Which Luger?

[rhuff]

Originally Posted by Tony Min

Is it hard to find ammo for the .30? I do see them cheaper. Why do you like it better than the 9mm?

When the USA is "normal" gun/ammo/reloading components-wise, the 30 Luger ammo is pretty easy to find. It is more expensive than 9mm, but is a gas to shoot. I reload the 30 Luger brass because I have other handguns in that caliber, and shoot them often. If you plan to shoot your Luger a lot, and not reload, then 9mm will work out better for you in the long run.

[K.Wilhelm]

I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I do handload. The .30 Luger does present some challenges in that regard- brass is particularly hard to find lately. Also I have had to use bullets designed for .30 Mauser (.308 instead of .309), but they work fine. If you're not a handloader and you can't find the Fiochhi ammo, probably stick with a Luger in 9mm.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by K.Wilhelm

I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I do handload. The .30 Luger does present some challenges in that regard- brass is particularly hard to find lately.

You can make 7.65 Parabellum cases from .223 Remington brass. Cut it near to length, lube it good, run it through the '30 Luger' sizing die, and then trim to length. I use RCBS dies, new unfired brass, and a Forster case trimmer. It will be a bit 'loose' the first firing, but will fireform nicely.

Don't bother with 5.56 military brass.

I've also made 7.65 Parabellum and 7.63 Mauser from 38 Special brass, but I have a lathe to cut the rim down & cut extractor groove.

I've also used 30 carbine bullets drilled out to 93 gr weight.

I like 30 cal/7.65mm...I've re-barreled several popular 9mm pistols to take the 7.65 Parabellum.

[G.T.]

Hi Rich, have you ever thought about, or tried, just turning off the bullet base a'bit in the/a lathe collet with a stop??... seems like carbine bullets are a'bit too long as well as too heavy
??.... just a thought.. might not be as easy as it sounds... best to you, til..lat'r...GT