Sidearms & Scatterguns Lead use in barrel clarification

[mzvarner]

I own a S&W M&P 9c and I want to start reloading my own rounds for it. I found a bunch of lead bullets in town. Did some research and it sounds like it is ok to shoot thru a standard rifling. The problem is in Glocks (or other companies) that use the polygonal rifling...correct?

 

[Genius.]

Correct, then after a session of lead shooting I always run a mag or two of FMJ through my gun to clean any deposits that are in the barrel out.

 

[thebolt]

Lead was the primary handgun bullet produced by ammunition factories for 75 years and are fine for usage in your pistol. Lead has some benefits over jacketed bullets and any leading is easily removed.

Glock is the only handgun prohibiting lead bullets that I have seen.

 

[seanh]

I've shot plenty of lead through Glocks without any issue...a couple hundred rounds without cleaning. The only reason you can't shoot lead through a glock is due to accumulation of lead from not cleaning but that would take a lot of of shooting. Back when I managed a gun shop/range we put thousands of lead rounds through the glocks without incident.

BTW, you can't shoot reloads through many firearms either....they'll blow up the gun. That's why shooting reloads through most guns voids the warranty. Check your paperwork, it probably says to only use factory ammunition.

 

[josh1982]

A barrel with a typical land and groove rifling is great for lead because the lead can safely deposit in the groove of the rifling. The hexagonal rifling of a standard size frame Glock is made to create a better gas seal around the bullet as its fired. But this leaves no place really for deposits to go which basically starts to close up the diameter of the barrel until you get a stuck bullet in the tube. Can you do it? Sure, people have for years as stated above. But if you wanna SAFELY shoot lead in a Glock, find a lone wolf barrel with the regular land and groove rifling.