How many times can you reload 10mm?

[MG42mann]

I'm considering getting a Glock 20 chambered for 10mm. But if I do, I plan on reloading. I am going to be new to reloading field, but I got the general feel in Glockfaq.com that you should only use your brass a couple of times for reloading.

I am a total amateur to the reloading field, but it seems some people say to only use 'new' brass and reload it a couple of times for 10mm.

I normally get my ammo from a guy who get factory reloads. He'd sell me 500 rnds of 10mm for $95.00.

I'd plan on keeping the brass and using it to reload.

So any pointers that anyone can give me?

Thanks
-Matt

 

[JDGray]

If you keep your loads at starting data, and use the slowest powder that works(HS6,AA#9) Your brass will last longer. Dont over expand, a little case lube, spray type, will help. And dont shoot lead in that Glock.

 

[1911 TERRY]

I don't own a Glock. I do eventually want to get a G20 though. Many shooters of the Glock G20 replace the barrel with one that is manufactured to higher tolerances. They do this for several reasons. Better support of the cartridge in the chamber, and better accuracy are the major reasons. One of the reasons out of the box Glocks are so reliable is because some of the tolerances are a little loser. If you go to a gun range and pick up some Glock fired brass you'll notice a couple of differences right away over other pistol brass. The first will be a rectangular shaped indent in the primer(caused by the striker), and the second will be a bulge(stretching) in the case near the case head. The bulge is caused from pressure as the cartridge is being fired and the brass is sealing in the chamber. All that being said. Many reloaders will not reuse this brass for fear of a catastrophic rupture when loaded to some hotter levels than regular factory loads. Many 10 mm Glockers will suggest a custom barrel if your going to reload your brass and avoid range pick up brass if it's not your own. Go to the Glock Talk forum to see which barrels they prefer. Depending on how hot you reload will determine how many times you can reload your brass. You should thoroughly inspect your brass after tumbling. Good Luck

 

[Lennyjoe]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information

I have a G20 and I went with a replacement barrel for the same reasons.

I couldn't wait to get the new barrel when I purchased the handgun so I took it to the range and shot some reloads. 11.0gr of Blue Dot under 180gr FMJ and the bulging was there but not bad. When you roll the empty brass on the table you can see the bulge.

As JDGrey said, if you don't want to get an aftermarket barrel then stick to factory ammo or mildly reloaded rounds. Don't push it too hard with a stock barrel. Your brass will wear out quicker and you take the chance of case failure. The factory barrel is plenty accurate if you do your part.

The barrel I went with is a Storm Lake and it has worked out great. The brass is not bulging like the factory barrel is and I can push the loads if I want to. You can get a Storm Lake barrel from http://www.topglock.com/catalog/barrels_stormlake.htm for $98 + shipping.

If your wanting a 10mm the G20 is an excellent gun. Don't hesitate to give her a try.

 

[10volt]

Although I don't own a Glock I have been shooting my reloaded brass through a Delta Elite and a once owned 1006 and now shooting full time with a Kimber Custom II 10mm. I've re used brass over and over and can't count how many times they have been reloaded but they are good for a long time. I use a Lee Pro 1000 with the factory crimp die and have no issues. But as the other poster mentioned if the tolerance's are that loose then it might not be a good idea to re use expanded brass beyond it's spec point. I've never had to dump brass due to this probably because of the guns that were used but the 1006 tolerance is pretty loose and it never did what the Glocks do to the casings YMMV.

Regards, 10volt

 

[model 649]

Fourteen go-rounds was the most I could get using 7.8gr. HS-7 under a Montana Gold 180gr. HP running about 950fps. The brass would work harden and start splitting when resizing or expanding. The gun's an S&W 1076. I did have one split in half once. It fired and the gun ejected the lower half, leaving the upper half in the chamber, stopping the next round from chambering. Looked like it was cut with a pipe cutter, real neatly. Typically, the hotter the loading, the fewer re-uses.
Josh

 

[Lennyjoe]

I had that happen in my 1006 with 800X but it was a pretty hot load.

On a side note, I just developed an uber accurate load for my G20 last weekend. 9.5gr of Blue Dot under Meister 1800 gr hard cast (thru an aftermarket barrel) and Winchester LP primers. All I can say is WOW, its accurate as hell and mild shooting at that. Ran thrut he chrono at 1100 fps with no leading.

 

[MG42mann]

Thanks

Thanks guys. You've all been a great help. It's nice to have some expierenced shooters of 10mm out there.

 

[MG42mann]

KKM

It's a fact that nothing lasts forever, so in regards to brass...

Would anyone use a KKM barrel, or Stormlake barrel in a glock 20 for reloading? Or is it just something that holds brass together better (not expanding) than the stock glock barrel? [I plan us using reloads for just low to average power for plinking. I'd use new brass out in the field (i.e. hiking etc.), so my main concern is just about average power shell damage]

I ask because of just the thought lingering of having a kb in your gun.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

My experience is I lose the brass before I wear it out. At least 6 to 8 loadings at the barest minimum with hot loads. Great round, fun to reload!

 

[Lennyjoe]

Would anyone use a KKM barrel, or Stormlake barrel in a glock 20 for reloading?

I am using a Storm Lake barrel in my G20 for that exact reason. So I can reload without suffering glocksmiles in my brass and the ability to shoot lead.

The Storm lake barrel was a nice addition to the package. I developed a very accurate 180gr lead round with 9.6gr of Blue Dot that is a dream to shoot at the range. The chamber is alot tighter than the Glock factory barrel and it is supported better at the bottom aft of the chamber unlike the Glock barrel. Also, I see minimal expansion on my brass with the Storm Lake barrel as well.

As for mild loads, as long as you don't go above max you will be just fine with the factory barrel. If you want to push it then you might want to get an aftermarket barrel. Also, if you want to save a few bucks and shoot lead then I would advise you to get an aftermarket barrel. Some here say lead is ok in the Glock barrel but the manufacture advises against it.

Be safe and work your way up slow.