I hate leading. Many years ago, I spent far far too much time cleaning lead from bores. Although, I reload, I never got into casting, and I'm in no position to do so now. My question is this, do gas-checks eliminate leading or just mitigate it. I'm looking at some Buffalo Bore Heavy .38 Special +P Ammo - 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P. --G.C. I'm wondering if I use this ammo, am I taking a step backward?

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Leading a barrel is the " end result " of internal dimension problems with a revolver . When properly sized and the correct dimensions , cylinder throats , barrel groove measured for correct size cast bullet and proper lube , then there should be no leading .
Gas checks will help some , but not the answer you are probably looking for . Cleaning lead out of a barrel is really very easy and can be done in a couple of mins , or less . Just cut a piece of " Chore Boy " and wrap it around an old bore brush . Chore Boy is pure copper scouring pad . Don't buy the " aftermarket " stuff as it is usually steel coated with copper . I cast and shoot only lead in all my revolvers , from 38spl to 45 Colt and the magnums inbetweeen . People have started shooting the powder coated bullets , that might help you if you decide to reload some cast bullets . Otherwise probably factory jacketed stuff is your best bet.

I used to shoot a lot of cast bullets. Bought a Lewis Lead Remover. Normally just took 1 pass down the bbl. to clean.

YES! The L.L.R. (sold by Brownells) is the best method I know of to remove lead. Slug your barrel - you might me shooting under or oversized bullets which will exacerbate leading! Also check your Cylinders alignment with a Gauge Rod (Brownells has them too).

My thanks to those posters that advise about how to get lead out. I've been shooting for over 50 years. I have some idea about how to delead a barrel. In fact, I already own a Lewis Lead remover. Since I only shoot jacketed bullets, I don't have cause to use it. My revelation came after cleaning a revolver that was leaded and then shooting a jacketed round which I was able to recover. The rifling on the bullet displayed traces of lead which I was able to scrape off exposing intact jacket material. So, while a barrel may appear to be cleaned of lead, it really isn't. I believe Outers used to sell a device which would delead and decopper a barrel by reverse electrolysis. Again, I was able to extract quite alot of lead from an apparently clean bore.

So, again I thank all the posters for their opinions. I have my opinions as well. I don't like shooting lead bullets. I have no desire to resize commercial lead bullets to conform to the many 38s I have. My question was about gas checks and I guess that question was answered.

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