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Thread: gas checks

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    gas checks

    I have read that for most pistol bullets, a gas check is not really necessary,

    Except for something like the 454 casull

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master Bazoo's Avatar
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    Gas checks become necessary as the velocity and the pressure increase past what the alloy of the lead can tolerate without stripping past the rifling.

    Wheel weight alloy, which is 11-12 BHN, I have found, works fine as a plain based bullet in full bore 357 Magnum, or in full pressure 30-30 with a gas check.

    A harder alloy such as Lyman No.2 will withstand higher pressure, and higher velocity than wheel weight alloy, and Linotype will withstand more still. But, sometimes a hard bullet will lead the bore when used with lower pressure loads because the bullets will not obturate.

    So alloy hardness and composition should be matched to the pressure and velocity of the application. A gas check will allow a softer bullet to be driven harder, and it would allow a harder bullet to be used in a lower pressure application without leading.

    Gas checks create a better gas seal, and they offer some scraping effect, removing lead deposits as they go down the bore. The have only 2 downsides, the time it takes to install them and the added cost.
    Last edited by Bazoo; 01-17-2025 at 07:59 PM.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Master
    Hick's Avatar
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    I do not use gas checks for 38 Special, moderate 357 Magnum pistol loads, 45 auto, 44-40 revolver, 9mm and 455 Webley-- all at moderate loads (not near max load). The alloy I use for these runs about 9-10 BHN. For hotter 357 Magnum (such as my Henry rifle) I use the same alloy but add gas checks.
    Hick: Iron sights!

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
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    so if I use the 357 mag Rossi carbine I have , if I use fuil power loads should think of using a gas check.
    My ROSSI 454/45 COLT, should probably use gas checks for 454 loads, and ruger powered 45 colt loads

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master


    Larry Gibson's Avatar
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    I prefer to use GC'd bullets with top end handgun loads at or above 1150 fps as I most often use softer alloys with those bullets for expansion. For other than plinking/small game loads using handgun cartridges in rifles GC'd bullets are always used, again, if the velocity exceeds 1150 fps. Maintaining the best accuracy at the intended velocity is the reason.
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  6. #6
    Boolit Master trapper9260's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Larry Gibson View Post
    I prefer to use GC'd bullets with top end handgun loads at or above 1150 fps as I most often use softer alloys with those bullets for expansion. For other than plinking/small game loads using handgun cartridges in rifles GC'd bullets are always used, again, if the velocity exceeds 1150 fps. Maintaining the best accuracy at the intended velocity is the reason.
    This the same reason that I use them, I use them for 44 mag/spl and 357 mag . For handgun and rifle.
    Life Member of NRA,NTA,DAV ,ITA. Also member of FTA,CBA

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    I first needed them in 10mm and 40SW. Ironically, GC'd bullet molds are rare or even custom jobs in this caliber, and none of the major manufacturers even make gas checks specific for this caliber.

    Since then, I also use checks in 9mm and 357, simply because I can use the same gas check maker (and boolit shank swaging die) with machining of just a couple simple parts.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check