Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Whats the deal about not shooting lead bullets.
I read somewhere that the barrels will blow up
is that true it sounds weird. I've shot tens of
thousands thru my 1911.

I don't know for certain, but usually when I see a Glock vs _____ thread, it's usually mentioned that the ______ can actually shoot lead rounds. It has to do with the way they groove the barrel. It just doesn't mix well with lead bullets (from what I read). However, Glock doesn't publish any warnings against using lead in any of their manuals, but from what people say if you call, the recommend against it. They don't say not to (which would be a smart cover your butt if it was an issue) just that it's not the best idea.

Unless you want more hear-say, and if you're really concerned, I'd say call them for yourself and get it from their mouth.

I dont shoot a Glock but perhaps they acquire a lead buildup quicker than other barrels. So if you're on the range and shoot couple hundred rounds check the barrel and see.

I've never heard that before. I thought that the Glocks could eat anything

The polygonal rifling in a glock can/will cause excessive leading. The same with a H&K or any other make with the polygonal rifling. The leading will cause excessive pressure buildup which can lead to catastrophic failure because of the unsupported chamber in the Glock. Glocks can be ordered with standard rifling and shoot lead bullets w/o problems.

There are no lands/grooves like traditional barrels in the polygonal barrels - if you reload and want to shoot lead bullets you can find traditionally barreled replacement drop-in barrels for your Glock...

punchie wrote:The polygonal rifling in a glock can/will cause excessive leading. The same with a H&K or any other make with the polygonal rifling. The leading will cause excessive pressure buildup which can lead to catastrophic failure because of the unsupported chamber in the Glock. Glocks can be ordered with standard rifling and shoot lead bullets w/o problems.

Punchie hit the nail on the head.
I am a Glock Armorer and I also have a Glock Md. #22 that I reload for. I use nothing but solid copper 180 gr. slugs to reload with. I have shot some lead out of the Glock but not a heck of a lot. No one can realy determin at what point there is too much lead buildup to continue to safely fire the weapon. Soft lead projectiles will cause a quicker buildup because of the hot flame front pushing the slug out the barrel. conversly a hard cast slug will take longer to build up as the flame front won't effect in the same way. Be safe use jacketed slugs unless you order the special barrel.
Bill

Good information guys. I learn something new on this site everyday

I have never shoot anything but jacketed out of my Glocks, but I never gave lead build up a thought it's just that most 9mm ammo you buy is jacketed. I don't reload.

I'm glad to hear you are a Glock Armorer SgtBill, if I ever need any help I'll look you up.

Not a problem Bob. I am also a Ruger and Smith and Wesson Armorer. Altho I can work on just about anything.
Bill

BILLYDIXON wrote:Whats the deal about not shooting lead bullets.

Like others said it is likely due with polygonal vrs traditional rifling but others (myself included) are more inclined to believe its due to shaving of the lead when chambering. Either way if the manufacturer recommends against it I tend to pay it some attention.
FWIW I bought a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel (about$115) for my Glock 22 which allows me to simply swap barrels/mags and shoot a different caliber. No changes to the ejector, etc... POA/POI are pretty close as well! I guess I could also shoot 9mm lead rounds but since I haven't reloaded in 15+ years I'm not likely to start again unless we move in a few years out of a HOA/Community to a place that allows worksheds

First Time i have ever heard of this... Thank you!
will start taking notice of what i feed the monster...

thus far, althought i do tend to clean, complete with an aggitated barrell soak inside the Hopes jar for the period of time it takes to comsume a cold one, i have not found any undue lead build up...and i tend to fire 200+ rounds through my .40 on an average range trip...

things that make you go, hmmmmmm

Sgt.Bill...
what brand of copper do you shoot in your glock...?
thanks!

and i have a Mdl#22...
do you ever sell any of your .40 reloads?
Wanna start?

It's illegal to sell reloads without proper licensing (i.e. Type 10 FFL)

Thank you,...today has been an education...don;t want to ask anyone to step outside the bounds

I shoot Rainer Ballistics Leadsafe total copper jacketd bullets in the 180 gr. flat point design. From Dillon they are 155.40 per. 1,000.
Bill

P.S. Sorry but I don't sell reloads.