[shoeshooter]

If a mold is designed for a gas check, must you use a gas check? Wouldn't think it would be needed on a light .38 spl load, properly sized. What say you, experienced casters?

 

[Doug Bowser]

No, the gas check need not be applied. I have several gas check bullet molds for rifles and I have used them without gas checks with light loads of Unique powder.

I have no bullet molds for handguns that use a gas check but I see no reason a gas check should be used for low velocity.

Doug

 

[msredneck]

having a gas check mould allows you to gas check your bullet...if you don't run hot loads...(which I generally don't on cast...especially pistola) you don't need em...I have a gas check mould for .308....when I get around to doing them I'll gas check em

My rule is for pistol bullets...not needed...shoot em

Think about it for any cast rifle bullets

 

[Beladran]

as long as you keep it at 38spl velocities. once you start bumping 1000fps+/- you can start to get leading. If your mold has GC option i bet it was ment for 357sig or 357mag?

 

[captain-03]

OK -- 1st: there are very few moulds being produced in the 9mm - 38 spec range that actually are gas checked moulds - most all 9mm - 38spec loads will not get you to the point/velocity/pressures of needing a check. Most check check moulds are produced for the magmum calibers or rifle calibers;
2nd: No you do not have to use them - however, if you do not use them, keep your loads on the mild side to prevent leading and sometimes accuracy suffers using a gas checked mould without a check - without a check it is fairly easy to get gas blow-by.