Legend Bullets???
 

I am considering the purchase of a Lee Anniversary Reloading kit along with Lee 9mm Luger dies. I also came across Legend Bullets, 9mm 138 grn, FB and wonder whether these are acceptable bullets and grain weight for use in a 1944 byf P-38 and a DWM Model 1914 Parabellum? What I have been firing is the WInchester 115 grain ammo from Walmart.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

Tim

The Luger for which I am interested in handloading is a DWM Model 1914. Isn't anyone familiar with this company's bullets or with the best grain weight for a Luger? If so, I would be interested in your experiences/opinions.

Thanks

Tim

Those bullets are unfamiliar to me. I'm assuming that they are to the other guys too as they're generally a very helpful bunch.

I anticipate they can give you a lot of advice on loading for Lugers in general, however. With factory ammo so cheap I haven't reloaded for this one yet, about the only caliber I own for which I don't.

bulltets
 

I cannot speak to the diameter, length, nose profile, etc. of the bullets you mention but I can say that 124 grains would be about the optimum weight for casual shooting loads in a 9 mm Luger. 138 grains is on the heavy side but within the acceptable range. In fact, if you are handloading they might promote a longer OAL which is what the Luger wants for proper functioning.

As for a load, look for one that produces a velocity times bullet weight that is near equal to velocity times bullet weight for the 124 grain bullet. (In other words, drive the 138 grain bullet at about 90% of the velocity you would drive the 124 grain bullet at.) This will put you at a good impulse level for operating the action. In general, having the correct impulse level tends to be more of a problem than pressure when loading for the Luger. (But, as with any gun always keep the pressure within sane levels.)

Thank you both for the advice. I have been using the Walmart 115gr 9mm Luger ammo and both my DWM Luger and my 1944 byf P-38 seem to like it. You certainly cannot beat the price and the only reason I have considered reloading for these pistols is because I have wanted to get into reloading. The only other pistols I have are a 1943 CZ27 that shoots .32 Auto and a 1938 Russian Nagant that has a .32 conversion cylinder. Once I am set up for reloaidng, I likely will purchase the dies of this caliber as well.

Tim

conversion cylinder
 

I have a Nagent. I'd be interested in hearing more about your conversion cylinder.

Re: conversion cylinder
 

The conversion cylinder for the Nagant revolver allows you to swap out the original cylinder for one that can fire .32 AUTO ammunition. The cylinders run about $50 when you can find them. I actually bought my Nagant revolver and the cylinder came with it :D . Sometimes you can find one on the auction sites and I think there is a company that makes them as well although I do not know if any are currently available. If I come across one I will keep you in mind and drop you an email.

Tim

.32 auto is fun to load for with the single exception of the short case. A potful of melted wheelweights will make a ton of the relatively lightweight .32 bullets. And a pound of Unique (or other) powder will also last a long time if that's all you load.

Good luck.