Power of P-08 ammo in the 1920's

SIGP2101 · 07-06-2012, 05:11 PM

Prior and during WWII nitrocellulose powders were used on all sides. This particular two component gun powder by today's standards would be considered slow to medium burning rate powder. (remember the flash at the muzzle)
Today's modern powders are fast and too snappy for Lugers. This is where most of the problems with P08 originate. Weak springs and out of shape other parts of P08's contribute even more to incorrect functioning of the Lugers. If you reload start with proper burning rate powder. Then trouble shoot other components of the device. Using famous white W box 9mm is not way to go with P08's. 124 grains jacketed and slow to medium BR is proper way.
Tweaking a Luger to the off the shelf ammo of choice may be doable but something will give.

07-06-2012, 05:11 PM	#24
SIGP2101 User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 256 Thanks: 74 Thanked 67 Times in 32 Posts	Prior and during WWII nitrocellulose powders were used on all sides. This particular two component gun powder by today's standards would be considered slow to medium burning rate powder. (remember the flash at the muzzle) Today's modern powders are fast and too snappy for Lugers. This is where most of the problems with P08 originate. Weak springs and out of shape other parts of P08's contribute even more to incorrect functioning of the Lugers. If you reload start with proper burning rate powder. Then trouble shoot other components of the device. Using famous white W box 9mm is not way to go with P08's. 124 grains jacketed and slow to medium BR is proper way. Tweaking a Luger to the off the shelf ammo of choice may be doable but something will give.