Reloading Gas Checked Lead Bullets

[bamthetrashman]

Hello Everyone,

I recently acquired some .357 RNFP 170gr gas checked bullets. Is it ok to load the cartridge to the same velocities as a copper jacket bullet of similar weight and shape? or do you have to load these at lead bullet velocities?

Thanks!

 

[Twentyfootdaredevil]

Do you have a reloading manual?

The gas check will give you more velocity than a lead bullet but not as much as all jacketed bullets.

I know that was vague but I really dont know what velocity you are trying to reach with the cast to be able to tell you.

 

[WLW]

The gas check is just to assist in not leading the barrel which can happen when loading at the high end of the reloading manual's recommended load for lead bullets (especially for magnum rounds). I would not recommend velocities that are similiar to a copper jacketed bullet. Stick with the lead load suggestions and you'll be fine.

 

[parson]

The main consideration in shooting cast is the fit of the bullet to the bore. It should be .001 or .002 larger than the bore. If the fit is right and the lube is good, a gas checked cast bullet can be pushed at a pretty good velocity.

I'm shooting cast through my 357 max at over 2000 fps and get no leading.

Some experimentation is usually required to get a gun to shoot cast to it full potential.

 

[squirrelhntr]

All good advice. I'd start off mild and work your way up. When you start gettin a fouled barrel back off a little.

 

[Slow Hand]

I would say you should be able to get the same velicities as a jacketed bullet with a gas check and little to no leading. It will however take less powder than a jacketed bullet. AS has been said, bullet fit is very importiant with cast bullets. I've got a 195gr .357 mould and I've got near 2000fps with it and no issues. Same on a 215 mould for my .35 Remington.

 

[bamthetrashman]

Thanks for the info everyone.

I basically want to push this bullet as fast as I can without excessive leading and without harming myself or the gun. My intention is for this load to be my deer hunting load out of a Marlin 357 Lever gun. I am wanting to push these bullets to at least 1700 fps out of the Marlin. My approach WAS to use FMJ data, but I think I will just us lead data and start in the middle and work my way up to max.

The Lyman 49th list H110, but I was wanting to use Lil'Gun. Hodgdon website doesn't list a lead 170gr bullet for Lil'Gun. I am wanting to use Lil'Gun because it gives more velocity with less pressure. Any idea where I can get some data for this bullet using Lil'Gun?

 

[ghitch75]

with a bullet of 18 brinell without gas checks i'm pushin' 45 Colt to 1525fps from a 7 1/2" barrel and 1875fsp from a 20" barrel rifle no leadin' and dead on accurate........i would say if your under 2000fps you shouldn't need gas check with the right hardness of boolit...

 

[Wolfe28]

The Lyman 49th list H110, but I was wanting to use Lil'Gun. Hodgdon website doesn't list a lead 170gr bullet for Lil'Gun. I am wanting to use Lil'Gun because it gives more velocity with less pressure. Any idea where I can get some data for this bullet using Lil'Gun?

Here

D

 

[kludge]

This references 17.0gr. WARNING: No source is given for the load. I recommend you contact Hodgdon and ask for a load.

357 Magnum Load Data - Handloads.Com

 

[EODThree]

IMO: You want to be careful (read CAREFUL) using maximum loads with TG. When the chamber pressure gets near the top, a little bit of powder can make a BIG difference.