Good load for shooting in Lugers.

stressed · 03-06-2014, 07:11 PM

For those of us with older WW1 or numbers matching lugers who may want to shoot once and a while, I've found a good load to do so if you are not a hand loader.

original DWM specs specified a 123 grain bullet going at 1,020 FPS. This is a 124 grain bullet going 1,030 FPS. It is reduced from standard 124 grain loads to remain subsonic for suppresser use. Also as a benefit to use because of this, it burns cleaner facilitating an easier clean up.

Federal American Eagle suppresser specific 124gr.

Sieger · 03-06-2014, 10:45 PM

Hi,

According to DWM and German Military sources, the load used at the end of the Great War was 123 grs at 1,076 fps (327 mps). This was a slightly increased load over the older, original DWM loading of 123 grs at 1,020 fps (310 mps).

By the way, several of the Shooters Bibles I have from the 1960's and 1970's advertise Remington 124 gr ball at 1,020 fps. Lugers were, basically, one of the few 9mm pistols around at that time, as most the "Wonder 9s" came along later (the fine Browning Hi-Power being one very notable exception).

Your discovery looks interesting, but where can one buy this ammo and is it accurate in a Luger?

I totally agree with you that Luger owners should avoid shooting the "hot stuff" in their Lugers.

Sieger

stressed · 03-07-2014, 02:14 AM

Bob, I have shot it before fine, but plan to fire a a box through tommorrow. Will update with range report. As for sourcing, I buy it locally at gander mountain, but I've seen it for sale on midway. I'm sure a Google search could provide some results.

TheRomanhistorian · 03-08-2014, 12:27 AM

I'm very intrigued by this as I've been using the 9mm FMJTC 124 grain from Fiocchi which Sieger recommended to me some time ago but I've been hoarding my last few boxes since I haven't seen any truncated cone from Fiocchi in 2 years (I can get Blazer Brass in 115 grain and 124 grain, both function in my 9mm Lugers and made in my hometown of Lewiston).

I may have to see if I can get a box or two after your report! Thanks!

Sieger · 03-08-2014, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRomanhistorian

I'm very intrigued by this as I've been using the 9mm FMJTC 124 grain from Fiocchi which Sieger recommended to me some time ago but I've been hoarding my last few boxes since I haven't seen any truncated cone from Fiocchi in 2 years (I can get Blazer Brass in 115 grain and 124 grain, both function in my 9mm Lugers and made in my hometown of Lewiston).

I may have to see if I can get a box or two after your report! Thanks!

Hi,

Thanks, and I still have a full "brick" stashed away. It was labeled "Combat Bullet", as you are aware.

Sieger

1994Stoeger · 03-09-2014, 09:30 AM

At the low end of the price spectrum, the inexpensive nylon-jacketed (yes, I said nylon), aluminum-cased 115gr target rounds marketed under the Herter's name at Cabela's has been very dependable. Feeds well, loads well, and not very dirty. Obviously, not something for the reloaders in the group as this is not reloadable.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Herte...s#BVRRWidgetID

Sieger · 03-09-2014, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1994Stoeger

At the low end of the price spectrum, the inexpensive nylon-jacketed (yes, I said nylon), aluminum-cased 115gr target rounds marketed under the Herter's name at Cabela's has been very dependable. Feeds well, loads well, and not very dirty. Obviously, not something for the reloaders in the group as this is not reloadable.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Herte...s#BVRRWidgetID

1994Stoeger,

Thanks for your post, as I've never heard of nylon-jacketed bullets before!

Sieger

stressed · 03-09-2014, 08:34 PM

I shoot the TNJ (total nylon jacket) often including in my luger. It is a great round I have over 5k rounds stocked up. Be advised though it is a little hotter then WWB or UMC by 100 fps or so according to chrono.

Sieger · 03-09-2014, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressed

I shoot the TNJ (total nylon jacket) often including in my luger. It is a great round I have over 5k rounds stocked up. Be advised though it is a little hotter then WWB or UMC by 100 fps or so according to chrono.

Hi,

That must be some pretty hot stuff there, as WWB is rated at 1,190 fps at the muzzle.

I must admit that I am interested in many of these modern coatings and will have to do a thorough study of them, time permitting.

Sieger

Zorba · 03-09-2014, 10:46 PM

I just shot 50 rounds of commercial reloads using coated "Bayou" bullets. The Luger loved them, and they seem to be more accurate in my gun than WWB - although its quite possible my evolving shooting skill could be the cause...

There were little, tiny shards of "something" scattered around inside the action afterwards though. I'm ASSuming that this is detritus from the coating, but am not sure. No problem cleaning them out though.

Sieger · 03-09-2014, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zormpas

I just shot 50 rounds of commercial reloads using coated "Bayou" bullets. The Luger loved them, and they seem to be more accurate in my gun than WWB - although its quite possible my evolving shooting skill could be the cause...

There were little, tiny shards of "something" scattered around inside the action afterwards though. I'm ASSuming that this is detritus from the coating, but am not sure. No problem cleaning them out though.

Hi,

Was your debris green in color?

Most importantly, did the bullets lead the barrel?

Sieger

03-06-2014, 07:11 PM	#1
stressed User Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 197 Thanks: 41 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts	Good load for shooting in Lugers. For those of us with older WW1 or numbers matching lugers who may want to shoot once and a while, I've found a good load to do so if you are not a hand loader. original DWM specs specified a 123 grain bullet going at 1,020 FPS. This is a 124 grain bullet going 1,030 FPS. It is reduced from standard 124 grain loads to remain subsonic for suppresser use. Also as a benefit to use because of this, it burns cleaner facilitating an easier clean up. Federal American Eagle suppresser specific 124gr. __________________ Looking for any Mauser S/42 #89 parts Last edited by stressed; 03-07-2014 at 02:11 AM.

03-06-2014, 10:45 PM	#2
Sieger User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,575 Thanks: 2,124 Thanked 400 Times in 249 Posts	Hi, According to DWM and German Military sources, the load used at the end of the Great War was 123 grs at 1,076 fps (327 mps). This was a slightly increased load over the older, original DWM loading of 123 grs at 1,020 fps (310 mps). By the way, several of the Shooters Bibles I have from the 1960's and 1970's advertise Remington 124 gr ball at 1,020 fps. Lugers were, basically, one of the few 9mm pistols around at that time, as most the "Wonder 9s" came along later (the fine Browning Hi-Power being one very notable exception). Your discovery looks interesting, but where can one buy this ammo and is it accurate in a Luger? I totally agree with you that Luger owners should avoid shooting the "hot stuff" in their Lugers. Sieger Last edited by Sieger; 03-07-2014 at 04:19 PM.

03-08-2014, 12:27 AM	#4
TheRomanhistorian User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 170 Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts	I'm very intrigued by this as I've been using the 9mm FMJTC 124 grain from Fiocchi which Sieger recommended to me some time ago but I've been hoarding my last few boxes since I haven't seen any truncated cone from Fiocchi in 2 years (I can get Blazer Brass in 115 grain and 124 grain, both function in my 9mm Lugers and made in my hometown of Lewiston). I may have to see if I can get a box or two after your report! Thanks! __________________ Michael Nos morituri te salutant - Supposed saying of the gladiators to the emperor ('We, who are about to die, salute you.') 'We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind' - From Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers

03-07-2014, 02:14 AM	#3
stressed User Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 197 Thanks: 41 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts	Bob, I have shot it before fine, but plan to fire a a box through tommorrow. Will update with range report. As for sourcing, I buy it locally at gander mountain, but I've seen it for sale on midway. I'm sure a Google search could provide some results.

03-09-2014, 09:30 AM	#6
1994Stoeger User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts	At the low end of the price spectrum, the inexpensive nylon-jacketed (yes, I said nylon), aluminum-cased 115gr target rounds marketed under the Herter's name at Cabela's has been very dependable. Feeds well, loads well, and not very dirty. Obviously, not something for the reloaders in the group as this is not reloadable. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Herte...s#BVRRWidgetID

03-09-2014, 08:34 PM	#8
stressed User Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 197 Thanks: 41 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts	I shoot the TNJ (total nylon jacket) often including in my luger. It is a great round I have over 5k rounds stocked up. Be advised though it is a little hotter then WWB or UMC by 100 fps or so according to chrono.

03-09-2014, 10:46 PM	#10
Zorba User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Merritt Island, Fl Posts: 952 Thanks: 777 Thanked 527 Times in 290 Posts	I just shot 50 rounds of commercial reloads using coated "Bayou" bullets. The Luger loved them, and they seem to be more accurate in my gun than WWB - although its quite possible my evolving shooting skill could be the cause... There were little, tiny shards of "something" scattered around inside the action afterwards though. I'm ASSuming that this is detritus from the coating, but am not sure. No problem cleaning them out though.