What ammo?
 

I'm new to this Luger stuff so please be kind. I bought a 1940 code 42 shooter.It's a capture piece in what looks like excellent condition. I've picked up two new MecGarr mags and I have about a case of brass cased Norinco 9mm FMJ in storage. Would this be good fodder for my new toy?

As long as it is not any kind of +P ammo, try it. Put a few magazines worth through your Luger and see if it functions reliably. If it does, you have a winner. If it proves problematic, there are a number of other ammo options which people here will be more than happy to recommend.

When you shoot, be sure to use a firm hand--i.e., don't 'limp-wrist' your shooting. A Luger requires all of the available recoil impulse to function properly.

--Dwight

Hi,

Some forum-favorites are:

Wallmart Winchester 115gr FMJ.
Sellier & Bellot 115gr FMJ and 124gr FMJ.

The key to reliable functioning is a decent overall average length that is at least equal to or a bit over the current SAAMI max OAL for 9mm para ammo.

In other words, most modern 9mm rounds are too short, causing feeding and extraction problems.

Winchester and S&B are some of the longest commerial 9mm rounds available.

I used to shoot Norinco in all my Lugers and P.38"s until I started reloading. They worked fine, and were VERY accurate. I still have a couple of cases.
Lonnie

Thanks guys. Looks like it's time to load up this puppy and head for the range.

Good luck,

And remember. If any feeding problems occur, be sure to check the functionality of your magazine first. Magazines are usually the first cause for misfeeding/jams. Weak mag springs and slightly out of shape feeding lips are usually the cause.

Well I took it to the range today. Dang that puppy will shoot,it's a lot more accurate than I am! These old eyes and those little sights don't work well together.It does seem to like the Norinco fodder,wish I hadn't shot up the other case. The Mec-Gar mags balked at feeding a couple of times,but the original mag fed great. I sure do need a loading tool!Can anybody help me out with the right one for a 1940 code 42mod? My thumb is sore.

Back some months ago, I commented on frequent feed problems with Remington-UMC 115g FMJ rounds, i.e. stovepiping. etc, in my 1940 Mauser. These rounds measured about 2mm shorter overall from the ideal 29.6mm. A switch to PMC brand (S. Korean manufacture) resolved that problem. Now it seems that PMC has a US manufacturing facility and their product (or some of it) is coming up short, with some a bit more than a 2mm discrepancy. I have avoided shooting my Luger for some months because of concerns about breaking parts - firing pin, for example, but indulged myself earlier this week and encountered the feed problems again! A disapointment, to be sure. My S&W Mod. 469 will chamber and shoot anything within reason, so I haven't noticed the length problem until I tried this US manufactured PMC ammo. Beware the new stuff; a US made logo is plainly marked on the cartons.