The Essential Guide to the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14 for .204 Ruger

For experienced handloaders and those new to the meticulous world of ammunition reloading, precision and safety are paramount. Every component, every tool, plays a critical role in producing high-quality, reliable ammunition. Among the indispensable tools for any serious reloader is a dependable bullet puller. More specifically, for those working with the high-velocity .204 Ruger cartridge, the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14 (UPC 090255921670) stands out as an exceptionally valuable and versatile accessory.

This specialized collet isn't just another small part; it's a fundamental element designed to integrate seamlessly with the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller system. Its primary function is to securely grip bullets, allowing for their safe and efficient removal from cartridges without causing damage to the bullet, the case, or the valuable powder inside. But its utility extends beyond just bullet pulling, offering an additional function that optimizes your case preparation process.

Why Every Reloader Needs a Bullet Puller: Addressing Common Handloading Challenges

Reloading ammunition is a rewarding hobby that offers significant cost savings, the ability to customize loads for specific firearms, and the satisfaction of crafting precision cartridges. However, even the most careful handloader can encounter situations where a bullet needs to be safely unseated. This is where a high-quality bullet puller, like one utilizing the Hornady #14 Collet, becomes absolutely essential.

Common Scenarios Requering Bullet Pulling:

• Correcting Mistakes: Did you accidentally seat a bullet too deep or not deep enough? Did you use the wrong powder charge or misidentify a component? A bullet puller allows you to correct these errors without having to discard valuable components.
• Salvaging Components: Sometimes, a loaded round doesn't perform as expected, or perhaps you decide to change a load recipe. Instead of wasting the bullet, powder, and primer, a bullet puller allows you to disassemble the cartridge and reuse its components. This saves money and reduces waste.
• Inspecting Powder Charges: For competitive shooters or those striving for ultimate precision, it's occasionally necessary to verify powder charges in loaded rounds. A bullet puller enables this inspection without damaging the bullet.
• Testing and Experimentation: Developing new loads often involves trial and error. A bullet puller facilitates the disassembly of test loads, allowing for adjustments and reassembly.
• Safety Concerns: Misfires or squib loads can be dangerous. Safely disassembling a problematic round is crucial, and a proper bullet puller is the safest way to do so.
• Ammunition Storage: Over time, some ammunition may degrade, or you might decide to reclaim components from old stock. A bullet puller makes this process safe and efficient.

Compared to kinetic (impact) pullers, a collet-style puller like the Hornady Cam Lock system offers superior control and gentler handling. Kinetic pullers rely on inertia to separate the bullet, which can sometimes deform soft-point bullets or damage case mouths, especially with lighter projectiles. The collet system, on the other hand, grips the bullet firmly and pulls it directly, minimizing the risk of damage. This is particularly important for rifle bullets where preserving the bullet's integrity is key to accuracy.

Precision Engineering for the .204 Ruger

The Hornady #14 Collet is specifically engineered for the .204 Ruger caliber. This is a crucial detail, as each collet size is precisely machined to match the specific diameter of a given bullet. The .204 Ruger is a fascinating cartridge, renowned for its extremely high velocity, flat trajectory, and exceptional accuracy, especially popular among varmint hunters and precision shooters. It uses a small, lightweight bullet, typically around 32 to 40 grains, which travels at speeds exceeding 4,000 feet per second.

Given the small diameter of the .204 Ruger bullet, a collet designed specifically for it ensures a secure, non-marring grip. An improperly sized collet could either fail to grip the bullet adequately, causing slippage, or grip it too tightly, potentially deforming the bullet's ogive or damaging its jacket. The precise fit of the Hornady #14 Collet prevents these issues, safeguarding your valuable .204 Ruger projectiles. This attention to detail reflects Hornady's commitment to precision in all aspects of reloading.

Beyond Bullet Pulling: A Clever Solution for Case Trimming

One of the less obvious, but equally valuable, functionalities of the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14 is its ability to secure cases for trimming. This innovative application leverages the collet's design, which functions much like a draw collet on a lathe.

Why is Case Trimming Important?

After firing, brass cartridge cases stretch. If not trimmed back to a consistent, specified length, these elongated cases can cause several problems:

• Safety Issues: An overly long case might not fully chamber in your firearm, or the case mouth could be crimped into the rifling lands, leading to excessive pressure buildup upon firing, which is a significant safety hazard.
• Reduced Accuracy: Inconsistent case lengths lead to variations in neck tension and bullet seating depth, negatively impacting shot-to-shot consistency and overall accuracy.
• Component Wear: Improperly sized cases can put undue stress on reloading dies and even the firearm itself.

To ensure consistent case length, reloaders use case trimmers. Many trimmers require a method to hold the case securely and concentrically. The Hornady Cam Lock system, with the appropriate collet, can be adapted for this task. By inserting a fired .204 Ruger case into the #14 Collet and securing it, you can then mount the assembly to a case trimmer that accepts a collet-style holder. This provides a stable, repeatable method for trimming cases to precise, uniform lengths, which is crucial for maximizing accuracy and safety with your .204 Ruger reloads.

This dual functionality makes the Hornady #14 Collet an even more valuable investment for the discerning reloader. It streamlines two critical processes – bullet pulling and case preparation – with a single, high-quality accessory.

Seamless Integration with the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller System

The Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14 is designed as an integral part of Hornady's well-regarded Cam Lock Bullet Puller system. This system is known for its speed, simplicity, and effectiveness. The "cam lock" mechanism allows for quick and easy engagement and disengagement of the collet, meaning you can swap calibers (by changing collets) in a matter of seconds.

How the Cam Lock System Works:

• Insert the Collet: The specific caliber collet (e.g., #14 for .204 Ruger) is inserted into the main bullet puller body.
• Place the Cartridge: The loaded cartridge is placed into the opening of the collet.
• Engage the Cam Lock: A simple lever or cam mechanism is activated, which constricts the collet around the bullet, providing a firm, non-marring grip.
• Operate the Press: The entire assembly (bullet puller die with collet and cartridge) is then used in a standard reloading press. Lowering the press handle pulls the case down while the collet holds the bullet stationary, effectively separating the two.
• Release the Bullet: Once the bullet is free, the cam lock is disengaged, releasing the bullet and allowing for component salvage or adjustment.

This efficient process minimizes effort and speeds up what could otherwise be a tedious task. For reloaders who frequently adjust loads or troubleshoot issues, the convenience and speed of the Hornady Cam Lock system, paired with the correct collet, represent a significant advantage. The robust construction of Hornady products ensures that this collet will withstand years of regular use, maintaining its precise dimensions and gripping power.

Investing in Quality: The Hornady Advantage

Hornady is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the firearms and reloading industries. For decades, they have been at the forefront of ammunition and component manufacturing, earning a reputation for precision, reliability, and performance. When you choose a Hornady product like the #14 Collet, you're not just buying a piece of metal; you're investing in decades of engineering expertise and a commitment to helping reloaders achieve their best results.

The meticulous manufacturing processes and stringent quality control at Hornady ensure that each collet meets exact specifications. This translates directly to better performance, greater safety, and a more satisfying reloading experience for you. For the precise demands of .204 Ruger reloading, where even tiny variations can affect performance, choosing a high-quality, purpose-built collet from a reputable manufacturer like Hornady is a decision that pays dividends in accuracy and consistency.

This Hornady #14 Collet, like many other essential reloading tools and components, is readily available from trusted sources for all your handloading needs. You can find this essential accessory and a wide array of other Hornady products, including the Cam Lock Bullet Puller itself, at DEGuns, ensuring you have access to the highest quality equipment for your reloading bench.

Key Considerations for Reloaders: Maximizing Your Collet's Value

To get the most out of your Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14, consider these best practices:

• Proper Maintenance: Keep your collet clean and free of powder residue or lubricant buildup. A clean collet ensures a consistent and secure grip on bullets and cases.
• Correct Caliber Matching: Always ensure you are using the correct collet size for your specific bullet diameter. While the #14 is for .204 Ruger, other calibers will require different collets.
• Pair with the Right Puller: This collet is specifically designed for the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller. Using it with an incompatible puller may lead to poor performance or damage.
• Storage: Store your collets in a clean, dry environment to prevent rust or corrosion, preserving their precise dimensions.
• Learning Resources: Hornady provides excellent manuals and resources. Familiarize yourself with the complete operation of the Cam Lock Bullet Puller system to ensure safe and efficient use.

By understanding the capabilities of the Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14 and integrating it effectively into your reloading process, you can significantly enhance the precision, safety, and efficiency of your ammunition production. Whether you're correcting a minor error, salvaging components, or meticulously preparing cases for your next precision load, this collet is an indispensable part of your reloading toolkit. Its specialized design for the .204 Ruger and its dual functionality make it a smart investment for anyone serious about handloading this impressive cartridge.

Product Specifications: Hornady Cam Lock Bullet Puller Collet #14

Attribute	Detail
Size	#14
Type	Collet
Series	Bullet Puller #14
Caliber	.204 Ruger
Quantity	1
SKU	392167
UPC	090255921670