Do I need gas checks for my cast 9mm

[JB Weld]

I made a deal a few weeks ago for a casting set up.  In that deal were about 1000 cast 9mm (prov from wheel weights). They were cast in a Lee mold and have the micro grooves.  I tumble lubed them today (with Alox) and am ready to size them.  I will be shooting these from my Ruger LC9.

Do I need to put gas checks on these?

[hornady]

Short answer no on the gas checks. I think you need to take a step back before reloading cast bullets. You said Lee Micro grove bullets. I think what you meant to say was Lee Tumble lube bullets.  if sized at all. Some require no sizeing if cast from wheel weights. If they do need sized. They should be pushed through the Lee size die, Most times this would be a die .001 over the jacketed bullet size for the same caliber. And then tumble lubed.
If you are just starting out I would get a copy of the Lyman cast bullet book, Its very cheap and will help you in many ways.

[JB Weld]

Thanks hornady!  That is just what I was looking for.  I will find a copy of the book and get to reading.

[Froghunter]

JB Weld,
 
Here is a good read also:
 
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
 
Enjoy,
 
Froghunter
 
 

[Dand]

I just started casting again after a 10 +yr break.  I was pleased to find a lot of good info in the Lee Reloading manual too. Especially about Lee molds, cleaning lubing, smoking as well as the Lee bullet and sizer designs.

[Flash]

The tumble lube bullets are designed to be shot as is. Most likely when they go through a sizer, the lube groves will be crushed flat and defeat their purpose. Just lube them and after they're dry, load them but bell the case mouth first

[JB Weld]

JB Weld,
 
Here is a good read also:
 
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
 
Enjoy,
 
Froghunter

I found that one FH, and am reading right now. It is a good read.

[Lloyd Smale]

short of a custom mold i dont think your even going to find a mold for a gas checked 9mm bullet

[mdi]

As stated above, no need for gas checking a 9mm bullet, even if you could find a mold for one.

FWIW; I have size next to 1.25 zillion Lee tumble lube design bullets and have never "crushed flat" any grooves. Of course if you were trying to drop the OD .010"-015" mebbe the grooves would be pretty shallow, but they would still be there...

[D Fischer]

If the heel is cut for a gas check, I'd do it. I use tumble lube bullet's in my 30-06 and it use's gas checks. Tumble lube bullet's are supposed to be lubed before sizing and after sizing.

[GroovyMike]

If the bullet is designed for a gas check, use it.  But if not you don't need one.