plain base bullets

An un-gas checked gas check bullet is not the same as a plain base bullet.

I like to try my gas check bullets without gas checks for velocities up to say around 1800 fps some time they work sometimes they don’t, if they don’t then a PB bullet usually will.

My experience is the faster you drive and un-gas checked bullet without a gas check then it will cease to work sooner than a similar PB bullet.

I have a No4T that I use a 0.315″ GC soupcan in for subsonic loads, it will shoot one ragged hole out to 75yrds checked but give shotgun patterns un-checked, this bullet works well unchecked in my other .303″s at these velocities. Every rifle is different and oft times inexplicably so.

I have had similar experiences as dromia.  When I leave off the gas checks with a gas check bullet, they don’t group as well as a PB bullet or a gas checked bullet.

from what I read, and shot.. leading occurs with non GC bullets, which that’s the only reason for GC’s… and that’s it. If they shoot without leading your bore above 1800 fps.. which I doubt they will, then you’re good. It’s not like shooting flatbase jacketed.. which some say shoot just as well longer range where a BT is needed. I’m guessing the PB bullet bases are being deformed which sounds like that’s what is effecting your accuracy.

I am new to casting/reloading.  Do PB bullets perform similarly to GC bullets with the gas check installed.  Trying to decide which version I should get.  This will be for 7.62×39 in SKS. (Edit) I powder coat with Harbor Freight powder.

My first thought would be what kind of velocity and pressures are you thinking about for loads? another thought was if your wanting max speed and or also a plinker, then maybe the mold your looking for has the option for a gas check and a plain base. Then you can find out which style shoots best for your rifle.
So far in my casting experiences which are limited to a couple years, I’m finding some rifles shoot fine as plain based and powder coated, while others shoot unchecked gas check models ok for close range plinking.then again, I also have a project going now where I’m powder coating and gas checking the NOE 311-198-sp. my 30-06 seems to like the combination.
Some rifles are picky and others are not.