9mm vs .45

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

GLOOB

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2007
Messages
5,955
After reading about glock kb's, I started wondering why the .45 cal would kb, but the 9mm wouldn't. Afterall, the pressure is lower in the .45. I think I read somewhere that the 9mm cartridge has thicker brass in the base, as compared with other pistol rounds.

Seems to me that if this is true, the 9mm is a better platform in terms of reliability/safety from the get go.

So the question is... when do manufacturer's start making .45 brass with thicker walls at the base? Obviously, this means a slightly lower charge or slightly higher pressure. But would this be more reliable?

Mind you, I don't really consider 2 or 3 documented kb's (using reloads) amidst several millions of rounds fired through the glock 21 to be a reliability/safety issue.
 
Ignore that bigred82 guy - he's an idiot! Everyone knows that .45 is bigger and better than 9mm! 9mm wouldn't kill a cat. You only need 16 rounds if you're a terrible shot.

.45 > 9mm.


(BTW, most reported Glock KBs are from .40sw reloads where guys didn't pay attention to what they were doing during the reloading process.)


Honestly, what was the objective of this thread? I agree that it sounds like bait, so...
 
Actually if you wanted to know case thickness differences, the reloading forum might be a better place to look. I have a bunch downstairs, I could measure the bases with calipers if I could cut 'em apart.
 
Both the 9mm and .45acp have seen reliable service for nearly 100 years now. KBs occur when ammunition is produced outside of standardized specifications. This most often occurs with hand loaded ammunition when a mistake is made. It also occurs occasionally with factory ammunition, but not very often. When it does occur with factory ammunition, the manufacturer will cover the cost of buying you a new pistol, more ammunition, and a sincere appology so that you don't sue them.

To answer your question though, due to .45acp ammunition being much more expensive than 9mm, a lot of people will use reloaded ammunition that they buy online or at guns shows to cut costs. 9mm is fairly inexpensive, thus not a whole lot of ppl shoot reloads in this caliber as compared to .40S&W or .45acp. As I stated, the more reloads you use that don't have a guarantee to back them up the more likely you are to have a KB regardless of the pistol design or calbier.

In regard to the brass of the .45acp, it is just fine given its SAMII specifications of 21,000psi. The brass is thicked to accomidate higher pressure +P loads rated at 23,000psi. .45 Super is rated at 28,000psi.
 
Actually, the issue is usually with the .40 S&W.

Why would ammunition manufacturers change their specs for the supposed shortcomings of one pistol? It's not the specs of the .45 ACP(or .40 S&W) that have been used successfully in many designs that's at fault here.
 
Any round can KB if overloaded...
As far as .40 SW Glocks going KB, it might have something to do with unsupported chamber, but I'm no Glock expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

[NITPICK]
Both the 9mm and .45acp have seen reliable service for nearly 100 years now.
Click to expand...

9x19mm was invented in 1902 and .45ACP in 1905, so it's a bit over 100 years.;)

[/NITPICK]
 
Go with what you can control because you cannot miss fast enough if you cannot control it.

A hit with a 9 beats a miss with a 45 any day and conversely a hit with a 45 beats a miss with a 9 anyday.

Personally I like 9mm with a real bullet in it. Do I keep a .45 around, HECK, yes.

But I go with what I shoot or can control better.

I need some work with a .45.

And on the Kb's most all of the rumors were exactly that, but there were issues with reloads causing excessive pressure and the resulting "rapid dissassembly" of the subject handguns.
 
Last edited:
Barrel holds the pressure

After reading about glock kb's, I started wondering why the .45 cal would kb, but the 9mm wouldn't. Afterall, the pressure is lower in the .45. I think I read somewhere that the 9mm cartridge has thicker brass in the base, as compared with other pistol rounds.
Click to expand...

The barrel of a gun contains the bulk of the pressure (in a radial direction), not the brass of the cartridge. Look at the thickness of the steel barrel compared to the thickness of a brass cartridge case.

Glock "kabooms" have often been attributed to a thin crescent of unsupported brass at the 6 o'clock position where the steel barrel is cut away somewhat to enhance feeding. At that point the brass case is not well supported by the barrel and the internal pressure can rupture the brass case wall because it doesn't have the steel barrel backing it up.
 
I prefer the .50 bmg bolt action pistol. Small, easy to conceal, and after you shoot a guy, you can claim it was him instead of the gun that broke your wrist. Proof of attack. yeah, it is definitely the best choice for personal protection
 
I've "only" seen two pistols blow up in years of competitions. Both were Glock Model 17s. Then again, unsupported chambers in any caliber can be more prone to ruining a good day at the range and blow a plastic frame to hell.

As to what is better . . . a well-placed .22 LR bullet beats ANY round you miss with.

I prefer big, heavy handgun bullets that will make the largest wound channel . . . for all handgun bullets are underpowered vs. centerfire rifle bullets!!!

For hunting, that means 300 grain hardcast, flat-nose bullets in .44 Magnum from a wheelgun.

For defense, that means a 230 grain hollowpoint in .45ACP in a bottom feeder or a wheelgun.

I've owned 9mm handguns but have never truly felt as good carrying one, vs. toting a .45ACP or a .357 magnum for defense.
 
They both do the job

...

Shot placement wins the day..

But, 45cal has more punch, bar none, but 9mm cost a lot less to shoot, and will do the job. That, I have no-doubts about.

Your pick, Springfield 1911 EMP 9mm, or Colt Defender 45.


Picture140.gif

But, whatever you wind up choosing, enjoy, with a a lot of practice.. :)



LS
 
Last edited:
Both are good..Neither are as good as a rifle round.

I know that I don't want to get shot with either of them. Nor a 22.

As for the KB Issue, I don't know the stats on Factory ammo KB events. I don't like the 40 round at all, it is problematic and just a little change in OAL can double the pressure. To me it is a solution looking for a problem. That said, if you like it, them by all means use it. Personal Preference is everything here in the USA.
 
GLOOB
So the question is... when do manufacturer's start making .45 brass with thicker walls at the base? Obviously, this means a slightly lower charge or slightly higher pressure. But would this be more reliable?
Click to expand...

They already have. It’s called 45GAP.
 
:rolleyes: I've seen all kinds of guns kaboom, in all kinds of calibers :rolleyes: Just get the caliber you prefer in the platform you like & start training w/ your equipment! ;) If it breaks, get another one!
 
Many moons ago I watched a buddy blow up a 9mm Smith, yes a "real steel" gun. Later on he wrecked his 223 the same way so I immediately ruled both those weapons out as anything I would EVER have. :eek:

So .45 is better :neener:
 
If it's which Glock to get, you're better served in the long run by getting the 9mm. It will last longer and has potential to be absolutely problem free. The .45 versions are nice, but more prone to having problems. But that's if you're a guy who's going to shoot thousands and thousands of rounds. If not, go with either. WARNING: 9mm is simply cheaper to shoot. Both will serve you well in defense of your life if used properly.
 
My preference is 45 ACP. I own and shoot 9mm's but if my life depends on it, the 45 ACP will get the nod every time. I also trust the 40 S&W and 10mm.
 
"Many moons ago I watched a buddy blow up a 9mm Smith, yes a "real steel" gun. Later on he wrecked his 223 the same way so I immediately ruled both those weapons out as anything I would EVER have. "

"So .45 is better"


And the above was said in jest
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

U
  • Locked
Glock caliber questions and reliabililty
Replies
21
Views
977
KLR
K
N
  • Locked
Glock 19 KB's.
Replies
8
Views
929
Quiet
Q
G
  • Locked
Is the GLOCK 30 dangerous ???
Replies
13
Views
1K
Glockfan.45
G
H
  • Locked
Recommend me a .45
Replies
14
Views
514
bensdad
B
K
  • Locked
Lead bullets in a Glock 30 mmmm, I wonder...
Replies
4
Views
649
Viking88
V
Back
Top