Yes's and No's of shooting and ammo types

[mrerick]

While we generally recommend the Winchester White Box ammo (115gn) there is nothing particularly magic about this brand.

You want either a 115gn or 124gn full metal jacket bullet in a standard velocity loading. Many manufacturers make 9mm Luger ammunition like this. Each uses a slightly different combination of primer and powder behind the bullet. They also may load to slightly different overall lengths. All of this affects the ignition pressure curve and ultimately the cycling of your firearm. It isn't magic, but it can be sensitive. Winchester loads their own FMJ 115gn bullets into their own cases using their own Winchester small pistol primers and Winchester 231 (Hodgen HP-38) powder.

If you have good operation and cycling using the Winchester white box ammo, stick to this.

If you have difficulty, ensure that the Luger is operating smoothly and is properly lubricated, then pay attention to your grip and hand / wrist / arm support. The recoil of a Luger must encounter the proper support resistance to cycle properly.

The thing to absolutely avoid in a vintage Luger is higher velocity ammunition. +P and surplus sub-machine gun or NATO power ammunition is to be absolutely avoided. You'll probably damage something.

The Luger grip angle and vertical ejection characteristics are rather unique and quite comfortable for accurate shooting. I think you'll enjoy it.