Gas Checks

[Danth]

Hello All: I'm interested in loads for 6.5 Japanese and find bullet #266324 is listed w/o a gas check with velocities in the 1800ft-2000ft/sec range. I thought a bullet driven faster than 1400ft/sec should have a gas check or leading would become a problem. The 6.5 bullet listed for the 256 Newton also doesn't have a gas check, and that velocity is near 3000ft/sec. What do you think? Best, Dan

[Ben]

I wouldn't want to waste the primers and powder on the speeds that you describe with a plain based bullet in those cartridges that you've listed.

I shoot plain based .30 cal. bullets a lot. They are accurate, but not at the speeds that you describe.

Ben

[Bret4207]

Just because a load is listed at high speeds doesn't mean it won't lead like crazy. And just because there is a PB design shown doesn't mean that it ever worked worth a darn.

If you want to shoot that 324 PB better hope it's fat enough to fit first off and plan on starting around 1000 fps and working up. Of course finding one of those moulds may be a challenge in itself

[Danth]

Ok, I'm looking for some help. I'm surprised the cast bullet handbook would list loads destined to cause problems. I do have a 266324 mold and was hoping to use it in 6.5 Japanese, 6.5 Carcano and 256 Newton. Sure don't want to lead up the barrels. Anyone have suggested loads for these calibers which shoot well, would be adequate for deer and don't lead the barrels? Thanks, Danth

[Bret4207]

First things first- what diameter do your boolits drop in your chosen alloy? 2nd, what are your groove diameters in the rifles?

[fishhawk]

just to go and pick a load ain't going to cut it, you got work to do with slugging your barrels for a correct fit, poor fit will cause leading. steve k

[Ben]

Danth :

Getting plain based rifle bullets to shoot well is tricky at best. You've got some good advice offered to you above.

You've got to do some homework 1st. with the slugging of your bores. A bullet that is too small by .001 or .002 will be a waste of your time, powder and primers. Share your bore diameters with us. Maybe we can help.

Ben

[runfiverun]

it ain't the speed that'll mess you up, it's the accuracy loss all at once.
all those old military rifles are like a wildcat ,you have to measure what you have and fit IT not someone elses.
heck,that applies to bout all guns in general.

[Newtire]

I know this is an old thread but if anyone wanted to gas check one of those things, they could use a trick that Beagle came up with for the .25 Caliber. If you push that base down into a .244" sizer die-maybe first size it to .258"-you should be able to get a nice gas check shank that is perfect diameter for 6.5mm gas checks. If too much trouble, I will buy that mould from you if the price is right?

I went from .258 to .244 with a .25 caliber RCBS 85 grain plainbase "cowboy" boolit shank and they came out real nice.

[firefly1957]

Okay i do not shoot this calibert but looked though several books newer books had no loads but both Lyman 44 & 45 editions have these loads. Bullet #266324 119 grain cast.
2400 15.0 1615 f/s 18.0 1868 f/s Accuracy load 2400 15.0 grs @ 1615 f/s
IMR 4227 19.5 1893 f/s 22.0 2083 f/s
IMR 4198 22.0 1919 f/s 24.0 2057 f/s
IMR 4895 28.0 1976 f/s 31.0 2092 f/s
I hope this helps you.

[Newtire]

Alot of guys have tried to make the 6.5's shoot with cast and I think you can but the velocity will have to remain around 1500-1600 for best results it seems. I shot a 5-shot group of just under an inch at 100 yards with my 6.5-06. I think that it's going to be hard to beat that. The load I was using chronographs around 1500+ FPS. I tried it again and got larger groups but maybe using too much lube. I didn't have the nice lube star that I had before-I filled one more groove with lube and it left a runny mess on the muzzle. So, time for a re-test. Also, these cases hadn't been fireformed yet and now I have a batch that are fireformed and neck sized only to test next week when I get some free time. It's fun!

[blackthorn]

Quote "Alot of guys have tried to make the 6.5's shoot with cast and I think you can but the velocity will have to remain around 1500-1600 for best results it seems."

For what its worth my understanding is that 6.5 Swede is difficult but 6.5 Jap---not so much. At present I cast for niether one so I am just going on what I remember reading.

[Wayne Smith]

I don't have it in front of me but I'm almost willing to bet those boolits listed were specifically made of linotype.