Thread: Read if you have Hornady Camlock Bullet Puller

The pliers thing might be OK for longer bullets that aren't crimped (and I have done it) but on anything with a crimp, sealed or softer jacketed the pliers will write the pills off. The collets have more surface area to grip the bullet shank and more even pressure around the pill. I've used my RCBS one to pull some that just would not move any other way including pressing the pill deeper (just moved the whole neck and shoulder back).

On the other hand, the pliers are an option for some pills where you don't have any exposed parallel shank to grab with the collet.