To GC or not to GC that is the Question

[Singletree]

Bass
You are right that in my case, I am in an aquire mode. There just isn't anything in my old head that isn't already known most of the board.
However, I started the cast bullet routine as a boy without the money to buy j-bullets. I picked a mold without the benefit of advice, because it looked like what I thought a bullet should. Most of these were gc designs and shot without gc. Started with handguns,32's, 38's and then 44's. Later rifle calibers were added. I found with a new caliber I would start shooting without gc and if the groups weren't good then a gc was added. I wonder oft times if that big ring of bullet lube where the gc was supposed to go would serve as a gc till velocity got to high. Shooting to find out is my approach. The lube I use is made from T/C bore butter and bee's wax, half and half.

[HickoryCreek]

So if I am shooting a 500 s/w 700 grain bullet going about 1200-1250fps do I need a GC? The velocity is low but the pressure is high.

[felix]

Pressure might not be so high because the bore size is so large. However, peak pressure could be quite high if using a very quick powder. How much lead splatter in the forcing cone area? If too much, then a gas check would be nice. ... felix