead to make up a suitable alloy more suited to my particular application.

I hate throwing away anything unless compromising safety makes it necessary.

 

[twarr1]

Send me the pulled lead! I shoot a lot of lead bullets in 38 caliber. The old (older than me) guys who pick bullets out of our range backstops at daybreak love them!
I agree with others, resize the cases with the decapping pin removed. Lead bullets are usually a little larger in diameter than plated or jacketed and you don’t want loose necks.
Now days I never waste a primer. If a primed case is unusable for whatever reason I’ll gently press the primer out.

 

[Bazoo]

I’ve been scrimping primers since I started loading. It’s just part of reloading ain’t it?

 

[Ironicaintit]

I don't understand throwing the powder out.
Is it that hard to have a clean container within reach to dump it into?

 

[Seedy Character]

Pull bullet
Seat new bullet
Run through crimp die
Shoot em up

 

[mdi]

N/A

 

[Dibbs]

Yes, your plan is is a good one.

It's a shame, however, that you don't find an outdoor range and save yourself the trouble of pulling those bullets... Bet you'd have a lot more fun

I'd attempt to find somebody with their own range, or another outside range. Save yourself a lot of time at the reloading bench.

 

[.45Coltguy]

I used Unique in the lead loads. The power I'll dump. Not worth the hassle really IMHO. I'm good for powder...and brass really. It's the primers I don't want to toss if I don't have to.

As for shooting them. When the range went to the "no exposed lead" policy I was ticked off. All I'd ever shot since my Lee Loader days was lead. Then I started to load plated and discovered that cleanup was a LOT easier. I've never wanted to shoot a lead bullet since. Yea. I'm lazy.

Not knowing the laws of your state, but, can't you drive to the woods and shoot those? Curious.

 

[Muddydogs]

If you know the powder is Unique why would you throw it out? Makes no sense.

If you don't resize the cases your going to find that the bullets won't have proper neck tension if the brass and cast bullets were sized like they should have been when loaded initially. I have no idea why you think recoil won't be an issue in your Colt because it will and the chances of a bullet jamming up the works is great. Don't be lazy and do it right the first time. More crimp isn't the answer to fix lack of neck tension.

 

[Y-T71]

If you know the powder is Unique why would you throw it out? Makes no sense.

If you don't resize the cases your going to find that the bullets won't have proper neck tension if the brass and cast bullets were sized like they should have been when loaded initially. I have no idea why you think recoil won't be an issue in your Colt because it will and the chances of a bullet jamming up the works is great. Don't be lazy and do it right the first time. More crimp isn't the answer to fix lack of neck tension.

I agree with not throwing out good powder.
No doubt you could find another suitable use for it.

I do, however, respectfully disagree with your assessment that a malfunction is a virtual guarantee unless the case is resized.

Under his particular circumstance, the entire bearing surface of the wadcutter bullet will be in contact with the brass case creating plenty of friction that, when combined with a standard roll crimp (nobody has suggested any "more"crimp be applied) and a light-standard charge of Bullseye in a revolver with a minimum weight of 42oz that there would be any chance of those bullets moving.

Of course, resizing won't be damaging in any way just, completely unessary IMHO.

 

[flightsimmer]

No, no, no. Leave them like they are and just dip the lead bullet in some red, green or black paint so that they look like their coated. Your making to much work for yourself.
Glad I could help.

 

[Muddydogs]

I agree with not throwing out good powder.
No doubt you could find another suitable use for it.

I do, however, respectfully disagree with your assessment that a malfunction is a virtual guarantee unless the case is resized.

Under his particular circumstance, the entire bearing surface of the wadcutter bullet will be in contact with the brass case creating plenty of friction that, when combined with a standard roll crimp (nobody has suggested any "more"crimp be applied) and a light-standard charge of Bullseye in a revolver with a minimum weight of 42oz that there would be any chance of those bullets moving.

Of course, resizing won't be damaging in any way just, completely unessary IMHO.

If the lead loads where done right the lead bullet should be .001 to .003 inches over bore diameter so once the lead is pulled and a jacketed bullet seated there is very little if any neck tension.

 

[lordpaxman]

The indoor range where I shoot doesn't allow exposed lead bullets anymore, and frankly since I started shooting plated bullets, I don't want to shoot lead anyway.

I like coated or plated bullets as well, but @flightsimmer beat me to it. A quick dunk in very thin paint and you’re coated. I used to think an FMJ was, well, a full metal jacket until you look at the base. With just a few hundred should be only an hour or two at the range.

 

[Random 8]

I've actually used Linseed oil to coat a soft SWC bullet I used for revolver rabbiting. My rounds were subject to moisture and the lead would oxidize without this treatment. Looked very much like "clear" hi tek coating, and had no noticeable effects on performance.

 

[Jackiesman]

I don't understand throwing the powder out.
Is it that hard to have a clean container within reach to dump it into?

I FULLY agree, I don’t throw anything away, especially powder or primers. And Unique is a versatile powder. Absolutely nothing wrong with re-use. So if you’re sure what it is then share it with a range buddy. But don’t 6 it.

 

[PapaG]

Since you aren’t using the led anyway, get a set of nail puller pliers and pull them in a press. Twenty times faster than impact puller and give or sell the lead to a caster. I just pulled a few hundred 45 Colts that I got out of an estate that were loaded way hot with an unknown powder. New brass.