Fun With Gas Checks

[ddstuder]

Just got done installing gas checks and sizing a bunch of boolits.

I cast up some 250g HP for .44 Magnum, and some 173g for my 30-30.

This is my first time to use gas checks for my cast boolits. The 44 gas checks were kind of a pain to install and keep them flat to the base of the boolit.
I used a small brass head hammer to tap them in to place and then checked them by rolling them on the bench before crimping and sizing.
After 200 of these my finger tips were sore!

The 30 cal gas checks were a pleasure to deal with as they slipped right on without using a hammer.

It will be fun to finally send my recycled wheel weights at higher speeds. I have been able to get my 44 castings up to 1200 fps without any considerable leading in my Rossi lever action, but now I can speed them up a bit more.

All in all it was a good way to spend a rainy evening.

I can't wait to get these stuffed into some brass and then send them down range!

[Don2]

Yes, gas checks are great and have a few uses.
One thing I found is the Lee Bullet Lube and Size Kit will install the gas checks easily and pretty cheaply while sizing the lead bullet and keeping your fingers from hurting too.
Comes with sizer, lube and a collection container.
Check them out online like at Midwayusa.
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearc ... d+Size+Kit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Look for the sizes you need on the page.


Don2

[ddstuder]

I have the Lyman Lube-Sizer.

If I didn't get them flat on the base to start with, they would crimp crooked. That is why I tapped them with a small hammer before running it through the sizer.

Like I stated, this was my first go around with gas checks, so I'm sure it will get easier over time. I'm sure that I was making it harder than I had to, but it was fun anyway.

[Don2]

I have the Lyman Lube-Sizer.

If I didn't get them flat on the base to start with, they would crimp crooked. That is why I tapped them with a small hammer before running it through the sizer.

Like I stated, this was my first go around with gas checks, so I'm sure it will get easier over time. I'm sure that I was making it harder than I had to, but it was fun anyway.

Ok, you got it under control Sir.
Well done.

Ya, sometimes they fit a little strange but I just run them through the sizer and they always seem to come out fine. I'm not going to lie to you, I have had them come off in the sizer and when shot or when I dug them out of a hill. But thats not the norm.

I use the RCBS lube/sizer and the Lee lube sizers too. The Lyman and RCBS lube/sizers are basically the same and use the same dies and top punches.

If you get to love them a bunch, there is a tool on the inet ( I like the press mounted one) that will make them for you and can save money in a long run. Tool is about $75???? Can make them from Coke cans or copper strips etc.
The price of commercial gas checks have gone up a lot..!!
I do not have the tool, I just can't seem to get it ordered.

I mainly use them on 357's bullets and 357/38 shot shells.

Just have fun...Thats the best part, Hopefully it doesn't becomes a JOB.....

Don2

[Hamourkiller]

There is a guy over at castboolits that makes a die set to produce gas checks for regular plain based bullets. He uses coke cans as a source of material. Sounds like a winner. I will be trying one out this year.

[Don2]

Yes, one is Freechex and the one I like is Pat Marlins because you can use it on a press.
Both work fine I'm sure.

I think they are a great idea.

Don2

[SeaHawk]

There are a couple of ways to seat gas checks reasonably straight with the Lyman 450 or equivalent.

1. First and easiest way.
   1. Start a gas check on the heel of the bullet.
   2. Place the bullet in the "H" die so the gas check sits on the "I"
   3. With the appropriate nose punch in the ram, tap the nose of the bullet 2 or 3 times but not hard enough to drive the bullet down in the sizing die..
   4. Remove the bullet and inspect the base to see if you can see the imperfections of the sprue cut impressed in the gas check. This indicates the gas check is firmly seated against the base of the bullet.
   5. Size and lube the bullet as you normally do.
2. My preferred method is a custom designed seating die that slip fits into and sits on top of the "H" retaining nut. The die is lathe cut to insure centering.
   
   
   Image of seating die
3. Lyman offers a blocking device Which allows the bullet to be pressed into the gas check. An image can be seen from the link below.
   http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Reloading-G ... B001Q8BI6K