slide lock problem

[firstg19]

Hello,

I have a problem with my glock 19 (9mm luger). The only modification i have made to it, is a lonewolf replacement barrel for shooting lead reloads. When i put one handloaded round into the gun, the slide fails to lock back after firing. If i use a factory round, the slide locks back correctly. I figured this probably has something to do with having too light of a load, but if i load up 5 or more rounds, they all cycle fine, and from what i have seen in a few tests, the final round will lock the slide back. I don't get it, has anyone else ran into this?

 

[snuffy]

Well you answered your own question. Your handloads are not up to factory energy, so they won't work the slid as far as the factory stuff does. Since you DIDN'T include your load, I have no suggestion as to how much to increase ti.

 

[rfwobbly]

If your loads are lower to prevent leading and you don't wish to go any higher, then you can order a reduced force recoil spring from Wolff Spring. This will allow the slide back further with the lower energy.

 

[firstg19]

i dont have my load data with me at the moment, but my loads are starting loads from the hornady load data and from laser cast. I will probably try to up each a grain or 2 and see what happens. I just did not understand why the slide lock would work if i put 5 or more rounds into the gun of reloads. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

 

[Randy1911]

Your loads are strong enough to bring the slide back far enough to cycle the action, but not strong enough to bring the slide back enough to enter slide lock. I think increasing your powder charge a little, but don't go over MAX, should solve your problem.

If you have problems with barrel leading, wrap a small piece of copper Chor-Boy scrubbing pad (sold where the dishwashing soap is) around a bore brush and it will remove the leading quickly.

 

[rcmodel]

but my loads are starting loads from the Hornady load data.

Well, that right there is your problem!

Hornady data is generally noted for being very conservative to start with.

If you get around to telling us what powder & charge you are using, somebody could probably be more helpful.

Hornady lists some powder choices with it's discontinued lead & jacketed 124 grain bullet data that wouldn't necessarily be the best for mild lead bullet starting loads.

rc

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

and depending on the powder & slug a 'hotter' loading may be desireable both for accuracy and clean shooting.

 

[firstg19]

okay, here are the 2 loads

from hornady:
124grain fmj-rn
c.o.l.=1.150"...i am using 1.153"
AA No. 7 - 6.2grains is the starting 7.9grains is the max, i am using 6.3grains

from lasercast
124 grain lrn, except i am using 125 grain lrn
C.O.L = 1.130...i am using 1.133"
AA No. 7 - 7.4grains is the starting load & 8.3grains is the max, i am using 7.5grains

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[rcmodel]

Weell, for lead bullet reduced loads, AA #7 would not be my choice of powder.

It is at it's best with full charge jacketed bullet loads.

If you look at the Hornady #6 manual, AA#7 is the slowest burning powder tested for 124 grain bullets. And it also gives the highest velocity at max pressure

You would be better served with a faster powder that will generate pressure & velocity quicker in the 9mm at less then max load levels with cast bullets.

rc

 

[shoen1200]

It could be something as simple as bullet shape and depth of seating.
Have the slide locked back and insert magazines with your reloads and magazine with factory rounds.
With each magazine inserted, look at magazine follower where it contacts the slide lock.
Check factory rounds vs. your reloads - maybe bullet shape/depth or case crimp difference is enough to interfere with this contact resulting in your slide not locking back when magazine out of bullets.

 

[Walkalong]

for lead bullet reduced loads, AA #7 would not be my choice of powder

Agreed. W-231, WSF, Unique, AA #5, AA #2, 700X, N320, N330, etc would be much better.

 

[rcmodel]

enough to interfere with this contact resulting in your slide not locking back when magazine out of bullets.

How would any of that matter at all after the magazine is empty??

If the slide won't lock back after the last round, then the slide isn't getting pushed back far enough by the light loads to lock it back.

Simple as that.

Slide lock interferance caused by bullet shape, etc, can only result in the gun locking open before you run the mag dry.
Not after there are no more rounds in the mag.

rc

 

[shoen1200]

rcmodel,

You are absolutely correct.
I thought I had read the original post and thought it through...
Not sure what I was thinking when I typed that.