1st post: Glock 20 and ammo

bigben55 · June 28 2019 10:20:53 AM MDT

Greetings. I've been lurking, researching hard about the 10mm and I've decided to buy a Glock, probably next week, probably a Glock 20. I've read about Glock 20s kabooming or having fail to feed issues with HOT heavy loads. I dont reload, will buy factory ammo. I DO NOT wish to upgrade the barrel and recoil spring. I've read here somewhere that so long as you stick to the 1200fps with a 180-200 grain bullet, problems are rare.

Based on my research, for woods carry(in the Southern Appalachians, where I'd need a round suitable for black bear, hog AND people) and possibly for deer hunting, I'm thinking either Federal JSP or Underwood Extreme Hunter. Heres where I ask for your experience, with either these two or something else. I want the best DO IT ALL round that wont jam or break a stock G20. I understand DO IT ALL means compromise. Thx

sqlbullet · June 28 2019 11:04:37 AM MDT

A Glock 20 Gen 3 or Gen 4 will serve you well. Factory ammo should shoot just fine from the platform for your intended use. I have a Gen 3 SF and have never had an issue with factory ammo or with handloads that were within velocity and powder charge specs from a published data source.

Kenk · June 28 2019 12:43:21 PM MDT

Welcome bigben,
The G20 is a fine weapon. As for woods ammo, you'll have to either find a happy medium, or pick one that will work best for your biggest concern, E.g. bear ammo would likely be Underwood's 220 hard cast, deer, Underwood's 180, or 200gr XTP, as for two legged predators, any of the above will work well

Ken

The_Shadow · June 28 2019 01:41:23 PM MDT

bigben55, welcome to the forum! The G-20 Gen 4 has a different recoil spring set up than previous generations. Myself I got the 20SF Gen 3 model and it has been a great pistol for 10mm from mild to wild that includes Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Fenix and Double Tap as well as my matching handloads. I do run a Wolf 22lbs non captive recoil rod & spring because it provides me with options if needed. I run conversion barrels for 40S&W, 9x25 Dillon and even a 9mm that needs a much reduces spring setup.

Although I have aftermarket barrels I carry most of the time with the factory barrel...

bigben55 · June 28 2019 06:48:17 PM MDT

Thanks! I emailed Underwood, who assured me no modifications to a Glock 20 are needed for their ammo. He did say the 200 and 220 HC recoil the most and for some shooters, a 22lb recoil spring helps. But, limp writing is by far the #1 cause for failure to feed issues. I'm a big guy with big hands, have no problem one handing a .44mag Super Blackhawk and really dont consider myself recoil sensitive.

I do want a happy medium full power round. Anyone have experience with the Underwood Extreme Hunter 150gr? Seems like it could be one.

Are there any significant advantages going Gen 4 over Gen 3? I know the differences on paper, but does the gen 4 double recoil spring matter THAT much? I doubt it add backstreps to the handle; my gen 3 Glick 17 and 26 fit me just fine and have for over 10 years.

Rojo27 · June 28 2019 08:08:11 PM MDT

+1 on the Glock Gen 3 SF here.

Stay away from the hardcast with any generation of 10mm Glock (polygonal rifling tends to lead up with Hardcast). The Glock is an excellent choice for woods carry!
As others have said it'll handle the mild to wild stuff just fine. That Glocks won't handle the hot stuff business without kaboom in is complete hogwash! Defective ammo or bullet set back is far, far and away the #1 cause of kabooms! It can happen with any firearm particularly 10mm as its already a high pressure round.
Underwood Extreme Hunter or Defender will work great. Lots of good choices for your chosen application. The Underwood 200gr & 180XTP are great. The Federal Trophy Bonded you mention are good to go. Buffalo Bore 155 TAC-XP great option. Sig Sauer 180gr V-Crown works well. Any many others as well.
Many people like the heavier 22lbs to 24lds recoil spring on Gen 3; as they're very inexpensive and really help holding the slide back a fraction of a fraction of a second to get a little more consistent burn when shooting the hot stuff out of your Glock. Not imperative but helps to give consistent velocities to the projectile.
Welcome to the 10mm and wish you luck after you buy your first one. Your gonna enjoy it so much that it's likely just a matter of time till you end up with another, etc. Most of us here suffer with the affliction and very few of us have been able to limit ourself a to just one. Wait and see!😉
Wish you all the best and while we hope you never need it; your Glock 10mm will be more than capable of handling anything roaming around the Souther Appalacians. 2 or 4 legged!

Kenk · June 28 2019 09:02:15 PM MDT

Thanks for bringing that up Rojo, was thinking about that at work today. My G20 KKM Barrel works great for HC, but when using it for carry purposes with JHP's I always use the factory barrel. I really like the aftermarket barrels, but for overall reliability factory has been a constant winner

Ken

erdyalx · June 28 2019 09:53:07 PM MDT

Depending on rules in your state. The SIG 180 fmj is a great factory round.

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4949shooter · June 29 2019 06:27:00 AM MDT

I have run two to three thousand rounds of Underwood through a Gen 3 SF and a Gen 4 Glock 20 (I would have to check my notes for an exact count).

If you are not planning on upgrading the RSA, then my recommendation would be to stick with a Gen 4. I had upgraded to the 22 pound on my Gen 3 which works great.

As far as ammo goes, the Federal runs great in the Glocks. The Underwood Extreme Defender / Penetrator / Hunter would give you more penetration if your main concern is large 4 legged predators. The Federal would be better for two legged variety. I have test fired the Underwood Extreme Defender and Penetrator in my Glocks and they both work fine. I have not test fired the Hunter round, so you might want to throw a box or two through the gun to confirm reliable function. though I know it gets expensive.

Good luck with your choice!

-4949

bigben55 · June 29 2019 07:36:55 AM MDT

4949, have you shot the Underwood XTPs? They seem like another good compromise round. Would you go 180 gr or 200gr?

Geeman · June 29 2019 12:13:58 PM MDT

I have an early Gen4. Reliable with everything except 220g hardcasts from underwood. Those just slow the slide enough that they hang up.

In my experience, it runs fine in stock configuration. I messed with springs and barrels from the aftermarket, and reliability was more hit or miss. I just decided to stop spending money on something that wasn't broken and keep it box-stock. I sometimes carry in winter coat weather, especially in the field.

165g Gold dot underwood loads if I'm thinking two legged predators (or hand loaded approximates).

For the range, I play with the Tanfolio (EAA Withess) just because it feels so good in the hand, durable, accurate, and MUCH MUCH Prettier too.

Greg

erdyalx · June 29 2019 12:31:16 PM MDT

The Underwood xtp's are great. I used them on a cow elk hunt. One shot it was a done deal.

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4949shooter · June 29 2019 02:23:38 PM MDT

Quote from: bigben55 on June 29 2019 07:36:55 AM MDT
4949, have you shot the Underwood XTPs? They seem like another good compromise round. Would you go 180 gr or 200gr?

Ben,

I have tried them both. For what you want them for, the 200 XTP's would be probably better. They feed fine out of the Glock 20.

Kenk · June 29 2019 02:28:24 PM MDT

Not to mention, it's a pretty badass load : )

bigben55 · June 29 2019 05:50:32 PM MDT

I'll probably go with the 200gr XTP Underwood, thx all.

What do you find the cheapest but best range ammo? If I wanted to convert the G20 to .40S&W for range work, what all do you need to buy? Barrel, mags, recoil spring? Or what other calibers have you done conversions to? I have 2 Glock 9mms already for CCW and range work too.