Barrel for reloaded ammo

[bigern00]

I have reloaded for several years on my .30-06; I was considering reloading my .40 cal as well. Someone told me that I should get an aftermarket barrel for my Glock 22 before I shoot reloads through it. Thoughts? Suggestions?

[ar15barrels]

If you want to shoot LEAD bullets, you should look for a barrel with conventional rifling.
If you are shooting plated or jacketed bullets, the stock barrel is fine.

[stilly]

If you want to shoot LEAD bullets, you should look for a barrel with conventional rifling.
If you are shooting plated or jacketed bullets, the stock barrel is fine.

^^^^^^^^^

All dat.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

If you want to shoot LEAD bullets, you should look for a barrel with conventional rifling.
If you are shooting plated or jacketed bullets, the stock barrel is fine.

And others have no problem shooting lead thru factory Glock barrels, or so they report.

Which ever type of bullets you choose to use in your reloading, you will quickly find out how accurate they are and whether you will or will not have leading problems.

I wouldn't buy a new barrel before you figure it out for yourself.

[TomReloaded]

I started off shooting lead, just for price... recently ive been getting plated bullets cheaper. No smoke, no leading, and cheaper!

Some aftermarket barrels are tighter and cause their own issues with reloads. Id just stick with plated and avoid some (admittedly minor) issues.

[SpaceMan]

The thing about lead in factory Glock barrels is extreme leading. With polygonal rifling you are more susceptible. If you reload with Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets you wouldn't have any problems shooting lead. Those are not the only safe lead bullets but I like them the best for plinking.

[J-cat]

Some aftermarket barrels are tighter and cause their own issues with reloads.

Is it the "tight" barrel dimensions or the competence of the reloader that causes issues?

[Cowboy T]

With reloads generally, If you have a Gen 1 Glock .40-cal barrel, those were known not to fully support the case, which can be a problem with reloading. However, my understanding is that Gens 3-4 fixed that problem, so you should be fine.

Now, to the subject of cast bullets. I shoot my own cast "boolits" out of our shop's Glock 21 in .45 ACP quite regularly. Got another buddy who shot his Glock 17 in 9mm with cast. In both cases, leading wasn't a problem. The key, I've found, is the same as with any other barrel:

1.) proper sizing for the bore, and
2.) proper lube for the application.

Basically, the biggest that will still easily physicaly fit, the better, and the softer the lube (to a point--NRA 50/50, for example), the better. I use plenty of liquid Alox and get fine results.

Proper alloy hardness also helps, but isn't quite as critical. For handgun applications, I find that the softer, the better. BHN 12 is all you need for 9mm (I actually go a little softer in my .357M).

[CalTeacher]

You can shoot reloads, even cast bullet reloads, through stock Glock barrels provided you follow the same safe reloading procedures as you would with any other gun. You must have proper bullet/bore fit and adequate lube. Don't use undersized or under/unlubed bullets and you'll be fine with your stock barrel. I put a little over 10k lead bullets through one of my competition guns with a stock Glock barrel and hardly ever cleaned the barrel because it didn't need it. I know of people who are putting thousands of lead bullets down their stock Glock barrels every month in competition and their guns are shooting just fine. Anyone who says you can't shoot lead in a Glock is just parroting a myth they heard and has never even thought to question the validity of this old wives tale.

[bigern00]

Thanks everyone, good info to know.

[thenodnarb]

Learn to powder coat your bullets and you can shoot your own cast lead bullets through the glock barrel without problems. Its not the only solution but it is pretty fool proof. As stated previously, the problem with the glock barrel is leading. As long as your cast bullets don't lead the barrel, you are good to go. Of course, glock denies this and wont take responsibility if you blow up your gun with. When developing your load with cast bullets, check your barrel for leading every couple shots. When you are reasonably sure you are getting NO leading, you can start shooting longer strings between checking. powder coated bullets will actually clean the barrel as you shoot them. Learn to powder coat!(see my sig)

[sactoman]

I have loaded a large amount of .40. I've tried precision bullets which are lead with a special coating that prevents smoking and leading. I still got both, so instead of troubleshooting it I just switched to plated bullets. About the same price. However with .40 you will need the redding push thru die carbide. Without it, your loads may chamber, but won't fit in your case gauge. It's a extra step, but you can do it in batches and it is pretty quick. I won't load .40 without using that die first.

[omalley72]

The issue with glock 40 cal is the "glock bulge" and reloading those cases can be a safety concern. When I was shooting/reloading 40 cal in a glock 22, I tested a lone wolf barrel and noticed a tighter tolerance, resulting in no glock bulge. Something to consider.

[chevy95]

From Glock's website:

What kind of ammunition should I use in my Glock pistol?
Do not use reloaded, remanufactured, or handloaded ammunition because it may not meet applicable SAAMI, CIP or NATO standards and could cause death, serious personal injury, or property damage. Only use high quality commercially manufactured ammunition in the same caliber as your Glock pistol. (Note: Use of reloaded, remanufactured, or handloaded ammunition will void the warranty).

Can I use +P and +P+ ammunition?
Glock suggests using ammunition that is manufactured and meets SAAMI or industry specifications. If you are not sure the ammunition brand or type you choose is safe for use, call the ammunition manufacturer and ask if the product meets SAAMI guidelines before using it in you firearm. Some +P ammunition meets these guidelines, +P+ normally does not. This ammunition may generate a higher pressure over the standard loadings, and may shorten the component life of your firearm.

Can I use lead bullets?
No, we recommend the use of jacketed ammunition only.