LSWC w/o gas check

[pantannojack]

Has anyone tried shooting 158g LSWC GC type bullet with out the gas check? I have been running 6g Unique, 6.5g 4756, both std and mag primers in 357 cases with pressed on and sized to .357 medium hard lead. Accy is not near as well as 38 spcl case, std primer, 4.1g 231. I am thinking of deleting the GC for the slower velo loads. Might there be a problem with the rebated bullet base?

 

[Rlg#17]

No problem whatsoever. Gas checks are necessary for hottest loads, or softer lead.

What do you think the problem would be with the rebated bullet base?

Regards, Rick Gibbs

 

[rockquarry]

While I suspect groups would be at least a little tighter using gas checks on a gas check-designed bullet, that's a very general statement. I've never done anything other than some limited informal testing using gas check designs without gas checks; results have been inconclusive.

Your gun, your cast bullets and lots of changeable factors here...do comparison group shooting at twenty five yards (handgun) or fifty (rifle) from a benchrest with and without gas checks with your load(s) and you'll quickly have your answer.

 

[mtgianni]

I have shot a lot of plain based swc's as designed. I have not had as good of luck shooting gas checked designed bullets without checks.

 

[mikld]

I haven't tried as I only have one mold for a gas checked bullet and I rarely use it. I have read on forums that some use properly sized GC bullets sans GC with no problems. Try it and see what kind of results you get...

 

[ironhead7544]

I would try WW231 with the 158 gr GC. Use the start load and work up.

Your 38 Special load has been my target load for many years with 158 cast.

Loading without a gas check is OK for light loads.

 

[wrkerr]

Just FYI. From Lyman Ammunition Reloading Handbook, 41st Edition, 1957, page 55:

"Q. Can gas-check bullet be used at lower velocity without the gas check, like any other plain-base bullet?
A. Yes. Gas-check bullet can be used with or without gas check. Bottom band will seal gas as well with that type bullet as regular plain-base bullet."

I have been shooting Lyman's 358156 bullet without the gas check for decades. It works just fine, but I keep the velocity below 1000 fps and rarely shoot past 25 yards. For serious work, use the gas check and push it!
Good luck.