Morning Shooters/reloaders,

So I have been having problems finding 9mm ammo...duh, and I wanted to start to learn to reload. Come to find out everything is hard to find. I also find the whole reloaded process pretty interesting and fun. My question is can you use homemade lead cast bullets in a glock barrel? I have been reading alot online and there is some back and forth discussion on that issue. Some say no problem but keep barrel clean after 100-150 rounds others say get an after market barrel. Glock is reliable and getting another barrel may change that I don't know.

Tips on how (and who to get from) to get reloading supplies to the outer islands would be nice too.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

You could shoot cast bullets but eventually lead will build up plus accuracy isn't great with lead from what I've read. Lone wolf makes good after market barrels I had one on my glock 20 and it was actually more accurate then the stock one, I don't think you'll see any diffrence in reliability. I reload 9mm for y glock 19 and just use fmj or copper plated bullets. I know that casting your own bullets would save a bunch of money but i would rather not deal with melting lead and the fumes from it.

Lots of literature on this subject floating around the internet. It seems as though there's a theme that runs through those who successfully do. First, they always check for leading by cleaning as opposed to visual inspection, since leading can escape visual detection. Secondly, they stick with moderate to light loads. Some have reported that the glocks chambered in .357 sig, .40 and .45s are more susceptable to the kabooms because they all have a deeper cuts into the chamber (as opposed to the 9mm) and that if you examine brass from these glocks, you will see a pronounced bulge on one side of the case. This is supposedly caused by the feed ramp cut extending to the case area in front of the web of the case. Resized brass is said to be more prone to rupturing when not completely supported in the chamber. I never  shot a Glock .357 sig or .45 and haven't shot enough .40s to know whether this argument holds any truth so its up to you to investigate to your satisfaction.

As for me, I use and aftermarket 9mm conversion barrel in my Glock 22 (.40) and fire reloads through that. I think this is the safest approach if you intend to shoot cast out of your Glock. I would not, however, hesitate to fire light cast loads through the stock 9 mm barrel. I would continuously check the barrel for signs of leading and the cases for overpressure until I felt comfortable that neither condition exist with the particular load being used.

Lots of literature on this subject floating around the internet. It seems as though there's a theme that runs through those who successfully do. First, they always check for leading by cleaning as opposed to visual inspection, since leading can escape visual detection. Secondly, they stick with moderate to light loads. Some have reported that the glocks chambered in .357 sig, .40 and .45s are more susceptable to the kabooms because they all have a deeper cuts into the chamber (as opposed to the 9mm) and that if you examine brass from these glocks, you will see a pronounced bulge on one side of the case. This is supposedly caused by the feed ramp cut extending to the case area in front of the web of the case. Resized brass is said to be more prone to rupturing when not completely supported in the chamber. I never  shot a Glock .357 sig or .45 and haven't shot enough .40s to know whether this argument holds any truth so its up to you to investigate to your satisfaction.

As for me, I use and aftermarket 9mm conversion barrel in my Glock 22 (.40) and fire reloads through that. I think this is the safest approach if you intend to shoot cast out of your Glock. I would not, however, hesitate to fire light cast loads through the stock 9 mm barrel. I would continuously check the barrel for signs of leading and the cases for overpressure until I felt comfortable that neither condition exist with the particular load being used.

Thank you sir, very informative answer. Would you please let me know which after market barrel you use; is it the LWB? I have also read a little about the 'storm lake' barrels and KKM precision barrels. Do you have an opinion on those barrels or information.

Thank you sir, very informative answer. Would you please let me know which after market barrel you use; is it the LWB? I have also read a little about the 'storm lake' barrels and KKM precision barrels. Do you have an opinion on those barrels or information.

Storm Lake Barrel conversion for the Glock 22. LWB seems to be more popular and may be more readily available locally. All of the LGS should carry one version or another.  I can only say that the storm lake barrel works and is accurate. Maybe others can chime in with their experience using other barrels.

Hey Kekoa-

My 2 cents...
Since there seems to be some controversy about the factory glock bbls and lead bullets, I usually recommend the aftermarket bbl route too.

However, in the case of 9mm I don't recommend lead bullets at all, unless you are really hard up for bullets.
I've experimented with lead bullets in 9mm and found them to be more difficult to achieve excellent results. I'm not saying it can't be done, just more finicky.
Maybe not the best choice for a novice reloader.

How about this idea....
since you have not gotten your reloading equipment yet, why not order some 124 grain hollow points from precision delta now? I can pretty much guarantee good results with those heads and they are reasonably priced. By the time they arrive (4 months?) maybe you will have accumulated all your reloading equipment.

I have already posted almost everything you need to know about loading those heads in the "9mm XTP Project" thread.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying out a new hobby and getting dismal results on the first try.

The aftermarket bbl would run something like $150. I think $150 could be better used towards your reloading equipment or the heads.

FYI- I wholeheartedly recommend an aftermarket glock bbl in 45 auto. Loading the 45acp with lead bullets is great.
I've been trying to get my son to install a storm lake in his glock for years. Den this dad no gotta load those expensive JHP or FMJ heads for da boy any more.
LOL

Hey Kekoa-

My 2 cents...
Since there seems to be some controversy about the factory glock bbls and lead bullets, I usually recommend the aftermarket bbl route too.

However, in the case of 9mm I don't recommend lead bullets at all, unless you are really hard up for bullets.
I've experimented with lead bullets in 9mm and found them to be more difficult to achieve excellent results. I'm not saying it can't be done, just more finicky.
Maybe not the best choice for a novice reloader.

How about this idea....
since you have not gotten your reloading equipment yet, why not order some 124 grain hollow points from precision delta now? I can pretty much guarantee good results with those heads and they are reasonably priced. By the time they arrive (4 months?) maybe you will have accumulated all your reloading equipment.

I have already posted almost everything you need to know about loading those heads in the "9mm XTP Project" thread.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying out a new hobby and getting dismal results on the first try.

The aftermarket bbl would run something like $150. I think $150 could be better used towards your reloading equipment or the heads.

FYI- I wholeheartedly recommend an aftermarket glock bbl in 45 auto. Loading the 45acp with lead bullets is great.
I've been trying to get my son to install a storm lake in his glock for years. Den this dad no gotta load those expensive JHP or FMJ heads for da boy any more.
LOL

Hey there 'Oldfart',

I was really just wanting to shoot often, I believe to be safe, competent and proficient that is what is required. That said reloading with cast lead would help me do that at a slightly lesser cost and with greater volume than purchasing factory ammo. Mainly to have many many many trigger pulls  and repetition at lesser cost. Plus I really find the reloading process interesting. Certainly when my pistol is in 'defense' mode it will have 147 grain jacketed 9mm hollow point.

Now when you say you 'found them difficult to find excellent results" do you mean accuracy? In your opinion would it affect my procedures while shooting and make me a worse shooter or just make the pistol less accurate as compared to jacketed bullet heads.

Thanks again for keeping me learning. I still have not purchased my reloading equipment yet just learning as much as I can so I can make a good decision when the time comes. I will certainly email you for your insights. Maybe when I am on Oahu sometime we can hook up for a tutorial or something. I am hoping that SEC or Windward gun shop will have a press that I would like in stock when I am ready to buy. I finally found out I can ship all reloading components on Young Brothers so that means I can get it here to Kauai.

Hey there 'Oldfart',

I was really just wanting to shoot often, I believe to be safe, competent and proficient that is what is required. That said reloading with cast lead would help me do that at a slightly lesser cost and with greater volume than purchasing factory ammo.

Now when you say you 'found them difficult to find excellent results" do you mean accuracy? In your opinion would it affect my procedures while shooting and make me a worse shooter or just make the pistol less accurate as compared to jacketed bullet heads.

==================================
Maybe you misunderstood my message. I suggested ordering jacketed 9mm HEADS from Precision Delta, not their loaded ammo.

Just checked some prices....
FYI- lasercast lead 147 gr heads are 113/m
Meister bullet cast lead 122 tc heads are 101/m
vs
Precision Delta 147 FMJ-FP heads are 111/m
and the 124JHP are 98/m

So it seems like the jacketed heads are actually cheaper in this case.
The downside is the 4 month wait. That's why I suggested ordering 2 weeks ago.

RE: excellent results...yes.. primarily, accuracy can be a problem.

In a nutshell, lead bullets are slippery little bastards and need a little more crimp or they might set back on the feed ramp. An aggressive sizer die can help that problem.
If you need to apply more crimp, then you reduce the diameter of the head.
When you reduce the diameter of the head you risk the bullet skipping the rifling which means tumbling or wobbling downrange.
I have see lead 9mm bullets hit the target sideways.
Skipping the rifling will also cause more leading.
Reducing the powder charge to prevent skipping and leading can prevent sufficient bore obturation.
Especially since you might have reduced the diameter of the head by applying more crimp to the head to prevent setback.
Insufficient bore obturation can cause more bbl leading too.
I suppose the problem is compounded by the smooth polygonal rifling of a stock Glock bbl.

357 mag, 44 mag can get away with it because:
1-different kind of crimp for revolvers
2- copper gas checks can be applied to the base of the heads.

==================================
Maybe you misunderstood my message. I suggested ordering jacketed 9mm HEADS from Precision Delta, not their loaded ammo.

Just checked some prices....
FYI- lasercast lead 147 gr heads are 113/m
Meister bullet cast lead 122 tc heads are 101/m
vs
Precision Delta 147 FMJ-FP heads are 111/m
and the 124JHP are 98/m

So it seems like the jacketed heads are actually cheaper in this case.
The downside is the 4 month wait. That's why I suggested ordering 2 weeks ago.

RE: excellent results...yes.. primarily, accuracy can be a problem.

In a nutshell, lead bullets are slippery little bastards and need a little more crimp or they might set back on the feed ramp. An aggressive sizer die can help that problem.
If you need to apply more crimp, then you reduce the diameter of the head.
When you reduce the diameter of the head you risk the bullet skipping the rifling which means tumbling or wobbling downrange.
I have see lead 9mm bullets hit the target sideways.
Skipping the rifling will also cause more leading.
Reducing the powder charge to prevent skipping and leading can prevent sufficient bore obturation.
Especially since you might have reduced the diameter of the head by applying more crimp to the head to prevent setback.
Insufficient bore obturation can cause more bbl leading too.
I suppose the problem is compounded by the smooth polygonal rifling of a stock Glock bbl.

357 mag, 44 mag can get away with it because:
1-different kind of crimp for revolvers
2- copper gas checks can be applied to the base of the heads.

Hmmm, accuracy would be pretty important I think when your shooting for protection or competition or for pride with the fellas. Maybe its time for me to order bullet heads to stock up.

Just received a Gun Digest Newsletter about this very topic. Here are some excerpts froman article entitled "Can I Shoot Lead Bullets in My Glock", written by Patrick Sweeney:

"Glock barrels do not like lead bullets. There are several learned engineering treatises on exactly why, but what it boils down to is that the detailed surface level of steel - steel treated by means of Tenifer - is rougher than other treatments."

"Glock barrels are on the small side, to ensure greater accuracy with wartime-dimension bullets."

"Chambers are a bit tighter than what Glock makes, too, and, often as not, in stainless steel instead of Tenifer-treated carbon steel.

The author recommends that if you plan on shooting cast lead bullets, buy a drop-in barrel from any one of many aftermarket manufacturers like: Bar-Sto, Wilson, Lone Wolf, Storm Lake, KKM Precision.

+1 for after market barrels for Glock so you can shoot any type of bullets.

More commentary on this subject for the masses....

http://www.gunnews.com/myth-polygonal-barrels/

More commentary on this subject for the masses....

http://www.gunnews.com/myth-polygonal-barrels/

================
good article

If I had a glock 45 I would shoot my cast bullets in it.

==================================
Maybe you misunderstood my message. I suggested ordering jacketed 9mm HEADS from Precision Delta, not their loaded ammo.

RE: excellent results...yes.. primarily, accuracy can be a problem.

In a nutshell, lead bullets are slippery little bastards and need a little more crimp or they might set back on the feed ramp. An aggressive sizer die can help that problem.
If you need to apply more crimp, then you reduce the diameter of the head.
When you reduce the diameter of the head you risk the bullet skipping the rifling which means tumbling or wobbling downrange.
I have see lead 9mm bullets hit the target sideways.
Skipping the rifling will also cause more leading.
Reducing the powder charge to prevent skipping and leading can prevent sufficient bore obturation.
Especially since you might have reduced the diameter of the head by applying more crimp to the head to prevent setback.
Insufficient bore obturation can cause more bbl leading too.
I suppose the problem is compounded by the smooth polygonal rifling of a stock Glock bbl.

Update 10/31/13- In a separate thread I related a story about a shooting match a few weeks ago. My friend experienced wobbly bullets.
Today I got a call from Mr. Albaradr. He related his experience with some new copper plated 9mm heads. They were also wobbly.
We had a chat and I suspected too much taper crimp. As it turns out, he was using a LEE Factory crimp die-(FCD)
That FCD squeezes the round rather aggressively and we suspect it is changing the diameter of the head.
To be continued...

I've bought plated bullets at http://rmrbullets.com/.  Pretty cheap and not much more than buying cast lead bullets.