Stepped vs. Straight Shank?

[Beaverhunter2]

I know what the difference is between the two. My question is: "What's the purpose of one vs. the other?"

Thanks!

John

[Buckshot]

I know what the difference is between the two. My question is: "What's the purpose of one vs. the other?"

Thanks!

John

...........Guess I'm missing something here. What is offered as stepped or straight shanked?

...............Buckshot

[Bret4207]

GC shank?

[winelover]

GC shank?

That's what I'm guessing also. Some custom mould makers offer a choice between a straight or a stepped gas check shank. Beaverhunter2, probably would like to know the Pro's and Con's of each design, as would I.

Winelover

[BABore]

The stepped shank offers increased lube capacity as well as the ability to hold more fouling that the GC scraps away. If the length of the step shank is done right. the top edge of the GC will be crimped over the lip. End result is that while the GC may be able to be turned, it will never come off. This allows the design to more easily handle GC ID variation.

[Bass Ackward]

The advantage for more lube with the stepped shank should not be over looked.

The advantage of the straight shank is strength from diameter and more weight rearward.

So the real selection is based upon how you "think" you are abusing the shank / base of your bullet or how much you are leading.

My general train of thought is for the stepped shank where I am using a light design and want to maximize bearing area instead of creating a wide lube groove to give me the lube capacity I need. And I use the stronger, straight design on heavier bullets that might take more push to get on their way.

Sounds good anyway.

[Calamity Jake]

Been casting for 30 years, never seen a stepped GC shank, will someone show me one?
And is this a new idea?

[BABore]

I don't know the origin or history, but here's an example. 462-465 GC boolits along with 450 Marlin and 45-70 loaded rounds with same.

[Beaverhunter2]

Sorry- yes, I meant GC shanks. The extra lube capacity makes sense and I can see how the lip of the check can crimp into the void.

Thanks for the info!

John

[sagacious]

Stepped shank is far superior for the reasons noted above. If you're gonna do a gc, no reason to do it otherwise.

[Calamity Jake]

I don't know the origin or history, but here's an example. 462-465 GC boolits along with 450 Marlin and 45-70 loaded rounds with same.

Talk about learning something new every day!!!!!!

Thanks

[Porterhouse]

I have both in identical design. Haven't found out any practical defferences yet but if I have a choice, like Mountain mold design, I usually go with step shank.