Observations on firing the .30 luger: problems, ammo, springs

rhuff · 12-12-2015, 03:42 PM

Don,

Thanx for your thread. I had sort of found a similar situation in one of my lugers.

I purchased a 1921 DWM alphabet that was all matching many years ago. It remained a safe queen for many years. One day, I decided it was time to start making a range gun out of it, and enjoy it............well I didn't enjoy it at all.

I changed out mainsprings with Wolff Springs of different weights, firing pin springs, sear springs, I don't know how many mags I tried in this gun....many. The story goes on and on.

I am a handloader and tried Winchester and Fiocchi factory ammo, plus at least 8-10 different loadings with different powders, and bullets. I could get it to run somewhat, but never as good as I thought that it should.

It had a really rough feed ramp as a result of being cut with a dull cutter/s. The ridges were horizontal as one would expect. The barrel ramp was rough also. I felt that perhaps the roughness was slowing down the feed mechanism and leading to jams. I did a clean up without changing any angles, and put a polish on both feed ramps.

I found a new mainspring in my cabinet of unknown origin. It had 19 coils. I installed it. That combination of things made my life soooo much nicer.

At this point, that Luger will function with all of my mags(5 different makes), and ALL of my 30 Luger handloads, plus Winchester, Fiocchi, and Finnish military ammo. Needless to say, I plan to change NOTHING on this luger, just enjoy it.

These old girls just have to be correct to be happy, and the owners have to find the correct combination. Boy, when they are correct, they are a real pleasure to own and shoot.

K.Wilhelm · 12-16-2015, 04:49 PM

With all of the stories I have read about problematic .30 Lugers I must be blessed not having had these issues. One of my 1920's Commercials isn't much to look at but sure can shoot. My handloads with GT's Swiss FMJ bullets and HP-38 powder have worked great from the start. I have actually had more issues with 9mm Lugers. I think it may have something to do with the .30 being the original caliber for the design. Anyway, we've all experienced different sagas on our Luger trails. Bill

12-16-2015, 04:49 PM	#2
K.Wilhelm User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central Colorado Posts: 215 Thanks: 45 Thanked 111 Times in 66 Posts	.30 Luger "quirks" With all of the stories I have read about problematic .30 Lugers I must be blessed not having had these issues. One of my 1920's Commercials isn't much to look at but sure can shoot. My handloads with GT's Swiss FMJ bullets and HP-38 powder have worked great from the start. I have actually had more issues with 9mm Lugers. I think it may have something to do with the .30 being the original caliber for the design. Anyway, we've all experienced different sagas on our Luger trails. Bill __________________ NRA Endowment Life member Proud veteran of the Naval Security Group Last edited by K.Wilhelm; 12-16-2015 at 04:51 PM. Reason: spelling

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12-12-2015, 03:42 PM	#1
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,315 Thanks: 2,750 Thanked 999 Times in 734 Posts	Don, Thanx for your thread. I had sort of found a similar situation in one of my lugers. I purchased a 1921 DWM alphabet that was all matching many years ago. It remained a safe queen for many years. One day, I decided it was time to start making a range gun out of it, and enjoy it............well I didn't enjoy it at all. I changed out mainsprings with Wolff Springs of different weights, firing pin springs, sear springs, I don't know how many mags I tried in this gun....many. The story goes on and on. I am a handloader and tried Winchester and Fiocchi factory ammo, plus at least 8-10 different loadings with different powders, and bullets. I could get it to run somewhat, but never as good as I thought that it should. It had a really rough feed ramp as a result of being cut with a dull cutter/s. The ridges were horizontal as one would expect. The barrel ramp was rough also. I felt that perhaps the roughness was slowing down the feed mechanism and leading to jams. I did a clean up without changing any angles, and put a polish on both feed ramps. I found a new mainspring in my cabinet of unknown origin. It had 19 coils. I installed it. That combination of things made my life soooo much nicer. At this point, that Luger will function with all of my mags(5 different makes), and ALL of my 30 Luger handloads, plus Winchester, Fiocchi, and Finnish military ammo. Needless to say, I plan to change NOTHING on this luger, just enjoy it. These old girls just have to be correct to be happy, and the owners have to find the correct combination. Boy, when they are correct, they are a real pleasure to own and shoot.