Lead bullets through a Glock

Today, 04:41 PM My approach is simply to observe. It seems quite a number of shooters struggle with lead fouling in conventional barrels--at least I see what seems to be a lot of concern, worry and attention to leading. Whether the problem is real or perceived, I don't know, and whether due to lead that's too soft or too hard, lube that's too soft or too hard, bullets that aren't sized to a ten-thousandth of an inch and fired within a narrow window of ambient temperatures, I don't know.

Only on one occasion did I have a bit of leading ahead of the chamber that took about 20 min with a bore brush to remove--other than that, no build up requiring any special attention. That's in conventional barrels. More recently, I've blown about 5,000 lead bullets through the Glock 29 and the EAA Witness Hunter, both polygonal barrels. In neither gun did I see any lead buildup. I've read the explanation of why it occurs in polygonal rifled barrels, and the explanation made no sense whatsoever. Because it made no sense to me doesn't mean it isn't correct, however, so I still rely on observing. After 500 rds at the range I see no evidence of leading at all, so I press on. After 5 or 6 such cycles, still no signs of lead--let alone lead buildup--so I conclude all is well.

I bought a LWD barrel for the Glock just because I didn't want to take the chance--but now see that as complete waste of money (for me, my bullets, my loads, and my lube). However, the LWD barrel is absolutely beautiful, and among the most highly-finished barrels I've owned (inside and out). In that sense it wasn't a 'waste', but I doubt very much I'll live long enough to wear out the stock barrel.

As for the polymer framed aspect of the Glock and the firearm's ability to handle pressure..I don't see the connection. The frame doesn't play any role at all in the gun's strength to handle high pressure, and near as I can tell based at least on my model 29, it's about the heaviest-built and strongest auto-pistol action I've seen. While it's true that a steel frame can offer greater protection from debris, shrapnel and gas escaping down through the grip, etc., if there is a failure, in most cases there's not really that much between you and a blown gun even with a steel frame--few of them are not skeletonized in that area.

If I had to base my actions on belief and not on facts, then I'd bet more Glocks with lead bullets have blown up due to the nature of the handloads (commercial or otherwise) themselves than due to leading. What facts I do have clearly indicate selected commercial manufacturers are loading to well above SAAMI max, and shooters are blindly shooting such loads. Still, shoot and observe--I think you're likely to find there's little if any difference in barrel behavior.

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?If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.? T Bankhead




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