If I load low velocity 44 magnums to 8-900 fps do I need gas checked bullets

Superflywimpy · #1 03-22-2009, 08:47 PM

I am wanting to start reloading lower velocity rounds for my S&W model 29 8 3/8 I just want to plink . Do I still need to use gas checked bullets? I will start casting my own bullets as the price od relad componets are getting crazy.

Superflywimpy · #2 03-22-2009, 08:47 PM

I am wanting to start reloading lower velocity rounds for my S&W model 29 8 3/8 I just want to plink . Do I still need to use gas checked bullets? I will start casting my own bullets as the price od relad componets are getting crazy.

john traveler · #3 03-22-2009, 08:51 PM

No. For .44 Special level loads up to say, 1000 fps, plain base bullets do very well. When you switch to higher velocities and slower burning powders like 2400, WW-296, H-110, etc, then a gas-checked bullet is advised. The bullet must have provision for a "heel" or step on the base to use gas checks.

Superflywimpy · #4 03-22-2009, 08:58 PM

Thank you Traveler,I was just worried about leading in the barrel and flame gas cutting.

Spotteddog · #5 03-22-2009, 09:59 PM

No.
Below 1000 FPS your usually good to go.
Just remember to clean the cylinder charge ports before going back to Magnums. And the barrel too, before returning to jacketed Mag stuff.

Skip Sackett · #6 03-23-2009, 01:48 AM

I cast my own bullets and drive them to 1800fps without gas checks, no leading.

People keep coming up with this 1000fps number when talking about this and I wonder where they get their information. It isn't from experience or from shooting their own cast bullets.

Now, if you purchase cast bullets, most of them are going to be too hard to drive this slow. You will get leading anyway. Too hard, too slow causes much more leading than too soft and too fast when talking about CAST bullets.

Let's say you use wheel weights as a casting material. Straight wheel weights have given me excellent performance up to that 1800fps mark. I have had some leading in my carbines at that velocity but only minimally.

The "magic" 1000fps level is for SWAGED bullets and yes, they will lead like crazy above that. Why? Because they are much softer lead than what is readily available to the normal home caster.

FWIW, I have carry loads with my own cast bullets that consistently go over 1000fps in a bunch of calibers with no leading. I have had serious leading problems though with purchased bullets at 700fps to 900fps though.

DonD · #7 03-23-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
No.
Below 1000 FPS your usually good to go.
Just remember to clean the cylinder charge ports before going back to Magnums. And the barrel too, before returning to jacketed Mag stuff.

We're talking about .44 Special LEVEL loads not .44 Special cases. You can easily load a .44 Mag to the levels the OP is talking about and avoid any fouling buildup that would be caused by using .44 Special cases. Don

Spotteddog · #8 03-23-2009, 10:59 AM

My Bad?

Vanilla Gorilla · #9 03-23-2009, 11:59 AM

My experience with my own cast bullets says "No." You don't need gas checks. I cast with a 44-250-K mould and straight wheel weights, and then drive those bullets from 750 fps up to 1300 fps and have not experienced any type of unusual leading.

Superflywimpy · #10 03-23-2009, 03:00 PM

I am going to cast bullets from soft lead, I have about 120 lbs of rock cod weights and old style scuba belt weights that are as soft as you can get. They have been sitting in my garage since I have moved to Arizona, Might as well put them to good use.

Skip Sackett · #11 03-23-2009, 03:11 PM

Super,
You may want to take just a little solder and throw in the pot. The solder needs to be "lead free" and solid. It will be 95% tin and will help fill out the molds and make them just a taste harder.

1 to 16 is the ratio that Elmer Keith used. He drove his bullets pretty hard too!

Pure lead MAY be just a tad too soft and cavity fill will suffer too.

FWIW