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Glock 9mm reloads( jacketed vs lead)

friendlyfirefriendlyfire Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited February 2009 in Ask the Experts
Hello all, I'm new to this site but not new to reloading.Ive been doing that since 1984.So here's my question. Ive always been told that glocks, More specifically glock Barrels are made in a way that dont allow you to shoot lead through them. Possibly causing damage to the rifling because how deep its cut and its type of rifling unique to glock. Also claims are made that it builds up pressure that varies dramatically and can cause a danger to the shooter.Well I sent a letter to a glock rep and I got back a letter like all MFG send out stating, "Their against shooting Any reloads in their firearms". Well I can understand that due to their unique type of rifling that lead might build up after shooting many rounds. but I clean my guns after every shooting and I shoot 300-500 rounds a gun when I do go. So does any body have a real KNOWN reason why you cant shoot lead out of these guns. FMJ are now $11.00 per 100 and I have 200 lbs of silver alloy lead left in my reloading room. With 4 friends and myself all with glocks wanting to shoot in an economic way, but all fearing the dreaded lead bullet.Please Inlighten me.
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Comments

  • Colt SuperColt Super Member Posts: 31,007 ✭
    edited November -1
    First of all, welcome to GunBroker. It's avery interesting place to hang around.

    Second, polygonal rifling is NOT unique to clocks. Some HKs use it, as well as some more obscure manufacturers.

    Not being a fan of clocks, I can't respond to your question.

    You maybe should Google for a clock forum and I'm sure those guys would have a wealth of experience with your favored plastic, exploding pistol with the funny trigger.

    Also some guys here share your aberration, and they will help out.

    Just call me "blue steel and walnut"

    Doug
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  • NwcidNwcid Member Posts: 10,674 ✭
    edited November -1
    It is not just Glock. You should not/can not shoot lead bullets out of ANY firearm with Polygonal rifling. The Polygonal rifling grips the bullet differently causing excessive build up when using lead. Look up Polygonal rifling for a more detailed answer.

    I am not sure if any of their hand guns do but I know the HK USC has Polygonal rifling in them. I know there are others out there. Glock is just the most common handgun on the market that has them.
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  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    One of my shooting team members shot lead from his Glock for numerous years while shooting the old SOF 3-gun matches. He cleaned the gun religiously and never had problems.

    I have shot some, but not a lot, of lead from my Glocks with no problems at all. Just about every gun maker says to not shoot "reloads" in the guns primarily for liability reasons. Most of the guys I shoot competition with shoot reloads.

    Its true that Glock says to not shoot lead from their Polyagonal rifled barrels due to increased pressures caused by lead build up.

    Where have you recently seen 9mm FMJ for $11.00 per 100, I will buy 3,000 right now at that price.
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    To help with this problem with lead build up, there are numerous aftermarket barrels with the standard rifling in that will shoot lead with no problems. I believe Federal Ordnance is one of them, and check out Brownells too.

    I know the desert eagle I have in 44 mag the VII series, has polygonal rifling, and it is amazingly accurate.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    GET a aftermarket barrel with cut rifling. Every semi auto pistol has a feed ramp to help chamber the next cartridge. This feed ramp leaves part of the case head UNSUPPORTED .ON a Glock this area is LARGER then on many other designs and makers. That and the fact with the type of rifling the glock has NOT deeper but rounded grooves it will deposit lead in the bore . If you shoot lead it is just a matter of how often you clean the barrel on one gun with one load it might be every 500 rounds, on another gun with another lead load it might be every 5 shoots . If you guess wrong you get KABOOM it is not a matter of IF but a matter of when. Do you feel lucky.
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  • MooseyardMooseyard Member Posts: 2,541 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Perry knows what he is talking about! Don't shoot lead from a standard Glock barrel. I would also recommend getting an after market barrel that has cut rifling. I wouldn't be willing to risk my eyes and hands just to save a few bucks. It's not worth it to me.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    www.castboolits.gunloads.com

    Guys there shoot lead out of glocks all the time. However you REALLY have to fit the bullet to the barrel exactly, with proper hardness, lube, etc.- in essence to do it so perfectly you get zero leading.

    If you're not up to that challenge don't try it.
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  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by friendlyfire
    ...and its type of rifling unique to glock.Contrary to what many believe, the only 'unique' design feature introduced by Glock is their trigger mechanism.

    All others, from their polymer frame to the 'safety lever' located on the trigger existed long before these pistols came along.
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  • William81William81 Member Posts: 25,484 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have shot a ton of my own reloads though a couple of Glocks. I always used on jacketed bullets and never had a problem
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,529 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Nwcid
    It is not just Glock. You should not/can not shoot lead bullets out of ANY firearm with Polygonal rifling. The Polygonal rifling grips the bullet differently causing excessive build up when using lead. Look up Polygonal rifling for a more detailed answer.

    I am not sure if any of their hand guns do but I know the HK USC has Polygonal rifling in them. I know there are others out there. Glock is just the most common handgun on the market that has them.





    Kahr uses polygonal rifling also.
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