Loading gas check bullets

[Don45]

I have some gas check bullets that I plan on loading in .357 Magnum and all the load data that I have is for plain based or jacketed bullets. I have read or heard somewhere that a gas checked bullet can be loaded close to or the same as jacketed bullets of the same weight. I don't know if I totally trust that statement unless I can find some trusted published load data that states it or get some of the more experienced reloaders to confirm this.
I should be able to load these bullets with the plain base load data without any trouble.

Don

 

[ben hunchak]

If the bullet is a good fit, it may allow you to load to a higher velocity with a gas checked bullet, more things come into play but the gas check is there to limit leading of the barrel. In most revolvers/pistols cast bullets can be loaded to equal or exceed jacketed bullet velocity and at lower pressures, but other factors come into play, such as bullet fit/hardness, amount and quality of lube/lube grooves, bullet design, etc. I find that bevel base cast bullets are most prone to leading, and gas check the least.

 

[H4831]

Your statement of being able to load gc bullets to the same limit as jacketed, has to do with leading, as Ben has stated.
However, one of the variables coming into play is total pressure in the gun. Maximum pressure can easily be reached with flat base bullets in a 357. Therefore, you can't load gc any heavier.
These maximum loads will also be very similar to full power jacketed loading.
In two different guns I shot considerably, neither gun leaded enough to worry about at full power, with either type cast bullet. Very much depends on how smooth the bore is. The naked eye can not judge the smoothness of the bore, but cast bullets can!

 

[Don45]

Thanks for the info, I have always found both of your replies to be good reading and full of useful information. I hope that I am able to retain the information I learn and be able to pass it on in the future.

Don

 

[Ganderite]

Use lead bullt loading info. Start low and work up to see what your gun likes.

I did this yesterday using a 357M and Unique under 158 SWC bullets. At 7 gr I got groups better than my target pistol with mild loads.

Tonight I will try that load in several other 357s.