cast for sks?

[michiganflyer]

Question...
I see some of you cast for an sks.
I would like to give it a try.
I have done pistol loads for years, but never rifle.
When do you need gas checks?
Looking in my Lyman reloading guide it appears to show a 130 grain cast with no gas check, or a 115 grain with a gas check.

What are you guys loading ?
Is it FPS over some level that dictates a gas check?
Where is the cheapest place to buy them?
A good price?
I see Midway has 1000 for like $22 or 27 I forget. I wouldn't mind starting with 100, but looks like they are all 1000 in a pkg.
Ron

[RU shooter]

Heres some good reading for you on the subject. Enjoy:-D
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=13453

As far as when to use a Gas Check My rule is when the load starts to lead the barrel ,This is usually around 1300 fps for me If I can find a load under that vel. that gets me the accuracy and range I desire I dont use them ,But since I doubt you'll be able to get a load at that vel to function the action on any SKS your gonna need to GC those boolits ,Ofcourse you can shoot it as a manually operated repeater with lighter loads but that kinda defeats the purpose of a semiautomatic rifle

[Leftoverdj]

Best mould going for the SKS is the Lee C312-155-2R. You just can't get the Lyman 130 PB to function the action reliably at pressures that allow accuracy. Lee C309-113-RF might work if you had a tight bore and a fat mould. There have been some group buys that specced that mould fat enough, but the production version is a bit skinny.

[wiljen]

I've got the NEI 155311 that is NEI's version of the mold leftoverdj mentions. I'll second the idea that its about as good a design as is to be had for the sks.

You might also look at www.castpics.net
Under member articles there is a good article on casting for the SKS carbines.

[dukenukum]

I use the lyman 311465 cast from #2 alloy with a gas check this seems to work well .
:castmine:

[Junior1942]

See http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/sks.htm I use the fat 311041 group buy & surplus 4895 @1700 fps, and get great accuracy and 100% action function.

[ssn vet]

I don't know....but hope to soon, as this will be the first caliber I cast for...

not for an SKS, but rather a Saiga (sporter AK).....

as for buying gas checks.....Hornady packs 1,000 in the same size box that you'd normally buy 100 bullets in.......so what would they pack 100 gas checks in? A thimble? :)