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.



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.

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?

[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.

[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.

[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.
I don't have a borescope, only a bore light. But again, my barrels are clean.

[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.
I don't have a borescope, only a bore light. But again, my barrels are clean.

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 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.

[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.

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.

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.