Lead loads in Kahrs

[lharken]

I just picked up a K9. The manual didn't warn against lead loads, like Glock, just mentions it may be harder to clean. But it has the same rifling system of the Glock and HK which sometimes has problems with extreme leading.

Has anyone had any field experience with using lead rounds? Any theories?

Lou

[Michigun]

Barrels are a little different between the GLOCK & the Kahr, but I treat my Kahrs the same as my GLOCKs... in other words: No lead bullets.

[halfmoonclip]

I shoot lead in both a K9 and a Glock 36. I use hardcast bullets, and my caster dusts the .45s with motormica.
Shot the 36 in our local 'snubby' league last year; well over three hundred rounds, with no leading issues at all, and NO CLEANING.
(It is my understanding that Glock's objection to lead slugs is a buildup of lead ahead of the chamber, raising pressures for later shots. I wouldn't think of contradicting the factory's advice; just telling you what works for me.)
I'm shooting the K9 in snub league this year, now with the 'elite' trigger installed. No problems at all with the lead load, 'tho I'll give it a good cleaning at the end of the season.
Moon

[JCM298]

I've used Meister lead bullets for years in a Glock 26. I just made sure it got a good cleaning after 200-250 rounds. I also use them in my Kahr Mk9 with the same procedure,

John

[JBA111]

I use the coper plated bullets in the Glocks and 124 Gr lead in my Kahr PM9.
The load is light 3 grs of tightgroup. it's a preaty mild load but great practice for 10yd and under shooting practice.
I run a bore snake thru it after about evey 50 rnds and she cleans up nice an shinny.

[JBA111]

thought I'd expand some. the Bullets are from Excaliber lead bullet company here uin Knox TN. I am loading this rnd for about $4.90 / 100 rnds. And at 10yds, they shoot to the same POI as my gold dot carry load.
good cheap practice load

[Bullman]

Are Kahr barrels cold hammer forged with polygonal rifling? That is why you don't shoot lead in a Glock, the polygonal rifling makes for a tighter bullet to barrel seal when it is fired, as opposed to standard button cut rifling. With any amount of lead build up in a glock barrel, there could be over pressure and Kabooom!

[Michigun]

GLOCKs have “hexagonal” (except for the 45 acp's) rifling & the Kahr has “polygonal” rifling… it’s the smoothness of that style of rifling that can make “leading” a problem.

Not saying you can’t use lead in either a GLOCK or a Kahr, just saying a bit more special care should be put into cleaning.

[Dandapani]

Originally posted by Bullman
Are Kahr barrels cold hammer forged with polygonal rifling?

Here's the Kahr barrel story:

http://www.kahr.com/vg_barrelpage.html

"The Kahr barrel begins its transformation from a solid round billet of high tensile strength proprietary steel, 3 inches in diameter and 30 inches long. In the temperature-controlled environment of the Lothar Walther factory, the barrel stock is gun drilled and rifled to match grade tolerances.

At the Kahr factory, the barrel stock is precisely cut to length and CNC machined. Nearly 75% of the solid steel billet is machined away to produce a single Kahr barrel. This intensive production method, providing the greatest material integrity and tightest tolerances, was chosen to assure the best quality barrel possible.

Kahr quality, unmatched at any price."

<img src="http://www.kahr.com/images/vg_barrelanim.gif"/>

[jethro21]

i recently bought a p40 and on shot some of my 165gr laser cut lead bullets through it. i had the worst loading malfunctions ever!!!! every other shot stuck, but all my jacketed loads shot very well. i didn't notice any leading at all after about 50 rounds.

[redskyzatknight]

The crowns on my Kahr barrel's are the hardest part of any gun I own to clean. Not saying you should or should'nt but it's my experience the crown on Kahr barrels get caked. I never shoot lead FWIW. Now, in my opinion, it'd be fine to shoot lead if you keep it under 2-300 rds. a session and you clean it well, especially the barrel. I don't reload so it's not an issue for me. I rarely punch paper so I like bulk hollowpoints but I see how the savings from lead FMJ could add up with reloading. Call and ask Kahr. The internet is great but ask someone at Kahr and take a name in case you have a problem. Glock obviously advises against lead and people listen or don't. Temp., humidity and length of your session have alot to do with it, though I'm not sure how.

[lharken]

Thanks to all who replied. I also posted this question on the Cast Bullet Shooter's list with similar replies.

I do intend to ask Kahr and additionally think I will do some field testing over the next week or so.

I'll post the results.

BTW, my interest in the lead loads is for IDPA shooting. Some clubs around here require lead.

Thanks again

Lou