In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Luger ammo

Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
edited December 2013 in Ask the Experts
I have 2 WWII era German 08 Lugers. I took them out to the range yesterday so some of my fellow instructors could shoot them. I have yet to find a 9mm loading that will function reliably in them.

I have tried 115gr, 124gr and 147 grain factory ammo and they are still "jam-o-matics" as I told my buddies. I know 147 grain ammo didn't even exist when these guns were made. Do these guns need the hot submachinegun ammo to work right? Any ideas???
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a neighbor who brought back a Luger from Germany at the end of the war. I haven't seen it yet. He said he had never shot it beause he didn't know what ammo it needed. I told him I had plenty of 9mm Luger, and to come over and we would give it a go. Assuming the pistol is in good shape, are there any special concerns regarding ammo? Can we safely shoot "off the shelf" standard loaded ammo?

    Sadly, he made the comment that he hadn't looked at it for a long time, and it might be rusty[:(]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If there clean and well lubed. Should work with the NATO 124 grain FMJ's. Might consider obtaining some of the newly manufactured Luger magazines, from Mec-gar. There modern made repos, but Mec-gar's stuff has a way better rep than Triple K's.




    EDIT #1,

    For whatever reason U.S. commercial 124 grain ammo. Isn't loaded to the same velocities as the mil spec stuff. Your probably looking at a 150/250 FPS difference, at least. In fact a number of years ago. There was surplus Hirtenbuger military 9mm ball being sold. With a muzzle velocity of 1400 FPS. That's flirting with .357 velocities.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    As roof-snow has said, very clean and properly oiled. They require fairly hot loads to work properly.
    W.D.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • p3skykingp3skyking Member Posts: 23,916 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Geco and most European rounds work fine. If all else fails cut your mainspring to 23 turns and that should take care of the problem.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.