Gas check or no check?

[b money]

I’m going to be buying new NOE molds for 22 hornet, 223rem and 357max. My question is should I buy gas check molds or not. I plan to switch over to pc soon but haven’t yet.

[GhostHawk]

How hard are you going to push them?

When I first started reading here one of the first gems I found was a general rule for gas checks. Over 1400 fps use a check. You'll get better results most of the time. I also think that over 1400 you need better lube. Now I use BLL for everything these days but rifle bullets that I know will get pushed a bit harder get 3 light coats vs 2 for lower speed use.

.22hornet I don't have so no opinion. .223rem yes, get gas check mold and checks. Unless your planning on loading down to below 1400 fps. .223 makes a fine .22lr replacement IMO with a cast 55 gr boolit and 3-4.5 grains of Red Dot.

.357 would depend on load, bullet, I would say it rides the border. You can get over that, but it is easy enough to stay under it if that is what you wish.
I have one .357 mold with gas check, the Lee .358 200 gr RCBS clone, and 3 without.

YMMV, everyone has their own idea's.

[JWFilips]

I have found if You are A PC coated bullet person: The Gas Checked version works very well without the gas check ( not so much with the PB version)