Glock 27 conversion choice: .40 or .357

[ghh3rd]

I am beginning to cast bullets, starting with .38 Special. I learned that my Glock 27 .40 cal will probably lead up using cast bullets, causing other headaches such as increased pressures, etc.

In order to shoot cast lead bullets in my Glock, I'm going to get an aftermarket barrel with regular rifling.

Since I'm going to get another barrel I thought I may get a .357 which should cost about the same to reload, and carry it loaded with .40 cal for SD. Does anyone see any reason not to shoot .357 in a Glock 27? Anyone tried this combo?

Thanks,

Randy

 

[tostada]

I don't think anybody will be able to come up with a reason you shouldn't do the conversion. After all, the .357 Sig is based on the .40.

Theoretically you could maybe have the occasional feed problem, but that's a non-issue seeing as you're planning on sticking to .40 for defense.

 

[SeanMTX]

Why would you load your own .357 and then carry .40 for SD?

I own a G27 and love it, but the .357Sig round is superior to the .40 for defense. (greater energy from the muzzle, less penetration issues compared to the 9mm and greater energy at 10 yds than the .40 or .45)

If you're reloading (casting or otherwise) I'd use .357 as an all purpose round.

 

[ljnowell]

The main reason I could think of to not carry the .357 is the possibility of it being less reliable as it is a non OEM barrel.

 

[Mello]

SeanMTX

Why would you load your own .357 and then carry .40 for SD?

I own a G27 and love it, but the .357Sig round is superior to the .40 for defense. (greater energy from the muzzle, less penetration issues compared to the 9mm and greater energy at 10 yds than the .40 or .45)

357 Sig = 125gr Speer Gold Dot JHP @ 1,375 ft/s 525 ft·lb (Wikipedia)
40S&W = 135gr Nosler JHP @ 1375fps 567 ft/lbs (Double Tap)
Some argue that more penetration is desirable rather than less for a self-defense bullet, and that a larger diameter and frontal area is better than a smaller diameter.

As to your concern about leading the barrel with the 40S&W hard cast bullets, just keep velocities down to under 1100fps by using heavier bullets.

 

[PO2Hammer]

There are a few issues with bullets in the .357. They need to have short noses to maintain COL. You can't just seat a 9mm designed bullet deeper because the start of the nose will go behind the case mouth. Hard to find the right mold.

Bullet setback is another issue that has to be controlled carefully with the short bottleneck design.

I would get a KKM .40 barrel. I had a KKM 10mm to .40 conversion barrel that was real sweet. Smoothest bore I've seen, perfect for lead.

Why hassle with the .357sig if it's not going to be your carry caliber?

 

[swwyo]

Neither round is a dog, both leave confidence for self defense. The .357 feels a little sharper on recoil. Although my experience is brass is more readily available in 40. And the 40 has proven easier for me to reload.

 

[earplug]

Get the forty

The brass is falling all around me when i'm shooting my guns. I can't recall ever being in a rain of 357 Sig brass.

 

[jjohnson]

.40

I think either is a good choice - but I'd go with the .40 because brass is nearly free, as pointed out, and it's easy to reload for - I don't have a .357 Sig and don't feel the need for one. I always stroll through the sporting goods aisle when I'm at WallyWorld or whatever, and stores that sell any handgun ammo ALWAYS stock .40, can't say that for .357 Sig.