Gaschecks for 33WCF

peter richards · Post by **peter richards** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:16 am

I am trying to get an old 1886 in 33WCF up & running, I have found brass & dies, & have a mould lined up to cast bullets. I have to decide with or without gaschecks. Do I need them? I currently cast 357's & lube with alox, would that suffice, or do I need to go to the expense of a lube sizer, & if so are sizing dies available for .338?

Thanks

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:29 am

At the velocities that the 33 WCF runs, I'm pretty sure you are going to need GC's.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:13 am

I'm with Kirk on this one. Not only do the velocities necessitate gas checks but I find gas checked bullets to be more accurate with old barrels that have bore and crown wear.

I have an old '86 in 33 that I have never had luck in with cast gas checked bullets. The condition of the bore is less than pristine with lots of small pitting from the old mercuric primers. But on the other hand, I have other old rifles with the same bore conditions and they shoot just fine. You win some and 'ya lose some. It does well with the 200 gr. Hornady FP in front of 42 gr. of 3031 or 44 gr. of IMR 4895. I have chronographed these loads and original factory ammo and the velocities are nearly identical.

I acquired this rifle in 1974 and it has accounted for a truckload of deer and 1 elk. My son killed his first deer with it in 1984 when he was 12 so its a keeper.-----------------Sixgun

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:02 pm

I'm probably the only guy that has not fired lead through my .33s. Guess it's because I haven't ever bought any. The 200 Hornady FN works so well that lead never came to mind. With lead now banned in most of CA I'm going to find a copper substitute that will work in the .33WCF, or become a scofflaw.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:33 pm

Is Hornady making the 200 gr. flatpoints again? I cant afford to shoot them, last box I saw was on fleabay before they quit selling bullets and they went for over $60.00.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:02 pm

No, they haven't been made for a couple of years. Once in a while you can find a shop that still has a box, or two. I'll keep a lookout for you.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:08 pm

Thanks, Mike D.