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On page 50 of Elmer Keith’s Gun Notes Volume II Elmer says the following: “A close relationship between cylinder throats and barrel groove diameter is mandatory for finest accuracy and absence of leading. Gas checks will keep bores clean but also raise pressures about 3000 psi in heavy loads, and induce gas cutting of the topstrap and cylinder junction. Gas checks are usually too hard to upset to fill the cylinder throats and permit gas to blow the lubricant out of the bullet grease grooves. I can see no useful purpose for gas checks in revolvers, though they are excellent in auto pistols and rifles, to prevent fusion of the bullet base as well as scraping the bore clean with each shot.”
I had not heard that gaschecks would raise pressures, nor had I known that they would cause gas cutting. I have a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt. The light 250 grain bullet loads that I shoot are with plain base bullets (no gas check) but the heavy loads that I shoot have all been using gas checks. I use the Cast Performance 335 and the Beartooth Bullets 345. I do not remember why I decided to use gas checked bullets for my heavy loads but I am wondering if I should switch to plain base bullets. Obviously Marshall must think that gas checks are fine since many of his 45 caliber bullets are only offered with them. I would appreciate some advice and thoughts on Elmer’s statements and whether or not I would be better off without the gaschecks. Thanks, Brian C.
I had not heard that gaschecks would raise pressures, nor had I known that they would cause gas cutting. I have a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt. The light 250 grain bullet loads that I shoot are with plain base bullets (no gas check) but the heavy loads that I shoot have all been using gas checks. I use the Cast Performance 335 and the Beartooth Bullets 345. I do not remember why I decided to use gas checked bullets for my heavy loads but I am wondering if I should switch to plain base bullets. Obviously Marshall must think that gas checks are fine since many of his 45 caliber bullets are only offered with them. I would appreciate some advice and thoughts on Elmer’s statements and whether or not I would be better off without the gaschecks. Thanks, Brian C.