page_title: Cast bullet
section_title: Gas checks
hierarchical_section_title: Cast bullet / Gas checks
caption_attribution_description: English: Cast bullets: as cast (on left), with gas check (center), and lubricated (on right).
context_page_description: A cast bullet is made by allowing molten metal to solidify in a mold. Most cast bullets are made of lead alloyed with tin and antimony; but zinc alloys have been used when lead is scarce, and may be used again in response to concerns about lead toxicity. Most commercial bullet manufacturers use swaging in preference to casting, but bullet casting remains popular with handloaders.
context_section_description: One of the earlier efforts to obtain better high-velocity performance involves placing a very shallow cup of copper alloy over the base of the bullet.  This cup resembles a very short jacket and is called a gas check.  Cast bullets require a smaller diameter at the base to accept the gas check.  Some gas checks are designed to crimp onto the base of the bullet, while others have a looser fit.
caption: Cast bullets as cast (left), fitted with a gas check (center) and sized & lubricated (right)
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