Author Topic: Gas Check Bullets? (Read 931 times)

Lawful Larry · « **on:** March 21, 2005, 06:02:04 AM »

I have been thinking of getting into loading gas check bullets. I like lead bullets and would like to work up some hunting rounds for my hand cannons.

Is there anything I should be doing special or researching for these bullets before working up heavy handloads?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2005, 06:19:46 AM »

What cartridge are you planning to work on? I've used them for 44 magnum and for my particular bullet I liked them because I got really good accuracy for target shooting. However, I couldn't see any advantage to using them for hunting. I switched back to using non-gas checked bullets because they are fine. I think it's more important to work on bullet hardness, as with quenching. Some really good bullet designs are for gas checks. I have bought some of the LBT bullets that have a big flat nose, are hard, and are incidentally gas checked. I like the design, but the gas check isn't that important to me.

Maybe it's more valuable for cartridges faster than the 44 magnum.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2005, 06:28:19 AM »

Quote from: Questor

What cartridge are you planning to work on? I've used them for 44 magnum and for my particular bullet I liked them because I got really good accuracy for target shooting. However, I couldn't see any advantage to using them for hunting. I switched back to using non-gas checked bullets because they are fine. I think it's more important to work on bullet hardness, as with quenching. Some really good bullet designs are for gas checks. I have bought some of the LBT bullets that have a big flat nose, are hard, and are incidentally gas checked. I like the design, but the gas check isn't that important to me.

Maybe it's more valuable for cartridges faster than the 44 magnum.

The advantage to using gas check bullets apposed to non-gas check lead bullets is, the gas checks allow you to load hotter rounds with out the bottom of the bullet melting and leading you guns. Hard cast gas check bullets are great for tough game and when deep penetration is needed.

I use them in my .357 MAG, 45 Win MAG, 44 MAG, 454 Casull and 500 MAG. And I load them hot, something I can't do with plain lead bullets, without getting a leaded up barrel. :eek:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2005, 06:58:38 AM »

I'd have to agree with Redhawk on the barrel leading issue, it happened to my 45-120 even with the milder loads I'm shooting in the 45-120 Buffalo Classic. I'm using the Cast Performance gas checked bullets now and getting great accuracy with mild loads of 5744 behind a 460 WFNGC bullet. Shooting the same charge behind different 405gr to 500gr 20-1 lead bullets, I got lead flaking on the patch when I ran a patch thru the bore, no such issues with the GC bullets. Hopefully this bullet will be great for hunting with it's wide meplat.

460gr WFNGC

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2005, 07:23:41 AM »

My 44s are maximum loads and I get no fouling with plain base bullets so long as the bullets are hard.

Yukon Gold · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2005, 07:38:11 AM »

This may not be the correct thread, but while on the subject of gas checks...

Just getting into casting.
Recently I was given several molds for various bullets which use gas checks, in addition to several thousand .44 and .45 gas checks.

The question is, how do you attach these gas checks? Do you have to crimp them on, or just push the check onto the base of the bullet? Do you need a special tool, etc.

From what I have read on this thread - seems the jury is still out with the use of gas checks.

Any inputs would be appreciated - Thanks

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2005, 07:41:20 AM »

It's easy to add the gas checks. You put it on the base of the bullet and make sure it's snug and level. Then run the bullet through the sizer. That clamps it on.

Concerning this thread, are you getting the fouling at velocities higher than 44 magnum's 1350fps?

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2005, 04:45:43 PM »

Good Read Guys, I think everyone is right :-D
I think that if you are going to push it really fast, the check prevents obtrution. The check also acts like a wrench on the head of a bolt while the bullet travels down the barrel.

Racepres · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2005, 05:38:29 PM »

Anything over abt 900 fps I use gas checks, 45 acp's 44,38 spl's no, 357's 44's etc yep... BTW a 170 gr .308 fngc makes a great hunting bullet to in anything from a 30-30 to a 30-06 ... I happen to use it in a 308.... I enjoy cast bullet shootin alot... Marty

myronman3 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2005, 06:04:56 PM »

the first mold i bought was a g.c. design, the rest were not. at the velocities i run, they are a waste. and at the volume i shoot, quite an added expense. g.c.'s were mainly designed for rifle loads. for a revolver, a little work and you can make up loads that run a good clip and get very little to no leading.