Gas Checks and Hard Cast Bullets

vepr762

April 10, 2005 06:55

I'm trying to find a way to reload my 45-70 for less than I already do. Fun rifle to shoot, but an expensive silhouette round. The only variable that I can change is the bullet. Do I need to use gas checks with pre-lubed hard cast bullets? If so, what tools, dies, etc do I need to add to my Rock Chucker Supreme?

Thanks

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  gskyhawk

  April 10, 2005 08:32

  you only need to use gas checks if you are trying to get high vel. out of them ,, my new Lyman manual does NOT show any lead bullets using gas checks ,, it does show 4 different lead bullets and their loads but all of them are without gas checks

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  ATF

  April 10, 2005 11:03

  You can't (as far as I know) put gas checks on lead bullets unless their made for it. [:)]
  
  
  
  
  

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  rldowns3

  April 10, 2005 11:51

  You should be able to use any type of lead cast bullet with your rifle.
  
  

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  gskyhawk

  April 10, 2005 12:28

  ATF is correct the heel of the bullet must be made to take a gas check, recessed in so the gas check has a place to set,

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  bpost

  April 10, 2005 13:19

  You can save a bunch of money by casting your own bullets. The gas check is useful in two areas. It makes a flat smooth surface on the base of the bullet for the gases to push against. And, according to the theory it reduces leading from the hot gases of the powder burning. The second theory has been an area of disagreement for many years, I don't know for sure either way.
  
  My personal observation is that a hard cast gas checked bullet is more accurate at upper velocity levels over plain based cast bullets. Below full charge loads the difference between the gas checked bullet and a regular hard cast bullet is more psychological than real. But, every effort to produce accurate ammo pays at the range in peace of mind.
  
  The bulets need to be designed for the gas check. They are available for the 45-70. The gas check seating step in done in the bullet sizing and lube die. I am not aware of a reloading die type set up for seating gas checks. Some one else may have additional information on that issue. We have dies for every other operation so gas check seating dies should not be hard to find.

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  vepr762

  April 10, 2005 18:42

  Great information! Thank you all!
  
  What is considered upper velocities? I'm currently pushing a 300gr jacketed bullet at 1800fps.
  
  If I don't need gas checks and I can get pre-lubed hard cast bullets, then I'm good to go.
  
  I'm assuming that the c.o.l. is still the same for cast or jacketed bullets.

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  Throckmorton

  April 10, 2005 19:35

  From what I've read on the subject,you are right at the edge of needing a gas check,velocity wise.Might just have to shoot some bullets to find out.
  I think I have some lasercast non gc bullets around,i'd be glad to sen ya a dozen to play with.Might be 350's,I'd have to double check to be sure.
  you would use the same col for either bullet most likely,but check your manuals and try the fit in your rifleing.
  I just checked the lasercast website and only one of their 45-70 bullets has a gas check,AND their wibstite guarantees 'no leading at jacketed velocities.'www.laser-cast.com
  Price looks to be a lot less than jacketed...except for shipping.Maybe a store near you carries them?
  I belive their internet price includes shipping,IIRC.
  
  Throckmorton SASS #23149

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  Ray Boone

  April 10, 2005 22:03

  I got setup for casting bullets about 25 years ago and can do it if I'm pressed, but I find it works better to get cast bullets from Oregon trail, Baker, OR (also known as Lazer-Cast). I shoot them in my 458 Win Mag, loads reduced to mid-range 45-70 levels. I have very little problem with leading, and the rifle is accurate and really fun to shoot.

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  vepr762

  April 11, 2005 05:26

  I live in Oregon, so shipping is not an issue. Laser Cast it is.
  
  Thanks

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