Report after first range visit with a G20

[arthury]

Grip: I have no issues with the width and thickness of the grip. It felt different from the Beretta 92A1 but I have no issue pointing it. The only problem is the front side of the grip is somewhat quite sharp. As such, when I grip firmly, it kind of bites into the skin. It's different from "teeth" of a new Springfield TRP grip.

Failures: No problem feeding in the 100 or so rounds. There were 2 FTE. I will keep an eye on this. The OAL of my handloads are all somewhere between 1.255 - 1.26, so they were certainly within SAAMI specs. My powder charge were on the higher side. Cases were ejecting at angles between 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock. Is this quite normal? All of my other pistols (1911's, M&P, CZ) ejects around 3-5 o'clock.

Recoil: Felt like a +P 45ACP but firmer. I would say somewhere higher than a 357mag but lighter than a light 44 mag.

Accuracy: The G20 thrilled me in this category. I guess the trajectory of the cartridge is very flat and the performance data showed that it's close to my 357mag revolver. Below are some data at 50ft.

Load data:

Bullet: MG 180gr JHP
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol (8.3-8.4gr)
Case: Starline
Primer: Federal LP
Speed: around 1150 fps


Conclusions: This is certainly a keeper and I am absolutely impressed with the cartridge, too. With deep penetration, barrier-busting abilities and high capacity, I am confident this is a good carry gun; perhaps, even suitable for fighting terrorists. :D

In my next range visit, I will test it at 25 yards.

Any thots or suggestions will be appreciated.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8187445040_d4f3dd7bf3_c.jpg

[ModGlock17]

You're getting warm, not a fever yet. Check other recent threads where others had run 180gr toward 1,400fps. Recoil will feel like a G20.

Godspeed.

[nickE10mm]

Thanks for the report! The 10mm rules, sir.

[Kwesi]

FWIW: My usual G20 target load with Power Pistol:

180gr Precision Delta FMJ's
OAL 1:250-1.255
8.6 grains
Win LPP
Chrono Ave: 1196

[arthury]

The 8th Ed Hornady manual seem to be very fond of Alliant Blue Dot for its ability to excel in high velocity. That's what I am going to try next in terms of powder.
On glancing through the loading manuals, Blue Dot is usable to load my other high velocity cartridges, like 357 mag & 44 mag.

[Kwesi]

A lot of the folks here prefer Blue Dot. I've only used a # myself. It has lots of muzzle flash and a loud bang!

[SDGlock23]

8.5gr Power Pistol used to give me just a hair over 1200 fps in a G20sf with 180gr bullets. Blue Dot used more powder, gave less velocity and bulged the brass worse than Power Pistol too. Unique did okay for mid 1100's but it too bulged the brass a little more than I thought it should.

[dm1906]

The 8th Ed Hornady manual seem to be very fond of Alliant Blue Dot for its ability to excel in high velocity. That's what I am going to try next in terms of powder.
On glancing through the loading manuals, Blue Dot is usable to load my other high velocity cartridges, like 357 mag & 44 mag.

I'm a big BD fan, for a number of reasons. However, there is a downside for some loads. Some years ago, Alliant/Hercules issued a warning to NOT use Blue Dot, in any volume, for .357 Mag 125 gr. bullets, and ANY .41 Mag loads. Before the warning, I used BD almost exclusively for .41M's. They didn't specify the reasons for the warning (other than excessive pressure possibilities), but some bad things must have happened. I stopped using it for the specified loads, but still use it for many others, including 10mm and .357M (non 125's). It also works very well for long barrel (16") .40 S&W.

[WeeWilly]

The only big bottles of pistol powder I have bought lately are AA#9 and Blue Dot.

I load BD in 9mm, 40S&W, 10mm, 45 Super, 44RM, 12/20GA.

Blue Dot is a wonderful powder IMO.