Lee .44 Caliber C430-310-RF bullet without a gas check??

Southern Shooter · March 3, 2011, 01:24 PM

Lee .44 Caliber C430-310-RF bullet mold

Questions:

1) Can this bullet be fired without a gas check of any type on it? If so, to what velocity could it be fired at?

2) Are there other types of gas checks besides metalic ones that can be used?

3) Are there any "homemade" gas check designs out there?

Thanks

**Unclenick** · March 3, 2011, 02:03 PM

1) Yes. Normal lead bullet target loads should be OK (velocity of these depends on your barrel length). Just be aware that because gas will bypass the gas check shank when the bullet bearing surface clears the chamber throat, you will likely get a bit more lead splatter. That's why I'd avoid hotter lead bullet loads that you might feel comfortable with shooting plain base cast bullets.

2) Poly wads or poly checks, discs cut from 0.062" low density polyethylene sheet are excellent at preventing leading. A commercial version is available from NECO, but they get a nickel a pop. OK for trying them out, but too expensive for all but serious cast bullet rifle competitors.

3) There is a tool for making your own checks from aluminum soda cans, flashing metal, or copper foil. I've forgotten the name, but search the forum at http://castboolits.gunloads.com/for the info.

jrinne0430 · March 3, 2011, 02:05 PM

I have fired it with and without gas checks (using H110 powder out of my ruger). It worked fine and does not key hole however; leading of the barrel did increase with out the checks. There is someone (I believe on http://castboolits.gunloads.com/) that makes a tool to make checks out of soda cans.

grubbylabs · March 3, 2011, 02:26 PM

I have not tried it but I have been told boolits do not shoot well without a gas check if they have been designed to have one.

You could probably find out more at this site.

aaalaska · March 3, 2011, 03:18 PM

I have tried them through two redhawks and two contender barrels only one shoots them half decent, and it does a lot better with the gas checks. And I've had a lot more leading than with the plain base boolits.
Alex

GP100man · March 3, 2011, 04:08 PM

Low pressure loads are fine , when ya turn up the heat the accuracy goes south . In my Redhawk they`ll make `bout 900fps before openin up .

JohnMoses · March 3, 2011, 04:12 PM

I only leave the checks off for trail boss loads - and they work fine. The freechex (?) tool is sold on e-bay. At $90 you need to produce a lot of checks to pay it's way. I got the .500 one because the 500 checks were getting close to a nickle each! I haven't had it long enough to check results yet, but I probably won't bother with chex on my TB loads.

reloader28 · March 4, 2011, 09:46 AM

Pat Marlin at castboolits is making gas check makers.
About $75-80 and they work very good.

I aint shot that bullet without a check, but I've shot a different one. Mine shot fine with a light load.
It would make sense that its not going to be as accurate cause your losing the last driving band without a gas check.

March 3, 2011, 01:24 PM	#1
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	Lee .44 Caliber C430-310-RF bullet without a gas check?? Lee .44 Caliber C430-310-RF bullet mold Questions: 1) Can this bullet be fired without a gas check of any type on it? If so, to what velocity could it be fired at? 2) Are there other types of gas checks besides metalic ones that can be used? 3) Are there any "homemade" gas check designs out there? Thanks __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

March 3, 2011, 02:03 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	1) Yes. Normal lead bullet target loads should be OK (velocity of these depends on your barrel length). Just be aware that because gas will bypass the gas check shank when the bullet bearing surface clears the chamber throat, you will likely get a bit more lead splatter. That's why I'd avoid hotter lead bullet loads that you might feel comfortable with shooting plain base cast bullets. 2) Poly wads or poly checks, discs cut from 0.062" low density polyethylene sheet are excellent at preventing leading. A commercial version is available from NECO, but they get a nickel a pop. OK for trying them out, but too expensive for all but serious cast bullet rifle competitors. 3) There is a tool for making your own checks from aluminum soda cans, flashing metal, or copper foil. I've forgotten the name, but search the forum at http://castboolits.gunloads.com/for the info. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; March 3, 2011 at 02:13 PM.

March 3, 2011, 02:26 PM	#4
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	I have not tried it but I have been told boolits do not shoot well without a gas check if they have been designed to have one. You could probably find out more at this site. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

March 3, 2011, 04:08 PM	#6
GP100man Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2007 Location: Tabor City , NC. Posts: 1,969	Low pressure loads are fine , when ya turn up the heat the accuracy goes south . In my Redhawk they`ll make `bout 900fps before openin up . __________________ GP100man

March 3, 2011, 02:05 PM	#3
jrinne0430 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 298	I have fired it with and without gas checks (using H110 powder out of my ruger). It worked fine and does not key hole however; leading of the barrel did increase with out the checks. There is someone (I believe on http://castboolits.gunloads.com/) that makes a tool to make checks out of soda cans.

March 3, 2011, 03:18 PM	#5
aaalaska Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2007 Location: Palmer Ak Posts: 319	I have tried them through two redhawks and two contender barrels only one shoots them half decent, and it does a lot better with the gas checks. And I've had a lot more leading than with the plain base boolits. Alex

March 3, 2011, 04:12 PM	#7
JohnMoses Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2008 Posts: 197	I only leave the checks off for trail boss loads - and they work fine. The freechex (?) tool is sold on e-bay. At $90 you need to produce a lot of checks to pay it's way. I got the .500 one because the 500 checks were getting close to a nickle each! I haven't had it long enough to check results yet, but I probably won't bother with chex on my TB loads.

March 4, 2011, 09:46 AM	#8
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	Pat Marlin at castboolits is making gas check makers. About $75-80 and they work very good. I aint shot that bullet without a check, but I've shot a different one. Mine shot fine with a light load. It would make sense that its not going to be as accurate cause your losing the last driving band without a gas check.