I'm getting lost in trying to figure out a few things........
1. Do I even really need an aftermarket barrel?
- I shoot 99% cast in everything else I have and want to do so in the Glock 20. My cast loads are mostly for paper punching and playing games (IDPA/USPSA). Hence, they'll probably stay just under/at 1,000fps. For working in the mountains, I have a box of DT 200gr WFNGC's that'll last me the rest of my life (I work in the mountains for about 5 months year and I have a few close calls each season). I've been reloading for almost 30 years now, but just started reloading for 10mm last fall. It seems to be a new animal.
2. Which one to go with?
- Reading the positives and then the negatives............ even after reading the page on ccraceframes.com, that really got me to thinking as to whether it's worth it in the first place. When working, the stock barrel will be used. For targets and games, I'm wondering if I need the aftermarket - but that's dependent on whether it's needed for the velocities I'll be shooting.
So I guess my question is this..... If I am to be loading and shooting cast mousefart (relatively speaking) loads, is it really necessary to use an aftermarket barrel? And if so, which one? And after that, does anyone have one laying around that they'd like to get rid of? ;)
LeMat, I bought some aftermarket barrels for my G-29, I did get one chambered for 10mm with the conventional rifling for shooting cast bullets, listening to the many stories..."NO LEAD" & better chamber support. Was it needed? No. I shoot many cast bullets down the factory tube with good results. I clean and inspect after all range secessions anyway. :)
The other aftermarket stuff was for conversion cartridge calibers...the aftermarket 10mm barrel does still see some range use as well. 8)
No, you don't need an aftermarket barrel. The Glock barrel is a little more picky about hardness and bullet fit, but works fine when you get those right. Even for hot loads.
Same as above, I shoot lead, at times, in both a 20 and 29 but I do clean the tubes meticulously after each session. No problems.
Well, ya'll are making my feel better already. :D
Since I don't cast, I buy commercial cast bullets. Used to get them locally (Rim Rock Bullets) until their prices almost doubled in Feb. Gonna go back to Missouri Bullet Co. most likely.
That being said, since they are commercial, the chances of them being a perfect fit are fairly slim. I've rarely had commercial pills fit perfectly and had to adjust my load accordingly to get them to obturate reliably. I also lube everything with Lee Liquid Alox which tends to eliminate leading when they are .001" or so too small.
I clean my weapons after every shooting session and rarely shoot more than 100 rounds at any one time from any one gun, so I figured that might not be so bad. I'm used to shooting cast in rifles and cleaning is absolutely mandatory before going back to jacketed.
Another thought on the aftermarket barrels was the chamber support issue and brass longevity. Since the majority of my loads will be pretty tame, I didn't think that was such an issue, but I want my brass to last as long as possible - especially these days when vendors run out 10 minutes after getting them in stock.
Thanks for the help!
Be sure to slug the bore and size bullets its accordingly. My flock 29 was almost .402". So I have to size to .403".
Well, since the box of 500 I have are sized .401", I sure hope my bore isn't bigger than that as I'm pretty much stuck with what I have. That's one of the downfalls of buying commercial cast. And in this day and age, there ain't a whole lot of options if I want to shoot the thing. Hopefully I can make do with what I have.
When you load cast be sure to seat them without adding any crimp, as that can shave the material off of the bullet and if too much taper crimp is added that can slightly reduce the bullet diameter by squeezing it down in the front section! ???
Quote from: LeMat on April 16 2013 07:41:48 PM MDT
Well, since the box of 500 I have are sized .401", I sure hope my bore isn't bigger than that as I'm pretty much stuck with what I have. That's one of the downfalls of buying commercial cast.
Most likely, it will be OK, but it's a good idea to slug the bore just so you know what's going on in there.
This may be outside your abilities, but there are ways to increase the diameter of undersized commercial bullets. My preferred method is to install a plain base gas check, made from thin soda can aluminum; you need a luber sizer to do this though. This makes the base of the bullet as large as you might need (as much as .008" larger), and eliminates the gas blow-by and leading. Caneman and I discussed these checks in another thread here recently.
I just re-read you original post. Your bullets are already gas checked it appears.
I would shoot them. Gas checks do a lot to help undersized bullets behave. You will probably be fine even if you barrel is a little big like mine.
That is a good point, if the bullets are gas checked it does help a lot. I was assuming plain base.
No, they're not gas checked. Just a box of bevel base cast boolits I've had sitting around for 10 years or so.
I also seat and crimp in two different steps. I added a smidge more flare as I use LLA and it seems to help to keep things "ungummy" during seating when I'm reloading for autos. I tumble lube all my cast bullets. It certainly doesn't hurt and helps a bit when size is not in my favor.
Quote from: sqlbullet on April 17 2013 09:51:06 AM MDTYou will probably be fine even if you barrel is a little big like mine.
Well, that makes me feel better. ;D
That was when I thought they were gas checked. If they are not gas checked I think you will have leading. If you are ever down near salt lake pm me and maybe we can trade. I have quite a few around that are .403.
Well, thanks for the offer! I've got some friends down there and am hoping we'll be able to make it down there one day.
I've loaded some up with 231 and am "thinking" they are going to be around 900fps. Hopefully my crono will cooperate with me, but not sure when I'll get out to try them. The proof will be when I get a chance to look down that barrel and see what it looks like. Keeping my fingers crossed. ;)