GC Boolits with BP?

[Kraschenbirn]

I've got two moulds for .375 boolits and another for .458s that are GC designs. I've been shooting the Lyman 375449 cast from 30-to-1 w/o a check using a .030 wad over 46 gr FFG in my .38-55 Uberti Highwall with pretty decent results. Have also shot the same boolit, cast from straight #2 alloy and with a GC, over AA5744 but haven't tried a GC with black. Same story with the RCBS 45-405-FN in my .45-70 Trapdoor.

Anyone tried GCs for BP loads (using soft boolits)?

Bill

[BPCR Bill]

I've got two moulds for .375 boolits and another for .458s that are GC designs. I've been shooting the Lyman 375449 cast from 30-to-1 w/o a check using a .030 wad over 46 gr FFG in my .38-55 Uberti Highwall with pretty decent results. Have also shot the same boolit, cast from straight #2 alloy and with a GC, over AA5744 but haven't tried a GC with black. Same story with the RCBS 45-405-FN in my .45-70 Trapdoor.

Anyone tried GCs for BP loads (using soft boolits)?

BillI have used gaschecks with Black, 30-1 alloy, but I see no advantage for it. Gas checks were designed for smokless loads, and if shooting black with a soft plain base bullet you shouldn't need one. NRA sanctioned BPCR competitions do not allow gas checks. For Black Powder it's just a step you don't need to do.

Regards,
Bill

[McLintock]

I do in my 1894 Winchester in 38-55, with the same 375449 bullet you're using. I found that it increased accuracy considerably over plain base bullets and wads, i.e. convensionally loaded BP rounds. Havent' tried it in my 38-55 single shots as I'm normally shooting heavier bullets and haven't bought a gas check mould in a heavier bullet. I would think in a 15-18" twist barrel, the 375449 ought to do good in a single shot though. I'm in on the Group Buy by Boomer Mikey for the 405 gr gas checked 45-70 bullet and plan to try it with gas check and BP in my Browning '86.
McLintock

[JerryW]

Try them with black without the checks you might have a plesant result. Jerry W

[Kraschenbirn]

Try them with black without the checks you might have a plesant result. Jerry W


As I said, the 375449 using BP shoots pretty well without a GC. Shot a 98/3X on the SR-1 Target @ 100M (2 1/2" 10-shot group) last Wednesday afternoon...iron sights, elbows propped on the bench, no sandbags. Trapdoor carbine (military open sights) shooting the RCBS boolit w/o check will easily hold five rounds inside 3" at the same distance. I'm just asking to see if anyone's seen improved performance from using gaschecks with BP.

Bill

[texasmac]

It's my opinion that gas checks go a long way in reducing or eliminating accuracy robbing effects such as mismatches in the bullet/cartridge versus chamber dimensions, , lube problems, bore leading, etc., regardless if you are using smokeless or black powder.

I agree with the NRA's ruling that gas check cannot be used in sanctioned BPCR silhouette or long-range competition, but if they were allowed I'd feel compelled to use them to insure a level playing field.

Wayne

[BPCR Bill]

As I said, the 375449 using BP shoots pretty well without a GC. Shot a 98/3X on the SR-1 Target @ 100M (2 1/2" 10-shot group) last Wednesday afternoon...iron sights, elbows propped on the bench, no sandbags. Trapdoor carbine (military open sights) shooting the RCBS boolit w/o check will easily hold five rounds inside 3" at the same distance. I'm just asking to see if anyone's seen improved performance from using gaschecks with BP.

BillIf you are getting a group like that with iron sights at 100 meters, that rifle / ammo combination is shooting very well. I think you may be surprised how well it would shoot with a scope. I don't think GC's will make it any better, but then again, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I'd be tickled with a group like that.

Regards,
Bill