Reloading the 30 luger

Rick W. · 08-06-2017, 11:33 AM

Hugh's generous writeup has been a source of info for quite a while here. As in most things, starting low in a particular weapon can be a good thing, as he alluded to. I think loads are always a reference, not an absolute as the particular environment varies per shooter and his stuff.

I have used the 308-309 jacketed bullets(Sierra, Hornady, etc) in most of my original 30 Luger chambered Lugers. Seem to be good bullets, a bit expensive for some shooting, but glad they are available really.

European, Winchester, and Starline brass is available. If you form 30 Luger from a parent brass, one might pay attention to the total loaded neck diameter. Tis nice to be able to let go of the bullet.

One might notice, there are a lot of 312 bullets around, sometimes at cheap rates in quantity, or for a specialized purpose, like speed. Resizing with a inexpensive Lee sizing die, can take the 312's down to 309 in one stroke of the press. I use a rockchucker for such. I always thought that Lee bullet sizing dies were only for lead, but as time went on, and I read/learned, the jacketed bullets can be done the same way. I am pondering doing the same thing with a 224 bullet downsized for the 22Jet, 22 squirrel, and 224 harvey kay-chuk on Smith K frames.

All of my local ranges have banned lead bullets, sure were nice to use when I could shoot them here..........accurate and cheap to cast.

On a lark, I bought 1100x of the plated 308 size, 110gr plated bullets for the M1 30 carbine......intending use in a 30 wildcat that I shoot in the Lugers. I have shot this heavy a bullet before in 30 cal Lugers, just have to adjust your load. Some may think a bit heavy for the Luger, but to each their own and ponder the pros/cons.

I have rebarreled almost all of my original 30 Luger pistols to redone 30-06 barrels( 4 3/4 t0 14"), which have the 308" bore type, so 308-309 bullets are more better in my particular case. After shooting the home brew barrels, I will never go back to the original barrels, just right happy as to function/looks with the custom barrels now. A 10" scoped Luger in the 7.65x19 wildcat has become a favorite.

Slugging your Luger barrel will give clues on what is, and what is not.

The hunt for components/knowledge thereof, is worth it; once you start shooting the 30's. Guess it is kinda the need for speed.

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08-06-2017, 11:33 AM	#6
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	Hugh's generous writeup has been a source of info for quite a while here. As in most things, starting low in a particular weapon can be a good thing, as he alluded to. I think loads are always a reference, not an absolute as the particular environment varies per shooter and his stuff. I have used the 308-309 jacketed bullets(Sierra, Hornady, etc) in most of my original 30 Luger chambered Lugers. Seem to be good bullets, a bit expensive for some shooting, but glad they are available really. European, Winchester, and Starline brass is available. If you form 30 Luger from a parent brass, one might pay attention to the total loaded neck diameter. Tis nice to be able to let go of the bullet. One might notice, there are a lot of 312 bullets around, sometimes at cheap rates in quantity, or for a specialized purpose, like speed. Resizing with a inexpensive Lee sizing die, can take the 312's down to 309 in one stroke of the press. I use a rockchucker for such. I always thought that Lee bullet sizing dies were only for lead, but as time went on, and I read/learned, the jacketed bullets can be done the same way. I am pondering doing the same thing with a 224 bullet downsized for the 22Jet, 22 squirrel, and 224 harvey kay-chuk on Smith K frames. All of my local ranges have banned lead bullets, sure were nice to use when I could shoot them here..........accurate and cheap to cast. On a lark, I bought 1100x of the plated 308 size, 110gr plated bullets for the M1 30 carbine......intending use in a 30 wildcat that I shoot in the Lugers. I have shot this heavy a bullet before in 30 cal Lugers, just have to adjust your load. Some may think a bit heavy for the Luger, but to each their own and ponder the pros/cons. I have rebarreled almost all of my original 30 Luger pistols to redone 30-06 barrels( 4 3/4 t0 14"), which have the 308" bore type, so 308-309 bullets are more better in my particular case. After shooting the home brew barrels, I will never go back to the original barrels, just right happy as to function/looks with the custom barrels now. A 10" scoped Luger in the 7.65x19 wildcat has become a favorite. Slugging your Luger barrel will give clues on what is, and what is not. The hunt for components/knowledge thereof, is worth it; once you start shooting the 30's. Guess it is kinda the need for speed.