so I'm wanting to start loading inexpensive full power loads for a G20 and ive noticed some sources of coated bullets use .401" bullets while others use .400" bullets. ive read on this forum that Glock's tend to have slightly wider barrels which begs the question. will a .400" coated lead bullet work properly at full velocity in a Glock barrel or should I stick with .401"?
the main reason I ask is because Blue Bullets has the best deal on coated bullets ive found but they make their bullets at exactly .400".
thank you
-Matt
I would think it would depend on you barrel mostly... is it stock or aftermarket ?
Not having checked the size of your barrel by slugging with soft lead, I'd opt for the 401
You gotta slug that bore to know.
Step 1 in successfully using cast bullets is to know what size bullet to use. And that size is barrel groove diameter +.001". And barrel groove diameter varies from barrel to barrel.
Chances are your stock Glock barrel will slug out between .4015" and .4025". That would indicate a .403" bullet, which you won't find commerically most places. Beartooth is the only place I know of that offers multiple sizing options. They offer .401 and .402 in 10mm bullets, but they only have 200 grain.
This is a big reason why people cast their own.
So, advice for you? Buy a few and try them. Might work fine. Might not. Worst you will have is a lesson in removing leading, and it isn't as bad as it sounds. Way easier than getting out 10K rounds worth of copper fouling.
I would add that the general consensus is that coated bullets are more forgiving than traditional lubed bullets.
thanks for the replies.
it is a stock barrel so I'm guessing the .400" bullets probably aren't the best choice (sorta figured this). I don't want to spend $30 on a sample pack of bullets that I'm pretty sure wont work. Bayou bullets and Acme bullets both offer .401" coated bullets so I will stick with those.
I used to be big into casting bullets but these days I barely have time to hand load let alone consider taking up casting again.
thanks
-matt
Might be worth a call to ask if they can send you some un-sized coated bullets. Mine tend to run about .404-.405 after I coat them. You could then size them down yourself.
Wondering if you thinking lead coated as a cost saving? Or another reason for lead?
The Blues, run .10 per but you can get heavy plated lead for .12 per like Xtreme ... small cost increase and they work just fine in a stock G20
Quote from: tommac919 on March 23 2017 11:39:25 AM MDT
Wondering if you thinking lead coated as a cost saving? Or another reason for lead?
The Blues, run .10 per but you can get heavy plated lead for .12 per like Xtreme ... small cost increase and they work just fine in a stock G20
the blue bullets run $0.086 a round so the price difference is quite a bit if you buy bulk.
1700 180gr Blue bullets = $146.30 (shipping is always free)
1500 180gr Xtreme bullets = $183.00 (+ $8.00 shipping for every order after your first)
the bullets I'm currently trying out are ACME 180gr/200gr coated bullets which are $199/$219 per 2000 bullets (Xtreme are $249/$269 per 2000 bullets)
-matt