Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting Lead vx. Gas Check

Just getting into nonjacketed bullets. Have a couple questions. Where can I read up on gas check vs. plain lead bullets? Advantages and disadvantages. What is a good reloading data source for same - esp 44 mag?. Used to shoot .38 spec over bullseye 15 yr ago. Now there are so many moulds and bullet shapes, where do you find data to get started?

Try the link below - more info than you will ever need. Ask questions; good people that are eager to answer you without flaming.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

Lyman Cast Bullet handbook is an excellent reference/reloader guide info.

Thanks for the refs - exactly what I was hoping electronic plus hardcopy.
Bones

Sawbones66,
I use nothing but plain based bullets on my pistol bullets. On my rifle bullets I use gas checks because I "feel" like the checks protect the rifle bullet base and helps with accuracy. Plus, I tend to run the rifle bullets fast as compared to the pistol bullets so I want to protect the bases and the rifle from as much leading as I can. I can't prove my theory however.

I have traditionally shot lead bullets slower to reduce leading but I have been thinking of using gas check bullets. I know you can buy the gas checks separately, is there any science to putting on the gas checks or does the bullet have to be molded with the gas check in the bullet mold? kwg

The gas check is placed on the bullet after it has been molded. The bullet has to be a design with a heeled base that allows the gas check.

Typically they are fitted when the bullet is sized and lubed, for instance in a Lyman or RCBS Lubrisizer. I use the Lee sizing dies that push the bullet through nose first and they can be seated at that time as well.

When you say heeled base. That means one that has a set indent in the bullet for the gas check to fit onto? kwg

Yes, but there are bullets out there that look like boattails that are called bevel bases.
You are looking for a shank to seat the gas checks onto, and usually do not have much taper to them like a bevel base design.

Ankeny?

the following is a drawing of a "heeled" bullet or one that is designed for a GC



the next drawing/pic is of a plain base bullet that does not need or use a gas check.

this is a bevel base pic



as a rule, bevel base cast bullets don't perform as well as flat base ones.

Thanks for the pictures Blammer. That helps to explain it. Yes Hawki, Ankeny. kwg

I live in Polk City. What are you shooting? I have a bunch of cals. and diameters. PM me if you need some help.

How far north of Des Moines are you? My family and I live in Hampton and I got to seminary Mon.-Thurs. in Dubuque.
Selmer

Selmer,
If you find Saylorville Lake or Big Creek, there I am! I know a few folks in Hampton. Used to run deliveries all over north Iowa.

I'll bet driving has been fun!

your welcome.