How I expand my 30 calibre gas checks

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  • Last Post 18 November 2024
RMeissner posted this 12 October 2024

Fellow Cast Bullet Shooters,

This video shows you my method for expanding 30-calibre gas checks. https://youtube.com/shorts/QNPiJrVZVck

Have a great shooting day,

Richard

Richard Meissner

30-calibre-gas-checks gas-check-expander

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linoww posted this 12 October 2024

nice video. the "redneck " way we used do it was with a large  ball bearing tapped over the check. 

 

somewhere I have a die that goes on the lubesizer that swaged the base to fit the check.on really fat bases it didn't work well and bent the unsupported bullet.

"if it was easy we'd let women do it" don't tell my wife I said that!

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OU812 posted this 12 October 2024

The flaring tool can be turned down in a drill press using a file and sandpaper. Steel rod can be purchased at most building supply or hardware stores.

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RMeissner posted this 13 October 2024

Yes, I also used the ball-bearing method but found it time-consuming. It is still suitable if you can't find or make the tool I used in my video.

Richard Meissner

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linoww posted this 13 October 2024

your tool for sure is a better way ,I was just chatting. 

"if it was easy we'd let women do it" don't tell my wife I said that!

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358156hp posted this 13 October 2024

I use a flaring tool similar to the one NOE sells. Mine came directly from the guy who originally came up with the concept. NOEs tool is very similar but slightly different. Al did work directly with the tools designer and is manufacturing the tools with the originators blessing.

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beltfed posted this 13 October 2024

The NOE 30 cal and 45 cal gas check expanders I bought works just fine to open the Hornady gas checks

enough for a couple of "pregnant' molds I have

beltfed/arnie

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RMeissner posted this 14 October 2024

I viewed the NOE expanders a while ago and noticed they're out of stock. So, I had to make an alternative plan. I would love to have one of their expanders.

Richard Meissner

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Rockydoc posted this 17 October 2024

The NOE expander I received would not let go of the check once expanded.  I had to pry them off, totally unacceptable.  I took some of my dental polishing stuff and polished it up, it then worked ok.  You are probably better off making it yourself if you can.

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OU812 posted this 17 October 2024

Not letting go is a good thing. It means the gas check is gripping and doing its job.

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Rockydoc posted this 18 October 2024

I mean not letting go of the tool. If I can’t get it off the tool, I can’t put it on the bullet.

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OU812 posted this 18 October 2024

I know what you ment. I was just saying that gripping the tool is a good sign that it will also grip bullet.

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Eutectic posted this 22 October 2024

The bolt on the left was faced off and polished, it fits in a 38 Special seating die.
The punch in the center fits in the press ram, it is hardened.
The stripper on the right fits over the punch and pops the check off the punch when the ram comes down.
Before and after Hornady checks show the result.

The swaged checks to have a sharp inside corner like the bullet base. The base is perfectly flat and the walls have the correct flair.  

The amount of pressure needed on the press arm is negligible. Allowing the arm to fall of it's own weight is about all that is needed. It is easy to use too much pressure!

Steve

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LeverGunner posted this 16 November 2024

I use a 5/16" punch I found in a bucket of wheel weights. I tapered the end and polished it. I chuck it in my drill press and use it like an arbor press.

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RMeissner posted this 18 November 2024

I have a drill press with a broken electric motor. I've been thinking about using it as an arbour press for a while. Your idea is excellent. Thanks.

Richard Meissner

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Shopdog posted this 18 November 2024

Any decent drill press will handle this bit of "punishment". When you compare the forces that are seen when folks put mortise attachments on.

The only checks here that need attention are Sage's 6.5.... and in NO WAY complaining about their QC. There corners just are a wee bit to rounded for my application. I use a pce of O1 steel that is turned to spec,and used against a heavy steel swage block. Not so much about opening up.... but hammer forms the GC corners VERY square.

Good luck with your project.

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