Bullet puller!!!

[Carl323]

Sorry for the drama of the exclamation points, but help! Searched the forum but didn't see my problem. Was shooting at the range, 54 cal investarms hawken doing great, then when time to reload I lubed a patch with a touch more bore butter while waiting a bit to pour the next Pyrodex charge. You guessed it, got out of sequence, so started the ball and patch down. The starter got it in to its depth then got the ramrod to finish seating them, then realized I hadn't put the powder in. Am home now, been trying to use my bullet puller. I know it's penetrating the ball but it isn't easy. Not getting enough grip so it comes free. There are lead shavings. Do I keep going or what? The ramrod turns easy in barrel, plenty of room. But worried if I'm screwing up the bore. I don't think I'm hitting the side of the barrel with the puller. I have ended up pushing the ball deeper in the barrel. Heavens knows I'm going to learn from this.

 

[Stubert]

If you are using the ramrod to pull a ball, you are going to have bigger problems when the tip pulls off or the rod breaks. I use a solid aluminum rod with a T handle, you need to be able to push it in to tighten the puller, and then pull it out. OR trickle some powder under the nipple and shoot it out. (do that before you pull the tip off your rod)

 

[AZbpBurner]

I've never been able to get enough grip on the rod by itself to pull out a stuck ball, but that's what the T-Handles are made for - just be sure your ramrod ends are both pinned before yanking on anything.

 

[Carl323]

Thanks stubert and az. I'm now using an aluminum range rod from cabelas I have. It's got the t handle. Should I just keep trying to get in the ball deep enough so it doesn't just come free?

 

[Stubert]

Push down and screw it in a couple of turns and pull, repeat as nessesary. Is the bore clean or fouled? If fouled, run a slighty damp patch down to break up the fowling.

 

[necchi]

Stop before you drill a hole all the way through.

Go back to the Range.

Remove the nipple and trickle a little powder in the nipple hole,
Knock on the rifle a bit to settle the powder.
Trickle a little powder down the nipple hole.
Knock on the rifle to settle the powder.
Repeat both above,,,
Put the nipple back on.
Cap the rifle.
Point it down range.
Shoot.

And remember to do that next time ya dry ball,
It only takes a couple grains and it'll pop right outta there,.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Thanks stubert and az. I'm now using an aluminum range rod from cabelas I have. It's got the t handle. Should I just keep trying to get in the ball deep enough so it doesn't just come free?

Is that one of those sectioned rods? :shocked2:
More better, just remove the nipple and put 2-3 grains of powder (real black powder) in there and shoot the ball out before you drill a hole through it and have real problems.

 

[necchi]

Jynx! :blah:

 

[Carl323]

Ok gonna do it. Got nipple off, and taking off in truck. Does it matter where in the barrel the ball is now? Not sure. Thanks.

 

[necchi]

Ya wanna have it down on the breech or near where it should be when properly loaded.

 

[lethemgo]

I did this yesterday while learning my rifle. Than remember reading here to shoot it out. Took the nipple out poured powder in there used a toothpick and pushed it towards the breach..did that a couple times and poooff saw the patch more than I saw the ball. Thanks guy for that hint. or they do make a co2 thing to try to shoot it out.

 

[Okie Hog]

Remove the nipple and trickle a little powder in the nipple hole,
Knock on the rifle a bit to settle the powder.
Trickle a little powder down the nipple hole.
Knock on the rifle to settle the powder.
Repeat both above,,,
Put the nipple back on.
Cap the rifle.
Point it down range.
Shoot.

Works for me.

 

[Billnpatti]

STOP!!! DO NOT USE YOUR BULLET PULLER!!!! The best way to remove your stuck ball is to get some powder behind it. If your rifle is a caplock, simply remove your nipple and work some powder in behind the ball. It doesn't take much. Just put powder into the nipple hole and tap the side of your rifle to work the powder behind the ball. Keep adding powder until you can't get any more in. Then replace your nipple and aim in a safe direction and fire your rifle. The ball will come right out. If your rifle is a flintlock, work the powder in through the touch hole, It is a bit more difficult but it can be done. If the unlikely thing happens and the ball doesn't come all the way out, just add more powder the same way as before and RE-SEAT THE BALL (absolutely important) and fire again. Once the ball is out, you can clean your rifle and be ready for the next outing.

 

[Wes/Tex]

What Bill said...and do be sure to seat the ball down against however much powder you get in there. Ball separation from the powder can be as dangerous with small amounts as large!

 

[nkbj]

And do it right now because the pyrodex residues can eat your barrel up. I've lost a barrel before in 1992 to not cleaning quickly enough after shooting pyrodex. Hard lesson for me. Please, get it out and clean your barrel.

 

[Carl323]

Thanks to everyone. I learned a lot from this mistake. Took her out in the boonies, removed nipple, put in a grain or grain and a half I'd guess, wasn't much that's for sure. A bit, then thumped on the bolster area, then a touch more, wouldn't take but a little. Replaced nipple, capped it, aimed up on the levee, and there was ignition and the ball came out and buried itself into the soft soil.

Now, the million dollar question, and isn't this tenderfoot a load of absurdity? I don't think the ball WAS seated all the way down, I left before the last replies stressing that fact. I thought with such a tiny bit of Pyrodex it would be sort of a poof than a bang, and it was pretty mild ignition, but ball came out. Since I did survive and have learned more than you can imagine, did that damage the barrel for future shots and pose any danger?

 

[necchi]

Nah, not that tiny bit, your golden.

Good lesson, glad it worked out for ya.

And don't forget,, you seen that ball come out,, it's still dangerous.

I seen a guy dry ball and use this method,, haphazardly point his rifle downrange,, the ball hit a 2x4 target upright and came bouncing back and hit him on the shin!!
Left a nasty bruise!!

 

[Wes/Tex]

Agree with necchi, we're just trying to be extra cautious since problems can occur. You probably have no problems what so ever. I f you don't feel any loose spots along the barrel next time you load, forget it but remember not to dry ball!

 

[awebbersr]

Now, don't forget to clean your barrel. :thumbsup:

 

[ord sgt]

Welcome to the club. I do believe that dry balling has happened to almost everyone on this forum. Happens all the time. Probably won't be the last time that you or me.