Checkmaker or Freechex III?

[Markbo]

I have exactly one gas check maker: One of Pat Marlin's for .45. I would like to order a few more calibers. Before I do I thought I would check who has used both and which do you like better and why?

Other than being a little slow using an RCBS single stage press I am perfectly happy with the Checkmaker. It is consistent and easy to operate...just slow. I doubt any othef would be any faster.

Thanks!
Mark

[Retumbo]

From another site

http://vid1061.photobucket.com/album...psqfkvim5c.mp4
http://vid1061.photobucket.com/album...psaaq1olzj.mp4

I got rid of all my PM check makers

[rmatchell]

Its hard to top a freechex. Both in speed of production and in customer service.

[Beagle333]

I got one of each (different calibers). I like em both. Neither are for sale.

[Markbo]

So Freechex are cut and cupped in one swipe???

[dragon813gt]

So Freechex are cut and cupped in one swipe???

You are correct

[Markbo]

Hmmmm...too bad he doesnt have .41 or .475 PB dies.

[Retumbo]

Make your own...the plans are out there and its easy to do.

[rmatchell]

Hmmmm...too bad he doesnt have .41 or .475 PB dies.

I would call him. Great guy to talk to and you would be surprised to see what he can do.

[JeffinNZ]

It really depends on how you wish to make your checks.

If you want a device that is used in conjunction with a loading press then Pat is your man. If you are inclined to use an arbor press or drill press then the FC III is the answer. Horses for courses really.

In terms of speed of production you can't beat the FC III. Once you are into the swing of it I believe you could make 2000 GC's in an hour easy. Of course, how many us need to make that many in a sitting is another question.

[kungfustyle]

Shanks (sides) of checks are shorter on FreeChex or at least they are on my 8mm. I got the FreeChexII. I will say it's much easier to use than Checkmaker. However, I think you get a better check with Pat Marlin's checkmaker. Production vs quality?

[kungfustyle]

I would buy either again in a heartbeat.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

similar thread with more comments

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...ker&highlight=

[Markbo]

Thanks Jon, that helped. Makes my choice easy since I am looking for plain base checks only.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Thanks Jon, that helped. Makes my choice easy since I am looking for plain base checks only.

Yep, while I own one FCIII for 22 cal, I own two PM checkmakers for 41PB and 44PB.

FYI, I've posted this before, but I punch two thicknesses of popcan metal with one stoke, with my PM checkmakers, it punches better, cleaner, and less likely to make a burr on trailing edge. Then when I form them, I form them with painted side out.

[Vern Humphrey]

Dumb question -- when you form GCs from two thicknesses, do you use them like that, or do you separate them into two GCs?

[JeffinNZ]

The two layers form together and stay as one item. I have shot great groups with two ply checks.

[Sagebrush7]

Charlie makes Plain Base check dies. He doesn't call them that. You have to select the right one and material to do it . One stroke one finished check!

Thanks Jon, that helped. Makes my choice easy since I am looking for plain base checks only.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Dumb question -- when you form GCs from two thicknesses, do you use them like that, or do you separate them into two GCs?

I separate them before forming, for two GCs ...But as Jeff mentions, you surely can form a 2 ply check, if you need the extra thickness.

[Tailhunter]

Is this anything other than a popularity contest? One tool makes them in two steps, one tool in one.
I saw a post about quality versus quantity. That seemed funny to me, I've seen gas checks from vendors and from gas check making tools, they all look the same.
Seems if you really wanted pretty ones you'd just buy Hornady.