Re-birth:shooting DWM first serie P.08- Loads

[JONABI]

After over 28 years sleeping, I reassembled my P.08 in late winter 2019-2020. Began shooting only in may because of COVID-19 at the firing range; the interior club was closed. I've been shooting Federal AE 124 Gr FMJ/1150 f/s. I've been using two mags, one OEM from the same era and one from WWII. The first one loads and function perfectly shot after shot. The second one, more or less the same. Now that I've spent all the Federal, I'm trying a reload from a manufacturer. It's a 124 Gr 1100 f/s FMJ with a small truncated cone. I've shot 200 rounds at least, at the firing range with temperature below 32 F°. It seems that power is sometime a bit short to completely load the round and close the breech. Sometimes the hold open function does not operate, particularly with the second magazine. Does anyone know what powder is used in the Federal 9mm Luger AE 124 Gr ? Picture shows a124 Gr FMJ somewhat a little truncated and to the left a 115 Gr FMj Federal

[Mac Cat]

I would suggest using a new magazine, which don't cost any more than other semi-auto mags.
Mostly likely, your old mag has a very tired spring in it.

I can't help with the powder used, however. We have had best luck with Winchester X

[DonVoigt]

Try some other brands of ammo to see if they lock open consistently.

Cold = lower pressure, but not by much; it sounds like the loads you are shooting are a little "weak".

[JONABI]

I agree. The velocity is already less than the Federal (1150vs1100 f/s) adding low temperature may effect complete cycling of the mechanism. Thanks for the reply.

[mrerick]

The Luger has a finely balanced action. In many ways, it's more sensitive than Browning style locked breech guns.

Look toward your shooting stance and grip consistency rather than the powder. If a Luger doesn't receive the right support during shooting, it will sometimes not cycle correctly.

I've been using a slower powder, Hodgdon CFE Pistol, in my 9mm 124gn loads for my Lugers, and they are cycling perfectly in my 1937 Mauser.

[JONABI]

Thanks, good advice. I 'm on the verge to start reloading. For now, I'm just trying to improve my shooting. In fact, I'm only beginning to have a confortable grip with P.08: I'm getting there...

[Doubs]

Check the top sticky in this section for a load that I use in my shooter Lugers and that works very well.

[rhuff]

Is your Luger clean and well lubed?? In those temps, one needs to utilize a thin oil, and not a grease to the toggle train.

[gunbugs]

I would NEVER shoot someone else's reloads in my gun. It is a recipe for disaster. You never know how much of what kind of powder is in the cartridge. If the reloader throws a double charge, you've lost your gun, and perhaps sustained personal injury. Only shoot factory, or your OWN reloads. That way, you have control over what goes in the cartridge. You waited 20 years to shoot this pistol, there shouldn't be any hurry at this point. The reason your gun doesn't function is essentially you have "bad" handloads.

[JONABI]

Yes, I agree. When I ordered the bullets, I instead received complete rounds ( long and painful transaction because of language comprehension) Well, anyway I know for sure that the velocity is a bit less and since I'm shooting outside in less than 32 F° have definitely an impact. But for now, the main problem is my own shooting. I have to practice a lot because I'm not consistent enough.

[JONABI]

Thanks. Yes I did that, "Gun oi"l the rails, even the breech's rails and pins. Cold temperature has definitely an impact.

[JONABI]

I'll do that, thank you!

[wlyon]

I totally agree do not use anyone's handloads except yours. You mean one must be consistent?? Here I go something else to learn. Bill

[Fla.Mallard]

Some powders are more temperature sensitive than others. I use Unique, 231, and cfe-p. Try them out but use a reloading manual for your loads. Start at the minimum listed and increase until you hit the maximum.
Somewhere in there you will find a load that functions well but doesn't recoil that much.

[JONABI]

Thank you, I take good notice. Some time next year I'll be shooting my reload. Until then, I'll be practicing with manufacturer rounds.

[Heinz]

When I do reloads I like to use a powder that is bulky enough you cannot get a double load in the case. I know my own limitations.

[Kiwi]

but never so bulky that you compress the powder with bullet seating

[JONABI]

Thank you Heinz & Kiwi. I'll take great care in every step of my reloading when the times come. I'm all set to start at least loading 38 sp. and 357 mag. For the 9mm luger, Its only a matter of ordering the bullets. I'll keep Luger's Forum's members informed of my progression. Again thank you all for great knowledge & experience.

[CASTELLANO]

bullets 124 ... no

Best bullets 115

I always shoot with Winchester 115 FMJ

and look at results at 25 meters with one hand

[JONABI]

Nice shots. Can you give details about the Lugers you shoot with. Thanks!