Lyman Gas Checks Review

Let’s Dive into Lyman Gas Checks

The world of reloading can be a meticulous dance, and the Lyman Gas Checks play a crucial role in ensuring your cast bullets perform optimally. These small, gilding metal cups are designed to crimp onto the base of your cast bullets, acting as a shield against the intense heat and pressure of expanding gases. The Lyman Gas Checks, manufactured by Lyman, are a must-have if you’re pushing cast bullets to higher velocities, which will help prevent leading in your barrel.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on crafting accurate and consistent ammunition for my lever-action rifles and handguns. One persistent issue I faced was leading in my barrels when trying to push my cast bullets to velocities comparable to jacketed rounds. I needed a solution that would allow me to achieve higher velocities without the detrimental effects of lead fouling. I sought something easy to implement into my reloading process without requiring complex equipment.

Upon receiving the Lyman Gas Checks, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the packaging. The checks themselves looked uniform and well-made, with a consistent cup shape. Holding a few in my hand, they felt sturdy enough to withstand the pressures they’d be subjected to, yet pliable enough to easily crimp onto the bullet base.

Before settling on the Lyman Gas Checks, I considered alternatives such as paper patching and powder coating. While both have their merits, they involved more time and equipment than I was willing to invest. Lyman Gas Checks seemed the most practical and straightforward solution.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could something so small really make a difference? I was eager to test them out and see if they lived up to their promise of reducing leading and enabling higher velocities.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Gas Checks to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my local shooting range, where I typically spend my weekends perfecting my loads. I loaded up a batch of .357 Magnum cartridges with my standard cast bullets, half with Lyman Gas Checks and half without, using the same powder charge. The weather was a typical humid summer day, and I had my trusty Ruger GP100 revolver.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The rounds with Lyman Gas Checks exhibited less leading in the barrel after repeated shots. Furthermore, the accuracy was noticeably improved at 50 yards, with tighter groupings compared to the bullets fired without gas checks.

Seating the Lyman Gas Checks was straightforward using my Hornady press and Lee dies. With the bullet in the sizing die, it was easy to seat it on the base of each boolit. There was no learning curve involved, making the whole process easy to perform.

I encountered no issues during my first range session. This was in part due to the checks going on easily, but also due to the ease of the reloading process. The only surprise was just how much leading was reduced in my barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After months of consistent use, the Lyman Gas Checks continue to perform admirably. I’ve fired thousands of rounds using these checks in various calibers. They continue to hold up well under the pressures of magnum rounds.

I have seen no significant signs of wear or tear on the Lyman Gas Checks themselves. Once crimped onto the bullet, they stay firmly in place. My rifles and handguns still require regular cleaning, but the amount of lead fouling is drastically reduced.

Maintenance of the Lyman Gas Checks is non-existent, as they are a consumable component of the reloading process. My standard cleaning and maintenance routine for my firearms hasn’t changed. The main difference is that cleaning is now faster due to less lead fouling. Compared to my previous experiences with cast bullets without gas checks, the Lyman Gas Checks are a clear winner. They’ve allowed me to achieve higher velocities with improved accuracy and less leading, making them an invaluable addition to my reloading bench.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Gas Checks

Specifications

• The Lyman Gas Checks are gilding metal cups designed to be crimped onto the base of cast bullets. The use of gilding metal ensures a robust yet pliable material.
• They are available in various calibers: .22, .25, .264 (6.5mm), .284 (7mm), .30, .32 (8mm), .35 (38/357), .375, .44, and .45. This range ensures compatibility with a wide variety of popular calibers.
• Each package contains 1000 gas checks. This quantity offers a considerable supply for high-volume reloaders.
• They are designed to be easily seated during the bullet sizing process using standard reloading equipment. This ease of use is a major benefit for reloaders of all skill levels.
• The Lyman Gas Checks are designed to protect the base of the bullet from hot powder gases, preventing leading and allowing for higher velocities. This protection is the core functionality and key benefit of using gas checks.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman Gas Checks excel at their primary job: protecting the base of cast bullets from hot powder gases. This protection significantly reduces leading in the barrel. They reliably allow for higher velocities without compromising accuracy.

Their strength is the ability to achieve near-jacketed bullet performance with cast bullets. The only weakness is the added step to the reloading process. Overall they meet and exceed my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lyman Gas Checks have a simple, functional design. The gilding metal material is durable, yet pliable enough to easily crimp onto the bullet base. Their light weight doesn’t noticeably affect the overall bullet weight.

The Lyman Gas Checks require no specialized tools beyond standard reloading equipment. As such, they are extremely user friendly. The minimal learning curve makes them accessible to all reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lyman Gas Checks are a consumable item. As such, durability is not a major concern. They are designed to withstand the pressures of firing.

No maintenance or repair is required. They are single-use components.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Gas Checks do not require any specific accessories beyond standard reloading equipment. They work with existing sizing dies and bullet molds.

Lyman Gas Checks are designed to be compatible with a wide range of cast bullet designs and reloading presses. They are compatible with most popular reloading brands.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Gas Checks

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Lyman Gas Checks?

The Lyman Gas Checks are perfect for reloaders who want to achieve higher velocities with cast bullets while minimizing leading in their barrels. They are ideal for recreational shooters, hunters, and competitive shooters who prefer to use cast bullets for their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They are also well-suited for anyone reloading for older firearms that may be more susceptible to leading.

Anyone content with low-velocity cast bullet loads and minimal shooting, should skip this product. The cost savings may not justify the additional expense and effort.

A bullet sizing die that matches the caliber of the gas check and the bullet is a must-have accessory. These dies ensure the gas check is properly seated and crimped onto the bullet base.

Conclusion on Lyman Gas Checks

The Lyman Gas Checks are an invaluable addition to any serious reloader’s bench. They effectively address the common problem of leading when using cast bullets. They offer a straightforward solution for achieving higher velocities and improved accuracy.

The price of $96.49 for 1000 gas checks is justified by the performance gains and the reduction in barrel wear. The added cost per round is minimal.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Gas Checks to any reloader looking to maximize the performance of their cast bullets. The Lyman Gas Checks are a simple, effective, and reliable solution for achieving higher velocities, reducing leading, and improving overall shooting accuracy. So go ahead, give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!