Where do we stand on coating gas checks?

[Beagle333]

Who's doing it, and is it working?
I have not been coating mine, and have been checking them afterward. I am not doing this because coating the check failed, but just because I have not tried it.

Mine look like this after coating, then I gas check them.
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/PC-101022_zps88b26228.jpg


So (hopefully) to help out with collecting the results.... let's hear how you are handling the GC situation, no matter what method you coat with.[smilie=s:

For instance, I believe that BangerJim said that he does not coat his checks, but I saw that MikeHughes is coating the whole thing. How is each way working for everybody? :confused:

[VHoward]

I haven't coated any gas checked bullets yet, but was planning on coating first then gas checking. On the other hand, I don't think coating the gas check would hurt at all.

[Anyracoon]

I have been coating first, than gas checking. Only problem I have run into is small piece of foil sticking on base of bullet that has to be scraped off.

[MacFan]

After playing with both ways I decided to coat after checking. Coating-after had the advantage of the PC seeping a little between the check and the lead. If you have a check that may not be a perfect fit the PC glues it on.
As far as shooting I found no difference.

[Mike Hughes]

I like to pc over the gas check, the pc permanently attaches the check to the boolit. Even a loose fitting check will become securely attached. GC after coating was hit and miss for fit. I am getting my best results with Freightmans dry tumble method

[bangerjim]

You might get so needed extra adhesion with after-GC coating if there is space for it to flow in there during the bake.

I really do not thing there a bit of difference in either. I use Cu checks and just like the color contrast of black and Cu! People I show the boolits to (B4 loading) are amazed at the cool look.

I have never had any problems with loose Cu GC's. I use Hornady checks. My 223, 30, and 45 molds seem to give me a good diameter to grab the check. I just give it a little tap with a small hammer B4 pushing it thru the sizing dies.

But I know there are different people on here doing it both ways with great success.

bangerjim

[Echd]

I normally size before PC and after and put the checks on after, but I very much doubt there would be any difference.

[Beagle333]

I'm gonna test out some coated checks on this tumble lube design cast in stick-on WW. I had gotten the GC'd tumble lube mold so I could shoot some soft stuff faster, but I know ESPC is the way. 8-)
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/TL-lube003_zps239ecda7.jpg

[gewing]

I am new to this only been trying to grasp the technique for a few days. What is espc? I will probably from it as soon as I post this...

I am mostly interested in moderate velocity pistol uses, but rifle uses could be great fun.
The two big questions I have are how fast can powder coated Pb bullets be driven WITHOUT gas checks (particularly softer alloys)??
And
Has anyone been checking their bores before and after with a borescope???

[mpbarry1]

I see that some of you go to great lengths to leave bare lead in the check seating area. (washers for example). I am about ready to try the dolomite dry method on 30-30, my first attempt btw.

my question is, can I seat the check over the powder coat on the heal of the boolit??

[Beagle333]

my question is, can I seat the check over the powder coat on the heal of the boolit??

Yes. But I can only do it if the gas check shank casts .002 undersized, such as this one.
For most of mine, they are already a tight fit into the check, so I have to go to "great lengths" to keep that shank from getting any fatter.
:lovebooli
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/rcbs001_zps0723919f.jpg

[Beagle333]

I am new.... What is espc?
how fast can powder coated Pb bullets be driven WITHOUT gas checks (particularly softer alloys)??
And... Has anyone been checking their bores before and after with a borescope???

ESPC is electrostatic powder coating.
I don't know how fast.... I only shoot PB in pistols and I have not found a limit yet.:Fire:
I don't have a borescope, only a bore light. But again, my barrels are clean. :-D

[mpbarry1]

Thank you Beagle!

[gewing]

ESPC is electrostatic powder coating.
I don't know how fast.... I only shoot PB in pistols and I have not found a limit yet.:Fire:
I don't have a borescope, only a bore light. But again, my barrels are clean. :-D

Thanks. Are you using gas checks? At least for now I am mostly interestedin .45 acp and Colt, but might eventually load for my Dad,s .44 mag, .357 mag,.32-20, maybe even .4570 and .444 :-D I am on the list for a mihec .45-270-SAA mold, can't wait to try in my "New vaquero". Edited for silly tablet error.

[Beagle333]

Are you using gas checks? I am on the list for a mihec .45-270-SAA mold, can't wait to try in my "New vaquero".
I use gas checks sometimes. But mostly, no.

You'll love the 45-270-SAA. I have one that I found on the forum, used.
And I'm on that list for a new one too. I may buy two of them, just to have a spare. Who knows when/if there will be another re-run! It's an awesome boolit, lubed or coated. :grin:
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/PC-101029_zps354e376e.jpg

[sparky45]

I gotta say Beagle, you produce some of the best and purdy'ist cast I have ever seen. I'm into ESPC, but I have a long way to go to produce the eye candy you concoct.

[gewing]

I use gas checks sometimes. But mostly, no.

You'll love the 45-270-SAA. I have one that I found on the forum, used.
And I'm on that list for a new one too. I may buy two of them, just to have a spare. Who knows when/if there will be another re-run! It's an awesome boolit, lubed or coated. :grin:
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/PC-101029_zps354e376e.jpg

Thanks. Those are awfully pretty bullets. Now I need to go back and find the thread/post where someone was using them in a .45 acp ;-) I wouldn't want to put a steady diet of them through my Kimber, but for occasional use, a 265 gr HP at 800 fps or so could be fun. :O

[Beagle333]

Thanks Sparky45 and gewing. 8-)

I didn't know those would work in acp. (I don't have one.):(

[Echd]

Sounds like a problem that needs fixin, Beagle!

[Beagle333]

You're prolly right. I did buy a mold and made a pile of these .45acp boolits, but they shoot like poop in my Peacemaker 'cause I can't get a good crimp on em. :veryconfu
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/200gr008_zps77058148.jpg

[freebullet]

Beagle
As usual you post up some stellar boolit pics. I don't know what's best- yer casting skills, yer pc skills, or yer photography skills. The all seem great to me.

With very carefull adjustment of the die I bet you could get a little more crimp without slicing the pc. Or if you can seat them further out to the point where the boolit almost hits the throats when loading it may enhance accuracy a bit. Or maybe not too, lol.

Another detail I've noticed is chamfering the mouth helps you get a better roll crimp without cutting the powder coating.

[Beagle333]

It'd perform better if I'd just use the boolits with the crimp groove that were meant for .45LC's. I just saw that big ol' holler point and wanted that mold. 8-)

I do have several others that are meant for the LC. And... I should mebbe start a coin jar and save for a 1911. :wink:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/MP45-225002_zpsb3a5ca48.jpg

[TheDoctor]

I wonder what he Lee factory crimp die (not the carbide one) would do. If it would peel the coating off? I have those in 357 mag, 44 mag, and 45 Colt, but have been hesitant to try.

[Echd]

I sometimes use one to give a really light crimp. I haven't had any leading issues but I've always been a bit wary of the FCD on cast loads in general, and generally barely touch the cartridge with it.