Seating a gas check straight.

Ben

Moderator
Staff member
Much has been written about this problem.
I've read of many techniques that are " supposed " to work.
When gas checks are seated crooked, it has been my experience that the cause
is , more likely than not, a gas check that is too tight for the gas check shank.
I was " plagued " with this problem of getting gas checks on straight for many years. Very frustrating. Finally relief to my problems ! !

Several years ago, I fixed my problem with a .28 cent bolt from the hardware store. I cut the head and threads off with a hacksaw. I put a slight taper on the end of the bolt that would allow me to flare my gas checks. It will take you a bit of " trial and error " to get the correct taper. You want just enough flare on your gas check that it will slide onto the shank of the bullet without interference.

About 2 or 3 light taps on the gas check with this tool makes all the difference in the world with your chances of getting a gas check on straight ( very impt. in my opinion for any chances of accuracy with a cast bullet ).

I have since made these flare tools for 7mm, 8mm, .35 cal., .44, and .45 cal.
The flare tool will work with commercial gas checks like Hornady , or with the aluminum ones that I make.

A good machinist can make a tool for this purpose that works with a standard reloading C press. However, it doesn't work any better than my tool.

Ben

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This is what happens at the range after the gas check is seated properly .

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Brother_Love

Well-Known Member
Ben,
Great write-up! I’m looking for a bolt now in my hardware stash(a 5 gallon bucket with leftover bolts and nuts).
Thank you and Happy New Year,
Malcolm
 

Joshua

Taco Aficionado/Salish Sea Pirate/Part-Time Dragon
I did the same thing with a Lee 7.7 case length gauge. It opens up an 8mm check nicely

It’s hard to see in the photo, but the larger end is slightly tapered.


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Brother_Love

Well-Known Member
Ben,
I don’t need checks much anymore. I followed your lead months ago and started shooting mostly PB bullets. When I do need checks this will help tremendously.
Malcolm
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
NOE makes a series of tools for this purpose for use on a reloading press. The business portion of the tool clips in like a shell holder, and lifts the check up on the ram to a "die" that screws in where a die would go. This "die" is a flat-faced piece of steel, basically. The check stops against the flat surface, and the lips get flared.

Nice enough, as far as it goes--but slow and "fiddly". I bought a spare press ram from Huntington's and clip the flaring tool into that, and use the assembly like Ben's home-made tools. This method is several times faster and considerably easier.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
Made this probably 30+ years ago plus a couple of hand punch types. Brad designed his from this one except he flipped it around so the anvil is in the punch. A big improvement in my opinion. The ones Al sells was made from Brad's prototype.

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Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
That is because I took Rick’s concept and turned it upside down.
I sent one to Al at NOE to see what he thought about making them. I had a few discussions via telephone to help get the idea to market.
 

Maxjon

Member
Ben,
I don’t need checks much anymore. I followed your lead months ago and started shooting mostly PB bullets. When I do need checks this will help tremendously.
Malcolm
Can I ask what Ben's lead was, in order to shoot mostly PB boolits??
I'm interested.....
Thanks!
 

popper

Well-Known Member
I solved the problem by getting the mould shank a couple thous smaller. Got tired of prying the hornadys off the NOE tool. Been experimenting with installation, snap on, start in Lee sizer, then 'bang' the base with the pushrod to try squaring the base completely. Finish sizing. Works so far.
 

fiver

Well-Known Member
Maxjon we have a whole section here dedicated to shooting in slow motion.
but if you just do a quick run through of Ben's posts you'll find a pretty good library on pretty much everything you need to know about making things work on the low end.
stuff like how to make the mold a non gas check version, how to use an over coat of lube, and several very good load recommendations for all sorts of calibers.

there is always the old fashioned way of getting answers too,,, ask some questions.