Safeshot
04-04-2009, 01:30 AM
Has anyone here ever tried to install gas checks on "non gas check" bevel base cast bullets for the .44 Mag & Special? I have some "commercial cast" 240 Gr. SWC cast lead boolits with a bevel base "without any provision for a gas check". They worked fine at low (.44 Special or CAS velocities, but would lead rather badly when pushed to Magnum velocities. I tried installing a gas check (the normal way) with a Lee sizing die. It did not work. (I did not really expect it to.)
Next, I tried installing the gas checks by forcing them straight onto the bevel base until they "bottomed out" on the base of the bullet (expanding the gas check in the process). Then, I ran them through the Lee sizing die. That worked and looked good. The gas check would easily come off with a little pull with a fingernail. (Not very secure.)
Next I tried installing the gas check with a small drop of "super glue" on the base of the bullet, forcing the gas check straight onto the bevel base until they "bottomed out" on the base of the bullet. Any "super glue" that was forced out of the gas check was wiped off immediately. After waiting about a half hour to make sure that the super glue had dried/cured, I ran them thru the Lee sizing die to size the gas check to the bullet. The gas check remained firmly attached to the bullet. I then applied a coat of Lee Liquid Alox to the bullet. I will fire a few of these bullets ASAP to see how they perform. It appears that this method may allow use of these bullets at full .44 Magnum velocities with no leading problems. (I hope.)
Next, I tried installing the gas checks by forcing them straight onto the bevel base until they "bottomed out" on the base of the bullet (expanding the gas check in the process). Then, I ran them through the Lee sizing die. That worked and looked good. The gas check would easily come off with a little pull with a fingernail. (Not very secure.)
Next I tried installing the gas check with a small drop of "super glue" on the base of the bullet, forcing the gas check straight onto the bevel base until they "bottomed out" on the base of the bullet. Any "super glue" that was forced out of the gas check was wiped off immediately. After waiting about a half hour to make sure that the super glue had dried/cured, I ran them thru the Lee sizing die to size the gas check to the bullet. The gas check remained firmly attached to the bullet. I then applied a coat of Lee Liquid Alox to the bullet. I will fire a few of these bullets ASAP to see how they perform. It appears that this method may allow use of these bullets at full .44 Magnum velocities with no leading problems. (I hope.)