Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture heavy)
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- Ysabel Kid
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Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture heavy)
Back in mid-February, awp101 posted for sale or trade a bunch of different types of ammunition.
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =2&t=46806
I was fortunate enough, especially given that I’ve been so busy I have barely been able to make it to the forum once a week in the past two months, to jump on his post early and I bought several of the items he posted, including some .45-120 Sharps rounds.
As luck would have it (and something I didn’t figure out until I was on the plane), I ended up spending the night less than 5 miles from his house the next day while on a business trip. I got a chance to drop by, unannounced, and caught Jason at home. It’s always great to meet a fellow levergunner, and it was nice to be able to pay him in person for my purchase – even if I couldn’t carry it home with me that day (airlines frown on loaded ammunition in carry-on’s!).
Jason recommended that I pull the bullets on these rounds, as he was not the original owner, and wasn’t sure who or how they had been loaded. Having damaged a gun using someone else’s reloads, that was my plan all along. No way I wanted to risk my Pedersoli Sharps 1874 reproduction! I figured, we were only talking 29 rounds, and I have a kinetic bullet puller, so no problem, right?
Right.
We’ll, here’s what they looked like to start.
You can see some of the cases were a bit more corroded than others.
Not damaged, just “crudded-up”.
Apparently, someone (other than Jason) attempted to pull the bullets, and managed to mangle two cases and left half a bullet in one of the cases!
Well, so I figured I’d use my Midway/Frankfort Arsenal kinetic bullet puller:
No problem, right? Like I said, “right”..
After about 30 whacks, the bullet finally dropped free. But wait a minute – it didn’t look like that beforehand!
Oh crud – the kinetic hammer (“puller”) isn’t long enough!
Well, I figured I could just shine the brass by hand, and did so to prove they cleaned up fine. They did - but that doesn’t solve the issue about the loading and risking my Sharps.
So, I figured I would just “get my Pitchy on”, and make myself a new kinetic bullet hammer/puller! Here are the parts, unassembled. ¾” galvanized steel piping.
Putting the puller together:
Using the shell holder from the other puller:
Putting the shell in the new puller:
2 good whacks and she’s out!
Now, that was more like it!
Bullet pulled – no harm, no foul:
A little friction tape, and she’s done:
Took no time to pull them all. Glad I did too. Discovered that several of the cartridges had vastly different amounts of power in them. I am going to weigh some of these I saved in bags just to see what variation I was looking at. All of the rounds used a cardboard card between the powder and bullet – except for three, which used two felt wads per case. In about half the cases, the blackpowder charge was compressed so tightly that the charge wouldn’t drop out without me using a pick to knock it out.
In any case, I was after the brass, which I got. I’ll deprime them next weekend, and also clean them up in the vibratory cleaner. I will be able to reuse about 50% of the bullets, and will recast the rest. Y2K has never fired the Sharps reproduction, so I better get these loaded soon!
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =2&t=46806
I was fortunate enough, especially given that I’ve been so busy I have barely been able to make it to the forum once a week in the past two months, to jump on his post early and I bought several of the items he posted, including some .45-120 Sharps rounds.
As luck would have it (and something I didn’t figure out until I was on the plane), I ended up spending the night less than 5 miles from his house the next day while on a business trip. I got a chance to drop by, unannounced, and caught Jason at home. It’s always great to meet a fellow levergunner, and it was nice to be able to pay him in person for my purchase – even if I couldn’t carry it home with me that day (airlines frown on loaded ammunition in carry-on’s!).
Jason recommended that I pull the bullets on these rounds, as he was not the original owner, and wasn’t sure who or how they had been loaded. Having damaged a gun using someone else’s reloads, that was my plan all along. No way I wanted to risk my Pedersoli Sharps 1874 reproduction! I figured, we were only talking 29 rounds, and I have a kinetic bullet puller, so no problem, right?
Right.
We’ll, here’s what they looked like to start.
You can see some of the cases were a bit more corroded than others.
Not damaged, just “crudded-up”.
Apparently, someone (other than Jason) attempted to pull the bullets, and managed to mangle two cases and left half a bullet in one of the cases!
Well, so I figured I’d use my Midway/Frankfort Arsenal kinetic bullet puller:
No problem, right? Like I said, “right”..
After about 30 whacks, the bullet finally dropped free. But wait a minute – it didn’t look like that beforehand!
Oh crud – the kinetic hammer (“puller”) isn’t long enough!
Well, I figured I could just shine the brass by hand, and did so to prove they cleaned up fine. They did - but that doesn’t solve the issue about the loading and risking my Sharps.
So, I figured I would just “get my Pitchy on”, and make myself a new kinetic bullet hammer/puller! Here are the parts, unassembled. ¾” galvanized steel piping.
Putting the puller together:
Using the shell holder from the other puller:
Putting the shell in the new puller:
2 good whacks and she’s out!
Now, that was more like it!
Bullet pulled – no harm, no foul:
A little friction tape, and she’s done:
Took no time to pull them all. Glad I did too. Discovered that several of the cartridges had vastly different amounts of power in them. I am going to weigh some of these I saved in bags just to see what variation I was looking at. All of the rounds used a cardboard card between the powder and bullet – except for three, which used two felt wads per case. In about half the cases, the blackpowder charge was compressed so tightly that the charge wouldn’t drop out without me using a pick to knock it out.
In any case, I was after the brass, which I got. I’ll deprime them next weekend, and also clean them up in the vibratory cleaner. I will be able to reuse about 50% of the bullets, and will recast the rest. Y2K has never fired the Sharps reproduction, so I better get these loaded soon!
-
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
That is a fine example what a country boy can come up with. I'm sure uncle Pitchy is right proud of you son.
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
JOSHUA 24:15
JOSHUA 24:15
- Old Savage
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
That's Pitchin' it! When you got a problem you got to hang in there and keep on Pitchin'.
-
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
YK,
If you decide to load them with black; use a drop tube to put the powder in. That tightly packed powder is what you get with a drop tube even without compression and it makes it burn much more consistently thus better accuracy.
You can even get more "Pitchy" and make one from an old aluminum arrow shaft. For years I used one damaged by a deer but was able to cut a good 24" piece from it. Taped a powder funnel to one end and secured it to one of the presses on my bench with a bungee cord. Case under bottom, slowly pour black powder in the funnel and Voila, packed powder.
If you decide to load them with black; use a drop tube to put the powder in. That tightly packed powder is what you get with a drop tube even without compression and it makes it burn much more consistently thus better accuracy.
You can even get more "Pitchy" and make one from an old aluminum arrow shaft. For years I used one damaged by a deer but was able to cut a good 24" piece from it. Taped a powder funnel to one end and secured it to one of the presses on my bench with a bungee cord. Case under bottom, slowly pour black powder in the funnel and Voila, packed powder.
M. M. Wright, Sheriff, Green county Arkansas (1860)
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Perfect!
Did you know that when that O-ring on the puller dies you can just use standard press shell holders instead of the collet?
Did you know that when that O-ring on the puller dies you can just use standard press shell holders instead of the collet?
Kind regards,
Tycer
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- Shootist
- Posts: 194
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:33 pm
- Location: AR
Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Never thought of that.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
You guys are funny, good job there pard
This is how i pull bullets if i`m not trying to save the bullets.
I take the die out of the loading press, put shell in holder, raise it up through the hole where die was and clamp a vise grip or big pliers on bullet then lower the case.
Pulls bullet slick as snot with no damage to case.
This is how i pull bullets if i`m not trying to save the bullets.
I take the die out of the loading press, put shell in holder, raise it up through the hole where die was and clamp a vise grip or big pliers on bullet then lower the case.
Pulls bullet slick as snot with no damage to case.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
- Shasta
- Senior Levergunner
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Good work! The solution you found for your problem has often been used for mechanical endeavors. If something isn't working.... get a bigger hammer!
SHASTA
SHASTA
California Rifle & Pistol Association LIFE Member
National Rifle Association BENEFACTOR LIFE Member
http://www.hcrpclub.org/schedule.html
avatar pic is Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, & Mt. Shasta
National Rifle Association BENEFACTOR LIFE Member
http://www.hcrpclub.org/schedule.html
avatar pic is Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, & Mt. Shasta
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- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
I'd be tempted to drill a vent hole or three on the side facing away, just in case you ever had a detonation. I have heard of this happening with a plastic puller, although I am not sure how it is possible. Dad always said I was a worrywart ....
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
I made a drop tube years ago. I'll snap a photo of it when I return. Didn't realize it packed it that tight!M. M. Wright wrote:YK,
If you decide to load them with black; use a drop tube to put the powder in. That tightly packed powder is what you get with a drop tube even without compression and it makes it burn much more consistently thus better accuracy.
You can even get more "Pitchy" and make one from an old aluminum arrow shaft. For years I used one damaged by a deer but was able to cut a good 24" piece from it. Taped a powder funnel to one end and secured it to one of the presses on my bench with a bungee cord. Case under bottom, slowly pour black powder in the funnel and Voila, packed powder.
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Great idea!Tycer wrote:Perfect!
Did you know that when that O-ring on the puller dies you can just use standard press shell holders instead of the collet?
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
I was hoping to save a few of the bullets. That was my back-up plan if all else failed. Certainly wasn't going to take 20-30 whacks with the other kinetic puller. I'm sure I would have busted it before I got through the batch!Pitchy wrote: You guys are funny, good job there pard
This is how i pull bullets if i`m not trying to save the bullets.
I take the die out of the loading press, put shell in holder, raise it up through the hole where die was and clamp a vise grip or big pliers on bullet then lower the case.
Pulls bullet slick as snot with no damage to case.
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
GREAT idea!Bill in Oregon wrote:I'd be tempted to drill a vent hole or three on the side facing away, just in case you ever had a detonation. I have heard of this happening with a plastic puller, although I am not sure how it is possible. Dad always said I was a worrywart ....
- Ji in Hawaii
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
You should call that thing "Mjölnir".
Illegitimus Non Carborundum
Akā, ʻo ka poʻe hilinaʻi aku iā Iēhova, e ulu hou nō ko lākou ikaika;
E piʻi ʻēheu aku nō lākou i luna, e like me nā ʻaito;
E holo nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e māloʻeloʻe,
E hele mua nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e maʻule.
`Isaia 40:31
Akā, ʻo ka poʻe hilinaʻi aku iā Iēhova, e ulu hou nō ko lākou ikaika;
E piʻi ʻēheu aku nō lākou i luna, e like me nā ʻaito;
E holo nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e māloʻeloʻe,
E hele mua nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e maʻule.
`Isaia 40:31
- AJMD429
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
You could probably pull 50 BMG rounds using that...!
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Just about Ji - only I hope it doesn't attract lightning!!!Friends Call Me Ji wrote:You should call that thing "Mjölnir".
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Was thinking the same thing. Now if I could only convince SWMBO to let me buy a .50 BMG, I'd be all set. I can often squirrel away guns here and there, and the funds to purchase them, but I doubt I could hide THAT!AJMD429 wrote:You could probably pull 50 BMG rounds using that...!
- 44-40 Willy
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Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
The one I saw pics of that detonated the guy replaced the collet that came with it with a shell holder.Bill in Oregon wrote:I'd be tempted to drill a vent hole or three on the side facing away, just in case you ever had a detonation. I have heard of this happening with a plastic puller, although I am not sure how it is possible. Dad always said I was a worrywart ....
http://www.shootersforum.com/handloadin ... rning.html
44-40 Winchester. Whacking varmits and putting meat on the table since 1873.
Re: Problem... Solution! Getting my "Pitchy On" (picture he
Good job brother. That's how to do it! Nothing better than a home made (& well made) tool that does what you need.