I'm bringing this thread back from the dead with some interesting (to me) information. I just recently got into gas checks since I've been avoiding them due to info read here on the forum. It is an extra time consuming step, but I'm already seeing some good results. I'm not going to start a new thread for a range report on a 500gr bullet, but I bought the Lee C457-500 and I'll post my results on here.
I bought the aluminum and copper gas checks from Sages reloading supply and have been so happy with the aluminum that I haven't even tried the copper. The aluminum measure 0.082" tall whereas the copper measure 0.068" tall. I well with the taller ones and didn't look back.
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The Lee C457-500 bullet (when run through the Berger stability calculator) comes up as stable, in contrast to the 459-500, which came up as marginally stable. It has a flat point which gives a wide range of seating depth possibilities (I tried from 2.05" to 2.2" COAL), and due to the smaller diameter from the 459, sizes and GC in one pass, so much less work than the 459.
- Lee 457-340, Lee 459-500, Lee C457-500
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I just picked up a 454 sizer and decided to throw myself another variable, one that worked out well. I started at the subsonic baseline that I established with the spire point bullets of 23 grains Shooters World Blackout and decided to not adjust powder yet as I do have a lot of variables with crimp (also bought the Lee FC which I like much better than the Hornady taper crimp), COAL, diameter, etc. I shot a lot more than the groups posted below during workups, but not on sight-in targets at 100m, so I'll exclude them.
Constants: 23 grains SWBO, Starline brass, 2.2" COAL, Lee FC, 100m range
Variables: .452 / .454
String one: .452 sized bullets
Foul: 1023 fps
1: 1040
2: 1013
3: 1027
4: 978
5: 1003
String two:
Foul: 1046
1: 1040
2: 1020
3: 1013
4: 1050
5: 1027
- target.jpg (111.13 KiB) Viewed 10664 times
I was very impressed by the .454 sized bullets and will continue testing with that as my new constant. None of them cycled the action fully, but they were fired unsuppressed, that will have to wait until my tax stamp is approved. Until then I'll be burning through my lead, 500 grains at a time. The next step is using some more consistent brass. My poor Starline has been fired 3-4 times and may not be holding a consistent crimp. They will need to be annealed soon if anyone has friends with an annealing machine...