9mm Bullet Weights: WWI &WWII

bmcgilvray · 08-26-2008, 09:10 AM

With what weight bullet was the 9mm Luger originally provided and when and what were the changes in bullet weight made in German military ammunition?

I'd always thought the cartridge had been designed around a 115 grain bullet which held sway in German military issue ammunition until the 1930 when a 124 grain loading was introduced for better submachine gun efficiency.

I once read a magazine article that claimed that the WWII 124 grain loading was a bit hard on the Luger and the 115 loading was a better choice. Is there any validity to this?

Steinar · 08-26-2008, 09:39 AM

I beleve they used three different weights in WW2.
-8g lead core, like those that bacame the standard after the war
-5.8g "PistolenPatrone 08 mit Sintereisenkern" pressed iron core
-6.4g "Pistolenpatrone 08 mit Eisenkern" iron core

(1 grain = 64.79891 milligrams)

Can't say anything about the WW1 bullets..
I know there is a member who knows a lot about WW1 and WW2 bullets, let's hope he is awake for further input

Edward Tinker · 08-26-2008, 10:25 AM

This has been discussed before, I am in a middle of a project or would do a search;

but upper right corner, you can conduct a search of bullet and weights and luger or other combinations and see what has been said before.

ed

Vlim · 08-26-2008, 01:15 PM

A very good starting point is the site that Lewis Curtis set up. He's one of the most knowledgable (if not the most) 9x19 specialist:

http://cartridgecollectors.org/intro9mm/

bmcgilvray · 08-26-2008, 04:05 PM

Thanks guys! I had a nosy around the search feature but haven't yet uncovered much regarding bullet weight. The link is fantastic.

Can't afford to play "Luger" a lot, having only one tired example but this is a very appealing forum with a great set of regulars who offer posts chock full of rich information. It's endlessly fascinating to browse here.

08-26-2008, 09:10 AM	#1
bmcgilvray User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	9mm Bullet Weights: WWI &WWII With what weight bullet was the 9mm Luger originally provided and when and what were the changes in bullet weight made in German military ammunition? I'd always thought the cartridge had been designed around a 115 grain bullet which held sway in German military issue ammunition until the 1930 when a 124 grain loading was introduced for better submachine gun efficiency. I once read a magazine article that claimed that the WWII 124 grain loading was a bit hard on the Luger and the 115 loading was a better choice. Is there any validity to this?

08-26-2008, 09:39 AM	#2
Steinar User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,538 Thanks: 18 Thanked 36 Times in 21 Posts	I beleve they used three different weights in WW2. -8g lead core, like those that bacame the standard after the war -5.8g "PistolenPatrone 08 mit Sintereisenkern" pressed iron core -6.4g "Pistolenpatrone 08 mit Eisenkern" iron core (1 grain = 64.79891 milligrams) Can't say anything about the WW1 bullets.. I know there is a member who knows a lot about WW1 and WW2 bullets, let's hope he is awake for further input __________________ Previously known as Morgan Kane

08-26-2008, 10:25 AM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	This has been discussed before, I am in a middle of a project or would do a search; but upper right corner, you can conduct a search of bullet and weights and luger or other combinations and see what has been said before. ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-26-2008, 01:15 PM	#4
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,043 Thanks: 1,032 Thanked 3,930 Times in 1,194 Posts	A very good starting point is the site that Lewis Curtis set up. He's one of the most knowledgable (if not the most) 9x19 specialist: http://cartridgecollectors.org/intro9mm/

08-26-2008, 04:05 PM	#5
bmcgilvray User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks guys! I had a nosy around the search feature but haven't yet uncovered much regarding bullet weight. The link is fantastic. Can't afford to play "Luger" a lot, having only one tired example but this is a very appealing forum with a great set of regulars who offer posts chock full of rich information. It's endlessly fascinating to browse here.