Making Gas Checks?

[Mixed Nuts]

Has anyone here made gas checks?

There seem to be two different systems available for the re-loader who wants to make checks. Is one better?

Also, I've noticed that some guys are using the check tools to make their checks from aluminum cans. Are can sourced aluminum checks as good as the copper kind?

Thanks to anyone who has an opinion and takes the time to post it here.

 

[Dudedog]

Also, I've noticed that some guys are using the check tools to make their checks from aluminum cans.

Honey, I need to go buy some more beer and drink it so I can make gas checks......

 

[clearcut]

I found that the aluminum checks tend to smear more than the copper ( over at cast boolets there's lots of info) .

CC

 

[Mixed Nuts]

Hey Dudedog, In my case it's these Redbull cans and the occasional Orange Crush from the vending machine in the Walmart vestibule.

I found that the aluminum checks tend to smear more than the copper ( over at cast boolets there's lots of info) .

CC

Thanks, clearcut. When you say smear. Do you mean smears of aluminum in the barrel? Like leading but instead of lead, aluminum? If that's it, how do you get that stuff off?

 

[cfullgraf]

I have several plain base bullet gas check dies from Pat Marlin. They use aluminum drink cans for stock. I have not seen any smearing but I do not drive the gas check bullets very hard.

Marlin's Dies for copper checks work the same way and they are easy to use.

I have not used any other style of gas check maker.

 

[frankmako]

I use the freechex system. Works well. Beer cans, copper flashing, and other thin metals work well. No problems on how fast I run them.

 

[mdi]

I have a Free Chex and it works well, but soda cans and most beer cans are too thin (I wound up using two layers to make some checks to get them to stay on my bullets). I never got atound to looking for aluminum or copper sheeting (sheething?) and went back to my plain based bullets (only check bullet mold I own is a 429244)...

 

[clearcut]

I mean when they are pressed through the sizer I don't use them if they are smeared with little tails hanging of the base it would have a bad effect when leaving the barrel.

CC

 

[Mixed Nuts]

Thanks, cfullgraf.

Interesting, mdi. Are you checking big or small bullets?

I use the freechex system. Works well. Beer cans, copper flashing, and other thin metals work well. No problems on how fast I run them.

This is encouraging and thanks for responding... Do you shoot your check bullets in a handgun or rifle? I'm looking to put checks on a .357.

 

[mdi]

44 Caliber. I had some left over Hornady checks that I put on my remaining bullets, and recently I was given some for my Ranch Dog bullets, but everything else is plain based...

I have a Lee mold that reamed out the gas check shank so the bullet body is straight. They shoot as well as the gas checked bullets and I don't have any leading problems...

 

[beag_nut]

I will simply suggest that you visit the castboolits forum, or the handloadersbench forum to get info from those who have the most experience in this area. They REALLY know about gas checks!

 

[Mixed Nuts]

I will simply suggest that you visit the castboolits forum, or the handloadersbench forum to get info from those who have the most experience in this area. They REALLY know about gas checks!

Yes. just went there. There is a whole forum just about gas checks! Wow.