Steel Case Ammo in Glocks

[DanClrk51]

Question for all the Glock experts here especially Chris Zeeb since he is a Glock armorer:

Is it safe to fire steel cased ammo through my Glock? Is this stuff more prone to make your Glock explode? If not, does it cause any other issues such as excessive wear on the firearm as opposed to brass casings?

I had bought some of that cheap Herters 9mm steel cased ammo and then had 2nd thoughts about steel casings.

[FarmerRick]

The only Glocks that I've heard have had KABOOM problems is the .40 cal. versions, not 9mm.
I would think it would be fine. 

Many have said that the recipe for the steel used in the Com-block ammo is just as soft as the brass used in standard ammo.  Many had even starting reloading the steel cases after brass shot up in price a few years ago.

[bbtech]

The only ammo I remember the instructor in the armorer's course say not to use was reloads and lead bullets. The design of the rifling in the barrel will allow lead to build up in the grooves causing increased pressure which is not good. I will defer to Chris of course on this question. You might also ask this question in the Glock Talk forum

[Chris Z]

The main things causing Kabooms you have to really worry about with Glocks are:

1) Poorly done reloads... Mainly overcharged, bullets not crimped and set back
2) Bullet setback (chambering the same round over and over)


I have been through the Armoror's class three times, and the advanced armorer's class at the factory. Never once has anyone said, don't use steel cased ammo...... However Glock says OVER AND OVER, Use only quality ammo.....

Now for my two cents worth...... Steel cased ammo is not quality.

[DanClrk51]

Thanks guys! Your replies supplied good information.