shooting reloads in semi auto handguns

[ldsparamedic]

Hi all, I was reading that my beloved Glock is not supposed to shoot reloads and even saw a picture of one in which the rear of the handgun detonated. I figured, OK, i'll get rid of the Glocks and move on. Well, I looked at Beratta, Desert Eagle and Taurus. They all state if you shoot reloads it will void the warranty. What gives. Does anyone out there shoot reloads in a Glock or other semi auto pistol? I have a bunch of 40 cal brass and a set of dies for sale if I can't reload for it.

[kawalekm]

I consider a badge of honor never to ever have fired factory made ammunition in my guns. For several of my guns, not one single round of thousands I've shot out of them was store bought. I'm a Ruger fan though, so maybe that has something to do with it.

It's mostly a legal disclaimer for most companies besides Glock. The same lawyers write the chainsaw manuals. That's where they tell you "don't hold on to the chain while the saw is running". Guns have been, and will be blown up from incorrectly made reloads. That's why I make every single round I shoot one by one on my dinky little single stage press.
Michael

[Kilroy]

Been firing reloads in Glocks, Sigs, and everything else for years with no problems.

I agree, it's the lawyers. Geez...

If you are at all woried about brass or OAL numbers you can buy a box of factory loads and put them through your pistol once to fire form the brass. Bag it up and label it for the particular weapon and reload away.

I've not had any problems with virgin brass, either. I always check the case length and trim if necessary, though. Some virgin brass can vary a bit depending on the manufacturer. Some don't treat their mfg. dies with the same care as their reloading equipment.

[hunter63]

Have been shooting reloads in both my Ruger p-85 and lately S&W Sigma, both shot them just fine. You are correct, they all say don't do it.

My problem is finding the brass, out doors.
I also use a single press and finial sizer die.
I like to take it slow and easy, check and double check everything.

P. S. Owners manual for an old Lymans Plains rifle actually said.( or words to that effect..)
"muzzlerloaders can be dangerious if instructions are not followed, and are not for everyone.
Then again there are those people that shouldn't run power tools or chain saws either".
I thought maybe that the guys were required to write the disclaimer.

[Stinger]

:eek: Oh, please, please! You're overreacting. Crappy or poorly made reloads will kaBoom! any firearm. If you reload quality ammo, you'll be shooting quality ammo.

One thing's for damned sure: Any of my 10's of 1,000's of reloads are better than the overpriced, lower-end, 'range quality' ammo that Wal-Mart is presently selling. I've fired many thousands of reloads through my Glocks; so have hundred, if not thousands, of other Glock owners. Do it right and it ain't a problem.

Don't let the legalese, 'boiler plate' warnings in the owner's manual frighten you off. I'll offer only one caveat: I don't buy or use other people's reloads. I, 'roll my own' - Period! In more than 35 years of doing this, I've had a few squibs, but never an overcharge. ;)

[MinotBob]

You should NOT shoot cast lead boolits in a Glock. It has to do with the type of riflings and the tendancy to lead up.

[ldsparamedic]

Thank you all for puttin' my fears to rest. I have a bunch of brass, some that I picked up, others that were factory rounds. I guess I'll order up a bunch of Starline brass and start all new. I have a good Speer book and a single stage Lee press.

[Stinger]

If you know how and use the right lead bullets, then, you CAN certainly shoot lead bullets in a Glock (or any other cold forged) barrel. You should NOT, however, reload found brass that you picked up on the range - That's verboten! ;)




HERE (http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?p=166460) See Post #8.

[Wyobuckaroo]

The only trouble I have ever had was with new commercial bulk center fire ammo.
Never had a problem with commercial reloads.
In handguns that is.
Never had a problem with commercial reload or new ammo in rifle or shotgun.

The commercial bulk was Winchester white box 9mm, there were 2 rounds without powder in the one, and only one box, I had trouble with. That has been over 10 years ago now. Have not had a fail to fire since, with center fire ammo.

Have shot a lot of ammo through my brother-in-laws Glock 9mm. Shoot anything I can get my hands on the cheapest. Has digested it all without a problem. Even steel case.

Your experience may vary.
Good luck
Wyo

[NotSoFast]

Most of the talk about Glocks blowing up, especially with reloads are because of two things. One, not following the loading manual or double loads because of inattention. Two, scare tactics by Glock haters.

I reload and I've not had any problems that were not of my own doing. If you follow all the safety precautions and load according to what the loading manual says, working up from their minimum to no more than their maximum, you should have no problem.

Yes, Glock states in their manual not to shoot reloads. That is in there because of liability issues, nothing more. Many have reloaded and shot reloads through their Glocks with no problems. I suggest you take a look at GlockTalk, http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/index.php to see what they say. I'd hate to see you waste money by selling one good gun below market, then having to buy another at market price.

Just don't load lead bullets. Glocks have trouble with them because of the way they are rifled.

[ursus]

A good CAREFUL reloader can successfully reload for any metallic cartridge firearm. HOWEVER, the firearms manufacturer's HAVE to assume the worst, and therefore put the "DO NOT FIRE RELOADS" warning in their warranties.
When reloading, SIMPLY NEVER exceed published maximum loads. Carefully conform to all SAAMI specifications as to case size and overall ammunition lengths. Any reloading book from the bullet manufacturers will have this data in them. Check and recheck every step of your reloading operation.
NEVER, ever fire lead bullets in german/austrian handguns, always use jacket bullets. If you use lead bullets, the tighter tolerances will cause a build up of lead in the barrel and ultimately a failed weapon. SPECIFICALLY, you will blow the weapon up.
Treat reloading with the respect you give the use of your weapon!

[kawalekm]

When reloading, SIMPLY NEVER exceed published maximum loads. Carefully conform to all SAAMI specifications as to case size and overall ammunition lengths. Any reloading book from the bullet manufacturers will have this data in them. Check and recheck every step of your reloading operation.

I completely agree with the above statement, and follow that recommendation myself.

NEVER, ever fire lead bullets in german/austrian handguns, always use jacket bullets. If you use lead bullets, the tighter tolerances will cause a build up of lead in the barrel and ultimately a failed weapon

I don't think this statement is entirely correct though. The problem is not tighter tolerances, but the shape of the rifling used in Glock barrels. Apparently, the special shape of the rifling is highly conducive to the buildup of leading. I myself have a German Walther, which I have never, ever fired anything besides cast lead reloads, and haven't ever had a problem. It does though have conventional square cut rifling that doesn't build up lead faster than any other gun.
Michael

[ursus]

Actually the problem with lead build up is due to polygonal rifling in many (most?) german/austrian auto pistols of recent manufacture. The result is tighter barrel seal, higher pressure, and therefore greater velocity and all that comes with it. I just didn't want to get overly technical.
ursus