What is meant by a gas check?

[Bruce H.]

I have about the term "gas check" in relation to lead bullets in this forum and in magazines. What does the term "gas check" refer to?

 

[Walkalong]

It is a copper disc that crimps to the bottom of a lead bullet designed for a gas check. It will eliminate leading. It is not always needed. Actually, most often not, but sometimes almost mandantory.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Sometimes even when you aren't pushing it hard enough to need a gas check, you still need it for accuracy. I shoot 115gr Lee soupcans out of my 32-20 Contender with very mild loads, but with out that gas check accuracy suffers badly.

 

[cdrt]

A metal disk that is attached to the end of the bullet (case end) which allows the lead bullet to be driven at faster velocities and lessens barrel leading....at least that's my understanding.

 

[qajaq59]

They're just a little copper cup that fits on the end of the cast bullet. There is a picture of them here.
http://www.riflemagazine.com/catalog/detail.cfm?ProductID=866

 

[learn2shoot]

If you are only loading FMJ, is a gas check a non-issue?

 

[cdrt]

learn2shoot

Gas checks not needed if you're loading FMJs. Only needed on lead bullets in certain circumstances.