gas checks

  • 3.6K Views
  • Last Post 17 April 2013
cooz posted this 27 December 2012

I was shocked to see the price of copper gas checks go from $30/1000 to $43/1000. I am looking into making my own from aluminum. I have looked at West coast Engineering. Their tool works in a reloading press. My press, a CH “H” press has some problem with removing the finished checks from the tool.
I also looked at Charles Darnell's tool. That simply uses the tool and a mallet. Two hits with the mallet gives you a complete gas check.

Anyone ever try either of these tools?

Are there any alternatives to these around?

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onondaga posted this 27 December 2012

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=7005>cooz:

I get aluminum checks from Sage's. His .30 cal checks are $25.49/1000 and he uses Darnell's tools to make them. He sells small quantities to try also and has a good selection of calibers. He is a member here too:

http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/

Gary

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CB posted this 27 December 2012

I have one of Charlies check tool and it is one wack with a mallet or use in a arbor press and it works great! If that is the route you want to take then I would say his tool preforms well for the price.

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Pigslayer posted this 27 December 2012

I buy from James Sage also. Good man to deal with! Stands behind what he sells.

Pat

If someone else had of done to me what I did to myself . . . I'd have killed him. Humility is an asset. Heh - heh.

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CB posted this 27 December 2012

I just got an email from Charlie Darnell, he will be out of town till the 1st. Jeff

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tbierley posted this 28 December 2012

Were in Alabama is James at?

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onondaga posted this 28 December 2012

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=4978>tbierley:

James website doesn't mention his location, but I have spoken with him on the phone and contacted him by email. He is a personable guy.

Contact Person: James Sage Email: [email protected] Phone: (256) 492-5158

Gary

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Sonny Edmonds posted this 02 January 2013

I decided to “roll my own” after my first purchase of gas checks and how fast I went through them. At the time Pat Marlins (West Coast Enjinearing) was claiming he had 30 caliber Checkmakers ready to ship. Still it took 6 weeks for it to get to me. :X With Freechex, 2 days. :cool: I've done extensive testing with both. Both make checks. But Freechex is a tool, and made with tool steel. Worlds away from the checkmaker. Feel free to browse through my photo files of check making. http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/Sonnypie/Gas%20Checks/>http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/Sonnypie/Gas%20Checks/ http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/Sonnypie/Gas%20Checks/Gas%20check%20making%20project/>http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/Sonnypie/Gas%20Checks/Gas%20check%20making%20project/

The bottom line is I advise you contact Charlie Darnell at Freechex.

(Note: The Hornady gas checks are .017” thick material. Being that thick, they seems to fit everything bullet wise. With aluminum, I found that .011", up to .020” soft aluminum was workable. The best being .014” - .016" Different aluminum hardness give differing results.)

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Wayne S posted this 03 January 2013

Just curious , since the concept of Alum. GC brings to mind “FREE” by using beer cans, what is the thickness of a beer can ? and does the thickness vary much from say, US and German beer cans ?

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Sonny Edmonds posted this 03 January 2013

Around .002” - .004". Too thin. I have heard of guys doubling it.

When you try cutting one up, it begins to get futile.

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Wayne S posted this 03 January 2013

Interesting, THANK YOU

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delmarskid1 posted this 04 January 2013

I use the free-chex III tool. It works very well. I am posting a link from a fellow who sold me some cut and rolled check material. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but I am sure that it will work very well. I can't tell the difference in shooting from home made and store bought. www.coilandfoil.com

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hrafknel posted this 04 January 2013

For those who still like copper, I can recommend checks from Bullet Swagging Supply in LA at 318-387-3266. I paced an order yesterday for 4,000 .30 caliber and 1,000 41 caliber for my .405 Win. An order of 5,000 gets free shipping. Prices (always subject to change, were $22 + change for .30 caliber and $28 for the .405 Win) Hrafknel

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Goatwhiskers posted this 11 February 2013

Some people have had some luck doubling can material to get the needed thickness. It's mainly good for making checks for PB boolits. Goatwhiskers

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Frontsite posted this 18 February 2013

My .02 worth, I've been creating .30 cal checks with FreeChex II for a while now using a layer of Arizona tea can (.004) and a strip of alum. cut from a sheet from the newspaper print process (.008). These have worked very well all my .30 caliber molds. For the Ranch Dog TLC311-165RF, I use a strip of Dr Pepper can (.003) with the .008 newspaper alum., as that is what I started with,it worked so I saw no need to change. I can tip over the steel pig at 300 yds. if I do my part with my 30-30 lever gun.

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billglaze posted this 22 February 2013

I can recommend James Sage. We worked together (with him doing almost all the work<G>) until we got some very usable GC's for my .41 Magnum. Good man to work with; he tries very hard to satisfy his people.

Bill

In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is. My fate is not entirely in Gods hands, if I have a weapon in mine.

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parkerhale1200 posted this 16 April 2013

I use one of darnell, it works very good in an arbor press, i bought aluminium sheet first, now i buy it from www.coilandfoil.com 1000 gc is costing me aprrox 1.2 hour to make and about 5.5 euros/ 7 dollar it saves me about 50 euro/ 60 dollar p/1000

I hope i could been of any help

Best regards Parkerhale

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Vassal posted this 17 April 2013

Can these tools be used with copper? Is appropriate material costly? difficult to obtain?

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Sonny Edmonds posted this 17 April 2013

I have used them for brass shim stock, copper, and aluminum.

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onondaga posted this 17 April 2013

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=3007>Vassal:

The tools can certainly be used with copper or aluminum. An internet search for the thickness and material type you are looking for will give you an idea of cost, but better hardware stores have various aluminum flashing and cut aluminum sheet  products for sale. The tool makers are also happy to give you suggestions for sourcing your materials. They want you to be satisfied too.

Gary

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