Kaboom

[sqlbullet]

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?

Technically we will never know.

Pragmatically the experience of guys that have been around is that round likely would have blown out in any semi-auto barrel.

[Kenk]

Sounds like (just speculating) it was quite possibly a double charge. If not, a KKM or other may have lessened or eliminated the kaboom. I have shot tons of hot stuff in my stock G20 with no issues, as well as with a KKM. I guess I just feel better using an aftermarket / fully supported barrel in my Glocks, not that it is necessary.

[Viking72]

OP here:

So after several months at the gunsmith, where he was convinced that it was an extractor issue, and all he did in that time was Polish the extractor, he claimed the gun only had 1 FTF in 100 rounds ( and since we were nearing the 500 round break in period (!!), even that would be soon resolved, I was very excited to finally get it back. 

Unfortunately, I couldn?t even get the first round to chamber using the factory mag when fully loaded.  Using only 15 rounds allowed the round to chamber (ps: The Wilson Combat mags I bought, way back when people were telling me I only needed better mags).  Nevertheless, whether stock or WC mags, I?m still getting 3-5 FTF per mag.

The gun totally sucks. 

Either it is only RIA?s well documented struggles, or 10mm generally not performing in the 1911 models (ie., I have other 10mm 1911?s which suck in this caliber as well).

I?m sure McKinsey to think any 10mm is a roll of the dice.

How refreshing it was to just pull out my Glock 21 .45 loaded with Underwood JHP, and know every round would cycle and fire properly.

I?m done with 10mm and 1911?s.  They absolutely suck.

[agtman]

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.

Almost stopped reading at: *some reloads a friend loaned me.*  Still, glad you?re okay.

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?

Yes. I shoot UW 10mm ammo out of my Gen4 G20 and G40 regularly. No issues. I think the Gen4 10mm factory barrel is actually a better barrel than predecessor versions were.

Most importantly: Is there a 10mm that has a good 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?

I have a couple of the 10XX-series guns, besides the Glocks. Also a Sig P220 Match Elite and a custom Delta, but that one has a fitted Bar-Sto barrel.

All have been good guns for shooting the high-performance (real) 10mm ammo.

[Mike D]

OP here:

So after several months at the gunsmith, where he was convinced that it was an extractor issue, and all he did in that time was Polish the extractor, he claimed the gun only had 1 FTF in 100 rounds ( and since we were nearing the 500 round break in period (!!), even that would be soon resolved, I was very excited to finally get it back. 

Unfortunately, I couldn?t even get the first round to chamber using the factory mag when fully loaded.  Using only 15 rounds allowed the round to chamber (ps: The Wilson Combat mags I bought, way back when people were telling me I only needed better mags).  Nevertheless, whether stock or WC mags, I?m still getting 3-5 FTF per mag.

The gun totally sucks. 

Either it is only RIA?s well documented struggles, or 10mm generally not performing in the 1911 models (ie., I have other 10mm 1911?s which suck in this caliber as well).

I?m sure McKinsey to think any 10mm is a roll of the dice.

How refreshing it was to just pull out my Glock 21 .45 loaded with Underwood JHP, and know every round would cycle and fire properly.

I?m done with 10mm and 1911?s.  They absolutely suck.

I?m not sure what your issue has been with 10mm 1911s (your post was very hard to follow) but I?ve owned several with no issues. I currently have (2) 1911 10mm pistols and (1) double stack 2011 style and they run flawlessly.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[RickShooster]

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.

I try to visually inspect the powder level of every round that goes through the process. I use a couple of old Lee Pro 1000s, the primer stage is where trouble starts with this kind of press, they fail to drop, or run out, or jam up, something.  So, I resize and  deprime all the cases first progressively, then prime by hand, then flare, charge, and seat and crimp bullets progressively.  It takes a little longer but glitches and problems are basically non-existent this way and the finished product is one I trust.  It still goes pretty fast since the two stages are both done with a case feeder and progressively, and hand priming goes fast too, plus, there is no down time with bad loads or cases leaking powder because of no primer or any other kind of glitchiness. It's basically trouble free this way.

[tommac919]

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?

Don't think so... It sounds like a load that would have been an issue in almost any gun.

I've fired many of the comm hot end loads in my G20/3  ( only mod is a 20lb spring ) without issue.... and some of my reloads that were prob hotter.
Not a prob with the stock barrel except the brass gets overworked in the loose chamber area. Never had any signs of case failure.

As to you wanting a stronger gun, the only one I have is a Sig 220/10mm.  It is quite a bit heavier as it's fully stainless steel for frame and slide but is built like a tank.

[Kenk]

I?ve thought the same thing when examining my P220 Elite, it?s an amazingly sturdy weapon

[Intercooler]

Sorry to hear this! The Witness line has proven to handle hot 10's just fine.

[sqlbullet]

Good to see you IC!

[Geeman]

Sorry to hear this! The Witness line has proven to handle hot 10's just fine.

I had (still have) a box of hot Underwood 150g that smiled the cases in the Glock 20. 

They loosened some primer pockets in the Limited Pro Witness. 

Loose primer pockets wins in my estimation, but too hot is too hot.

Greg

[Intercooler]

Good to see you IC!

Thanks! I'm getting there and hope to shoot some here shortly. Probably next week I'm going to start with some .22/9mm and move to some 10mm stuff. If I can get two trips in next week I want to Chronograph some 10mm rounds on the second visit.

[Jack Zeller]

I have a personal objection to buying pistols that I have to modify to be safe. In any case I agree it was most likely the ammunition, probably with an impressed bullet. I do also however prefer a fully supported chamber. The Glocks are strong guns, and up to the task, but feel like blocks of wood. The 1911's are mostly good if you get a reliable one. I have owned about all, and of all, I like my M&P 10mm 4.6 the best. Ergonomically superior to the rest of the polymer strikers for sure, though not quite as accurate as some of the 1911's.

[fltbed]

OP here:

So after several months at the gunsmith, where he was convinced that it was an extractor issue, and all he did in that time was Polish the extractor, he claimed the gun only had 1 FTF in 100 rounds ( and since we were nearing the 500 round break in period (!!), even that would be soon resolved, I was very excited to finally get it back. 

Unfortunately, I couldn?t even get the first round to chamber using the factory mag when fully loaded.  Using only 15 rounds allowed the round to chamber (ps: The Wilson Combat mags I bought, way back when people were telling me I only needed better mags).  Nevertheless, whether stock or WC mags, I?m still getting 3-5 FTF per mag.

The gun totally sucks. 

Either it is only RIA?s well documented struggles, or 10mm generally not performing in the 1911 models (ie., I have other 10mm 1911?s which suck in this caliber as well).

I?m sure McKinsey to think any 10mm is a roll of the dice.

How refreshing it was to just pull out my Glock 21 .45 loaded with Underwood JHP, and know every round would cycle and fire properly.

I?m done with 10mm and 1911?s.  They absolutely suck.

I too am very confused with your post.  It is a bit hard to follow but I'll respond with a few questions.

1.  Why did you take your RIA to a gunsmith?  RIA's CS is well known for taking care of any issues that come up.  My own experience with them was very positive.

2.  Since your putting 15 rounds in the magazine, I suspect you have a HC #52009?
When did Wilson start making mags for that model?  I've had mixed results with their single stack mags.  The original 45 acp mags (both 10 round and 47D's) have been flawless for me but their 38 super, 9mm have been mixed results depending on make of gun and I still have a 10mm mag needed extensive work to get it to function most of the time.  Tripp Cobra mags are still the best IMO.

3.  Your blanket statement that RIA's and 1911's (in general) suck in 10mm is rather opposite from what most of us have experienced.  Personally, I'd take my 10mm RIA (or any of my 1911's) over any Glock ever made.

Jeff 

[Kenk]

I sent my RIA Rock Ultra FS HC in a couple years ago per Shawn Fairbairn, RIA?s Chief Gunsmith for some non warranty work. Shawn was incredibly helpful, and had it back to me within 2 weeks, can?t say enough good things regarding their customer service, and work done, not to mention it?s been an awesome weapon for its price point.