How fast can you push WW without gas checks?

[wolfe28]

I plan to start casting my own bullets for my 357 using WW alloy, and I was wondering how fast I can push them. I'll be reloading for a TC 10" contender, a ruger blackhawk, and eventually, a leveraction with a 20"-24" barrel. I'd like to stear clear of using gas checks, wanting to be more self sufficient, and also because I'm on a budget. I'm new at this, and I know there are methods of hardening the bullets (heat treating, water quenching, etc) to be able to push them faster; which ones would work the best?
Thanks,
D

[mto7464]

I shoot my m1 carbine at about 1600 without GC's.

[454PB]

If everything is right, you don't have to use gas checks on a .357 magnum. Proper lube, correct bore/throat fit, proper propellant, and a smooth bore should produce good results and no leading using WW alloy, and even softer alloys.

[black44hawk]

454pb has a great point about proper throat/barrel fit. And the Contender is even easier to size (just slug the bore). You should be able to get maximum velocities with water quenched bullets. What bullet are you considering?

[44man]

You don't need a gas check unless the boolit was designed for one. A PB will go as fast as you want in the .357.

[wolfe28]

I was planning on using the Lyman 358429 and 358477 molds. I figure they would be good for plinking, hunting, and anything else that I might want to do.
Does this sound like a good plan?
Thanks,
D