Silly Question for casters

[jeep08ham]

Since I am thinking about casting bullets for the first time in 38 and 9 MM, are gas checks required?  Especially at higher velocities.  I was given a Lyman lube and sizer with various size dies.

Can gas checks go on all cast bullets?  I mean those bullets you purchase from casters.

New to this side of reloading and do not have a clue but willing to learn.   Have a couple of hundred lbs of good wheel weight material to work with. 

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Merry Christmas to all!

[Tom W.]

Gas checks go on specific bullets that are designed for them.

You probably won't get a .38 bullet fast enough to require a check, I dunno about a 9mm.

I have molds for various bullets, most of mine are plain base bullets, but  do have a few that use a gas check..

[Lloyd Smale]

waste of money at the velocitys your shooting a 9 or a 38

[OLDHandgunner]

waste of money at the velocitys your shooting a 9 or a 38

I agree with Lloyd. I don't use them on 9mm or 38 spl.

[Wiking]

Neither do I. I only shoot plain base for 9mm and .38 special. I know the 9mm are running at about 1150-1200 fps, dunno about the .38 but a lot slower, that I do know. Have never had leading from these loads.

Just make sure your bullets are not sized too small for your bore. A bullet that's too small can lead your barrel. Sized right and at 9mm & .38 velocities you should do just fine with WWs. You could water quenc them if you like.

Best advise I can give you is to read some of the highly enlightening threads on this forum. 98% of what I know about casting comes from this forum and another one.

[blhof]

I would also recommend Veral's book and the Lee manual as it has a fair amount of load data for many calibers icluding the 38 and 9mm.

[jeep08ham]

Thank you all for the advise on this matter.   I think I found the problem as the bullets have been about a .001" undersize.   

It is true there is a wealth of information available and all have been so helpful to us that do not know the correct answer!

Thanks again and have a Very Merry Christmas!