Question for Stephen Camp

[Charles L. Cotton]

Stephen:
I'm considering getting one of the FN HiPowers in 40 S&W that CDNN has for $400. I hate to admit the reason, but I will anyway. I have around 5,000 rds of 170 gr. cast 40 S&W that I can't shoot through any of my Glocks.

I've recently read that the HiPowers in 40 S&W have the same rifling as do Glocks. Is this true? If so, then I can't shoot the cast ammo in it either. (Yeah, I know you don't particularly like the HiPower in 40 S&W, so you'll have to forgive me. )

Chas.

[Kalrog]

Well heck, get a 1911 in 10mm and use those bullets. Kimber and Dan Wesson. Or maybe EAA Witness - they do a 10mm.

What about a CZ75 in .40? Lots of good options out there. And the CZ wouldn't set you back much more than the HiPower.

[Charles L. Cotton]

That's a great reason for another 1911! All I have to do is find a Delta Elite at anything approaching a reasonable price, but I do like the idea.

Chas.

[Kalrog]

Are you a Colt snob?

Just ignore the 2 suggestions that I made with regard to manufacturers who currently offer new production in 10mm 1911s.

[txinvestigator]

Stephen:
I I have around 5,000 rds of 170 gr. cast 40 S&W that I can't shoot through any of my Glocks.

.

Please forgive my ignorance. Why not?

[Kalrog]

Glocks don't like exposed lead bullets. It has to do with the rifling.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, sir. Sorry for the late reply; was out teaching a CHL class. Shoot all the lead bullets you desire in your Hi Power. It has conventional rifling like the 9mm Hi Power, Colt Government, etc. The Glock's polygonal rifling is the culprit (so to speak) with cast bullets, but the Hi Power works fine with them.

Best.

PS: When I did have a .40 Hi Power, it usually got 180-gr cast bullet handloads.

[gigag04]

The Glock's polygonal rifling is the culprit (so to speak) with cast bullets, but the Hi Power works fine with them.

So this rules out a H&K's as well?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Stephen:
I I have around 5,000 rds of 170 gr. cast 40 S&W that I can't shoot through any of my Glocks.

.

Please forgive my ignorance. Why not?

Apparently, the polygonal rifling in the Glocks tends to shave the alloy from the bullet and fills the grooves rather quickly, even to the point of reducing bore size and driving pressures up. When all of this came out a few years ago I didn't buy it, primarily because I've shot a lot of cast bullets in Glocks. (They were hard cast to be sure, but there were cast bullets nonetheless.)

But there have been too many report of Glock KB's with cast bullets and I've heard reports and opinions from very reputable people who believe there is a significantly increased risk. A Glock rep. at the NRA Annual Meeting confirmed the problem, but since all manufactures say "don't use cast bullets" or reloads, I tend to take that with a grain of salt.

Whether it's absolutely proven or not, I'm not sure, but I won't continue to push my luck. I've switched to all cast bullets anyway, so I'd really be hot if I had a KB on the last 5k cast rounds!

Chas.

[Photoman]

Consider a drop in barrel with traditional rifling for your Glock. Then again, I'm always looking for a good excuse to purchase a new handgun.

[Greybeard]

Depending upon what Glock model ya got, I was about to suggest a drop-in barrel, but Photoman beat me to it.

I've been quite pleased with Bar-Sto .40 for my 29. Had to send slide to 'em for fitting. (With shipping, over $200. Some other brands are considerably less and supposedly don't require fitting.)

Looks like Mike at Double Tap is dealing in Bar-Stos now. And he can likely tell ya a little more about KBs. http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalo ... a2dda1982e

[Mike Cornell]

Charles,

I purchased a .40 BHP a few years ago. Unfortunately, not at $400. My stock barrel shot 170 -175 gr TC cast bullets very well. 165 and 180 gr jacket bullets hammered. The stock trigger and sights were acceptable.

I found the pistol a bit much with full power carry loads - hammer bite and torquing. I sent the pistol to Don Williams of The Action Works who stippled the front and rear grip straps; relieved the rear of the hammer and shortened the hammer spur; installed Heinie sights and Spegel grips and performed a superb action job.

When I'm not carrying a 1911, I carry this pistol. Not as slim as a 9mm, but a smaller package than most 1911's. Additionally, it's a Browning design.

5000 cast bullets - what an outstanding reason to buy a new pistol!

Regards,

Mike Cornell

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks Mike, it's good to get your personal experience. I know what you mean about the price. CDNN must have bought a train load of FN HiPowers in both 9mm and 40 S&W, because they have been selling them at these prices for a long time.

Thanks,
Chas.