Removing a stuck bullet

[sy247]

I have managed to get a lead bullet stuck in the cylinder of a muzzle loading pistol. It is a nitro pistol and the chamber is loaded with nitro powder. When I was using the loading press I don't think the bullet went in straight. I can't pull it out and I can't put the cylinder into the pistol to fire it.

If I wrap the cylinder in leather and put it in a vice so it doesn't get damanged and drill a small pilot hole into the bullet, perhaps using a hand drill I could gently put a screw in then use a claw hammer to extract it. Would it be sensible to pour some water into the cylinder from the primer pocket side to damp the powder?

Any other ideas greatfuly recieved.

Or is it a job for the gunsmith?

 

[bullet chucker]

To make the powder unusable is a sensible idea, and to small drill a hole seems the way to go, I' would increase the drill size to weaken the walls the drill may pick up whilst drilling and it may come out strait away,Then use a punch or such like to push it out as it can not be fully' jammed.

BC.

 

[sy247]

Thanks BC. Seems I am more or less on the right track.

I can't push it out unfortunately because the Westlake Taurus cylinder doesn't have removable nipples like a black powder pistol. The pockets for shot shell primers are machined into the cylinder.

 

[Bouncingoffthelocks]

I agree with making the powder inert from a saftey standpoint . In the past i have had a screw attachment to a cleaning rod with a hand hold on the top, a bit of pipe on the shaft of the rod to use as a slide hammer worked a treat.

 

[sy247]

I agree with making the powder inert from a saftey standpoint . In the past i have had a screw attachment to a cleaning rod with a hand hold on the top, a bit of pipe on the shaft of the rod to use as a slide hammer worked a treat.

Thanks

 

[Len the dog]

Rather than using a claw hammer to lever it out, maybe cut a slot in a bit of flat steel bar and put a washer on the screw before driving it in. The washer will shoulder up against the flat bar and extract the bullet in a more controlled manner.

 

[sy247]

Rather than using a claw hammer to lever it out, maybe cut a slot in a bit of flat steel bar and put a washer on the screw before driving it in. The washer will shoulder up against the flat bar and extract the bullet in a more controlled manner.

Thanks Len, that's a good idea

 

[Smellydog]

What is the bullet made of?
Just press it in and shoot it out.

 

[Greenmist]

Rather than water, I'd use oil, not sure on the claw hammer idea, perhaps a woodscrew with a strong cord attached and tided to a solid object and a sharp tug

 

[shakey jake]

is it just me that finds the idea of drilling into a live round in a chamber beyond scary?
no clue how to solve the problem

 

[sy247]

Rather than water, I'd use oil, not sure on the claw hammer idea, perhaps a woodscrew with a strong cord attached and tided to a solid object and a sharp tug

Thanks, both good ideas.

 

[sy247]

is it just me that finds the idea of drilling into a live round in a chamber beyond scary?
no clue how to solve the problem

Yes, I do find it scary

 

[Tarquin]

You arent drilling into a live round and I would only do that as last resort.
There is no primer and you would have to go some to ignite the tiny amount of powder.
Put some masking tape around the sticky out bullet then cut it off with a hacksaw. Try cylinder in the gun.
If still proud trim with a craft knife.

 

[Donkey Basher]

Surely if there is no primer at the other end all you need to do is use a suitable sized punch & knock the bullet out - or would compressing powder with a shock load like that cause it to detonate?

Otherwise drill a small hole, wind a self tapping screw into the bullet & pull out using a pair of mole grips clamped to the screw.

 

[sy247]

Surely if there is no primer at the other end all you need to do is use a suitable sized punch & knock the bullet out - or would compressing powder with a shock load like that cause it to detonate?

Otherwise drill a small hole, wind a self tapping screw into the bullet & pull out using a pair of mole grips clamped to the screw.

The holes between the primer pockets and the chamber that the poweder and bullet is in are very small and I can only get a very thin piece of wire through it, so can't push it out unfortunately.

I will try and cut it down as suggested above and fire it or will pull it out.

 

[Smellydog]

Do you have a loading press?
Do you have a vice?

 

[Len the dog]

Surely if there is no primer at the other end all you need to do is use a suitable sized punch & knock the bullet out - or would compressing powder with a shock load like that cause it to detonate?

Otherwise drill a small hole, wind a self tapping screw into the bullet & pull out using a pair of mole grips clamped to the screw.

No, you could hit powder with a hammer all day long and it won't detonate, it isn't a primary explosive.

 

[sy247]

Do you have a loading press?
Do you have a vice?

I've got the loading press that was supplied with the gun. I haven't got a vice but I know a man that has!

 

[Len the dog]

I've got the loading press that was supplied with the gun. I haven't got a vice but I know a man that has!

I have plenty of vices, but not sure you would want any of them.

 

[sy247]

I have plenty of vices, but not sure you would want any of them.