Need Info on 9mm FEDERAL Ammo???

Spring Creek

Recently bought a S&W 940 9mm.
With the revolver, I received two full boxes of
FEDERAL 9mm rimmed ammunition (115 gr JHP)
Marked: 9mm FEDERAL
FOR USE IN REVOLVERS ONLY
Have shot thousands upon thousands of 9mm para, but
did not know this ammunition existed.
Is Federal the only company that produced it and therefore
called 9mm FEDERAL?
I'd like to buy a couple cases of this, as it sure beats
"full moon" clips.
Any ideas on a source?

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Browning Collectors Association Life Member

richbug

It has been out of production for a while. A couple boxes is all I have ever seen. I think starline is making the brass, maybe you could have a comercial loader put some together for you.


just checked, no starline brass. Maybe you will have to stick with moon clips.
.

select-fire

Save your brass... New old stock rimmed 9mm is expensive..

Spring Creek

Thanks,
For the information so far.
Both boxes are full and in pristine condition,
so although I would like to use them; I too
feel the collectability has to be worth more than
"shooters".


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Browning Collectors Association Life Member

Txs

I can't recall which one, but these S&W 9mm Para. revolvers were originally produced for use by a certain federal agency. Maybe the US Postal Service.

This could also be the reasoning behind this cartridge name.

lrarmsx

I would sell the 9mm Federal to someone who needs it, they should be willing to pay some good money for it. You should just use the standard 9X19 (parabellum) ammo along with the full moon clips like your weapon was made to shoot. Those unfortunate individuals that bought those Charter Arms revolvers chambered in 9MM Federal years ago have a tough time finding ammo for their guns and their's won't take a full moon clip loaded with standard 9mm. In fact your's may have trouble with the Federal 9mm rimmed ammo. The rim on those is not as thick as the standard 9mm ammo with a full moon clip attached (combined thickness). You are likely to see the shells moving back and forth in the cylinder when the cylinder is closed and the weapon is in the firing position. My recommendation is use the ammo that your gun was meant to use and let those that were made to take the 9mm rimmed use that ammo.

The .45 auto rim ammo that was meant to be used in revolvers set up to take .45acp ammo with full or half moon clips. The purpose of THAT ammo was to allow the shooters to not have to use the moon clips. THAT IS NOT WHAT THE 9MM FEDERAL RIMMED AMMO WAS FOR. It was specifically made to fit the few revolvers made in that caliber. It was NOT designed to be a substitute for 9mm parabellum with a moon clip.

LRARMSX

Spring Creek

irarmsx,
You "Know of what you speak"!
There is certainly (I didn't measure exactly), but
about 1/32" of free movement with the "Federal" 9's.
The moon clip and 9mm para are thicker and do not
allow this "slop"!
Thanks

NRA Benefactor Life Member
Browning Collectors Association Life Member