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Vlim · 08-26-2009, 07:59 PM

Hi, shooting +P+ or +P in a luger will do it more harm than good. A pretty bad advice from that gun dealer.

The difference between the older ammunition and the modern one is the composition of the powder used, which results in a different pressure curve. Old 9x19 uses a slower burning powder.

Modern 9x19 Winchester (115gr) and S&B (124gr) should work fine in your S/42. The OAL (overall average length) is slightly longer than the SAAMI specified OAL, which helps to reduce feeding issues.

I've been shooting S&B 124gr for years in a 1937 S/42.

Sometimes people try to address technical problems (like bad magazines and worn springs) by using overpowered ammunition. The best thing to do is to make sure the gun, magazines and springs are up to specs and shoot ammunition that is tried and tested in these guns.

08-26-2009, 07:59 PM	#2
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,991 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, shooting +P+ or +P in a luger will do it more harm than good. A pretty bad advice from that gun dealer. The difference between the older ammunition and the modern one is the composition of the powder used, which results in a different pressure curve. Old 9x19 uses a slower burning powder. Modern 9x19 Winchester (115gr) and S&B (124gr) should work fine in your S/42. The OAL (overall average length) is slightly longer than the SAAMI specified OAL, which helps to reduce feeding issues. I've been shooting S&B 124gr for years in a 1937 S/42. Sometimes people try to address technical problems (like bad magazines and worn springs) by using overpowered ammunition. The best thing to do is to make sure the gun, magazines and springs are up to specs and shoot ammunition that is tried and tested in these guns.