I'm new to this forum. I load other pistol and some rifle calibers. Just bought my first 10mm, a Glock 20 SF that is having some grip reduction work done at Robar currently. Really enjoy this pistol, Might get a G40 also.
I'd like to practice with some homemade ammo that replicates the energy of high end commercial ammo. I see energies in the 650-700 ft-lb range for those products.
First, while it seems fine, just want to confirm that the G20 and G40 are, in your experience, fine guns for shooting those energies long term.
So far the official loading tables for most powders skirt just under that 700 ft-lb energy threshold....as I see so far.
I start low and work up using a chrono.
Do you have examples of loads they use that approximate the energy of these higher end hunting/defensive loads (Buffalo Bore, etc) and are still judged to be safe in a G20-40?
also, I prefer to use only plated or jacketed HP ammo...I shoot Berrys, Precision Delta, RMR, etc mostly.
ADDENDUM: Also, is the Gen 4 G20 stock barrel good enough (I read about chamber support issues) or should an aftermarket barrel be considered?
Thx
Clint
Hello and welcome to 10mm
You might find this helpful to get started. There is a lot of useful information on this forum.. Take a look around :)
http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/g20-sf-180gr-where-i'm-at-so-far-2012/
Yes, if you are going to shoot a lot of max loads, you will want an after market barrel and a heavier than stock spring.. 22# maybe.
The only bullets that will perform in the stock barrel are jacketed bullets. Soft plated and cast bullets will not work well in a stock barrel at maximum velocities. Also the after market barrel chamber will be fully supported.
You should also have a 1" .0001" micrometer. You'll want to learn how to measure case expansion so you will know where you are with pressure.
Work up to max loads carefully, measuring cases as you go. You'll want to know what a 'smiley' is and avoid them.
Loading 10mm is no different than any other cartridge, however it is kind of a hot rod so a little caution goes a long way.
More questions may come up so don't hesitate to ask..
RDub01, thank you this is great.
What micrometer do you use?
What aftermarket barrels are popular for this goal?
Regards
C
This is the micrometer I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045VKF5K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
As far as load data, I would suggest you look in the factory ammo pull-downs section of this site. There is a sticky with a spreadsheet that you can use to search for bullets/powder you have or want to use. While this is not official published data, it is a good reference when you are "pushing the edge".
Any decent micrometer will do.. I use the Lyman product. The one sqlbullet shared would do nicely.
Here is a link to a thread regarding after market barrels;
http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/which-after-market-barrel-for-glock-20-g4-10mm/
I use the KKM SS and am very happy with it.