Gas Checks for Rifles

[ColColt]

I'll soon be using gas checks for the first time in a rifle and in looking for them I noticed Midway has both Lyman and Hornady. Lyman's is about $15 more per thousand. Any reason? Copper is copper.

[dubber123]

Last I knew, Hornady made them for Lyman. I assume the difference is in the mark up so they can make some money. Older Lyman checks were NOT made by Hornady, and were of a slip on type, not crimp on style. I am decidedly not a fan of slip on checks and their random exit from fired boolits. Something to keep in mind when you run into stocks of old checks.

[ColColt]

I've never put gas checks on any caliber rifle or pistol. This will be a first. I assume you just place them in the top of the die as you're sizing/lubing the bullet.

[oldfart1956]

I've never put gas checks on any caliber rifle or pistol. This will be a first. I assume you just place them in the top of the die as you're sizing/lubing the bullet.ColColt that's it in a nutshell. Using one of the Lee sizing dies allows you the option of nose first/base first, there are benefits to both ways. I've done it in the Lyman 450 as well but sometimes it gets a bit tricky with long boolits. Don't be afeered to go down yonder in the Gas Checks forum and do some poking about. A ton of info there. Also, a coupl'a local vendors selling them right here! I've dealt with Joshua/338RemUltraMag from here using his aluminum checks. He has copper as well. The aluminum has worked splendid (30/30) and they're only $17K if memory serves me. Service was excellent!! I found it was so easy I now very much regret removing the gascheck from some very nice molds. Hindsight is 20/20...eh? Audie...the Oldfart..

[ColColt]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know there was a Gas Check forum. I think the design of the bullets I'm getting will work great in the Whelen...did a bit of research on those before committing to which ones.

[Calamity Jake]

Get your gas checks here: http://www.blammersboard.com/

There cheaper and just as good or better than Hornady/Lyman

[ColColt]

I'll look around and thanks. It appears it's best to measure the shank prior to ordering.

[UBER7MM]

You might consider purchasing a gas check maker tool and making your own. At ~$40/1000, (one box) a gas check making tool pays for itself in a couple of boxes.

[Blammer]

colcolt, what caliber are you looking for?

[dromia]

If the mould is from a reputable maker then the shanks should be of a standard calibre size no need to measure.

I get all my gas checks from Blammer, he supplies Gator's high quality product at a friendly price he is also one of our vendor sponsors so check him out.

[ColColt]

colcolt, what caliber are you looking for?

.358 for the Whelen.

[leadman]

I use alot of checks from 338RemUltra and he is a vendor here. I have used both his aluminum and copper. Great product at a great price.

[TXGunNut]

Good thread, I don't hang out in the GC section because I thought Hornady was my best option. I'm getting a little weary of buying Hornady GC's and will be changing suppliers soon. I'd like to shoot fewer GC design boolits in my rifles but sometimes you gotta have a GC.

[ColColt]

The only rifle I've used cast in was the 38-55 at low velocity. What is the criteria for "needing" GC's...over 1800 fps or so?

[Tatume]

I've never put gas checks on any caliber rifle or pistol. This will be a first. I assume you just place them in the top of the die as you're sizing/lubing the bullet.

That might work, but it's better to put the gas check on the shank of the bullet, and then place the bullet on the die. You're much less likely to get a cocked gas check this way.

[ColColt]

Noobie at this, you know.:) I found some info about maximum shank sizes.

http://www.lasc.us/CheckShankSize.htm

[Blammer]

for the 35 whelen, use the 35 cal GC's or they are sometimes labeled as 358 GC's.

[ColColt]

I found them. There the Medium Gator Gas Checks, 358 Cal.