Kaboom

[Viking72]

Hi Guys-

So I had a Kaboom! on my Gen 4 Glock 20 at the range (have pics) using some reloads a friend loaned me.  Everything looked good on the rounds, but it happened (blew the rear bottom of the round out, the magazine release hit me just under the eye and stuck in my face; my right hand had pinch and burn, but was not seriously injured; magazine shot straight down to floor, and bottom f mag place blew out; frame on the lower cracked, so gun is junk).

Here's my question: After plenty of research, I know all about Glock's unsupported chambers; also know not to use someone else's loads; but since it happened, I'm reluctant to purchase another Glock 20 again for this reason: Prior to the reloads, I had been firing Underwood JHP (180 gr), and wondered if that ammo weakened the barrel, or if it was purely a hot load?

Regardless of th answer to that, is it REALLY safe to fire Underwood ammo out of a Glock?

Most importantly: Is there a 10mm that has a goo reputation for being able to handle Underwood ammo (or at least a good reputation for not blowing up)?  I see a million Glock 20 Kaboom vids posted, and I think even if it was the reload, I'm not going to risk Glock again in 10mm.

What's the best/safest 10mm gun?

[Alabusa]

Get another G20 and put a KKM barrel in it. Problem solved.

I have a Springfield XDm10 4.5 OSP that comes with a fully supported barrel and I have shot nuclear handloads out of it with zero issues.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[Kenk]

Like Alabusa mentioned, get a KKM or other barrel and enjoy your new G20. Also, for me, I only shoot my own hand loads, as well as not letting others shoot them. I am confident in my loading skills, but still won?t do it
Enjoy and be safe

[The_Shadow]

I do not like the captured recoil system, a non captive recoil system can add extra spring pressure at the barrel slide lock up.

[Patriot]

Sounds like your friend overcharged or double charged a round during reloading. It happens.

I've used underwood, buffalo bore, double tap, for years in my Glocks. Never had an issue.

[sqlbullet]

First, welcome to the forum.  Sorry this had to be your first post.

Glock guns are fine.  In order to pass muster for sale in Europe they have to be proofed at 130% of MAP, which works out to about 49,000 PSI once you account for the differences in testing methodology between CIP and SAAMI.  Not only does that mean that every pistol has to pass the firing of a proof load, but it must be strong enough that a proof load doesn't cause damage to the firearm.  MAP for loaded ammo is 37,500 psi and makers like Underwood are very clear that their ammo is loaded within SAAMI spec.  It isn't going to hurt a gun that already passed a nearly 50K PSI proof test with no damage.

I am sure your friend doesn't want to hear this, but your situation was caused by wildly out of spec ammo.  If you want to get a different gun there are lots of good options.  Chances are this round would have destroyed any of them too.

[ragsflh]

sounds like it was double loaded

[gnappi]

Lesson(s) learned?

[Kenk]

also, welcome Viking72, this is an awesome forum? enjoy!

[blaster]

my $.02, I don't claim to know everything but a double charge will overflow the case and be noticeable to the loader. it still could have been caused by an over charge but a bullet that was pushed too far into the brass while being cycled through the action could also have been the culprit.
I'm not a Glock person but other than the non fully supported chamber, I don't think its the gun's fault.

[tommac919]

And that's why I don't shoot other people reloads...

[38-40]

A load that is safe in one firearm is not necessarily safe in another. I have 2 30-06s that I load for and my Browning shows pressure indications about .5 grains less than my Remington.

[Kenk]

Absolutely, as well as not letting people shoot mine

[fltbed]

First, welcome to the forum.  Sorry this had to be your first post.

I am sure your friend doesn't want to hear this, but your situation was caused by wildly out of spec ammo.  If you want to get a different gun there are lots of good options.  Chances are this round would have destroyed any of them too.

First, welcome to the forum.  Sorry this had to be your first post.

I have to agree with sqlbullet on this.  In my years researching 40 cal KB's in USPSA I have seen Glocks, M&P's and even 2011's destroyed like this.  The common denominator is the ammo.

Specifically:
Brass loaded many times.
The type of handloads USPSA shooters normally use.  Heavy bullets loaded with fast powders like TiteGroup. 
My theory is a weak case, allowing the bullet to telescope into the case raises pressures, (according to research done by Speer and UL in the 70's, shorting the OAL by .050 can double chamber pressures in some cases) that same weak case blows out at the case head and...you know the result.

Jeff

[Viking72]

Get another G20 and put a KKM barrel in it. Problem solved.

Do you mean that, if I had a hot round, but was using a KKM (or other barrel with a fully supported chamber), I would not have had a Kaboom?