Reloading the 30 luger

rhuff · 03-18-2017, 06:44 PM

I have had success with the Hornady 85gr .308 bullet, but you will have to be very sure that your expander is small enough so as to get adequate neck tension, otherwise you will get bullet setback on feeding. I did purchase some .309in. FMJ bullets from a friend, but am unaware of any commercial made bullets in the USA for sale in that size. I wish that there were, as they work wonderfully in Lugers.

Two of my alphabet Lugers have "generous" bores(.3105-.3115) and I have had good results with Western Bullet Co. in Mt. They cast a 92gr LRN bullet that is advertised as a 30 Luger bullet. They measure out in the .310-.311in. range. No problem with neck tension. Whether or not your Luger will feed LRN bullets remains to be seen, but mine do.

I have used the fast powders(Bullseye, Red Dot, etc.) and have had acceptable results, but not perfect results. I changed to the medium burners like Unique, and am much happier. I have no idea what your Luger will like, and dislike.....that is part of the fun in handloading.

03-18-2017, 06:44 PM	#3
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,315 Thanks: 2,748 Thanked 998 Times in 733 Posts	I have had success with the Hornady 85gr .308 bullet, but you will have to be very sure that your expander is small enough so as to get adequate neck tension, otherwise you will get bullet setback on feeding. I did purchase some .309in. FMJ bullets from a friend, but am unaware of any commercial made bullets in the USA for sale in that size. I wish that there were, as they work wonderfully in Lugers. Two of my alphabet Lugers have "generous" bores(.3105-.3115) and I have had good results with Western Bullet Co. in Mt. They cast a 92gr LRN bullet that is advertised as a 30 Luger bullet. They measure out in the .310-.311in. range. No problem with neck tension. Whether or not your Luger will feed LRN bullets remains to be seen, but mine do. I have used the fast powders(Bullseye, Red Dot, etc.) and have had acceptable results, but not perfect results. I changed to the medium burners like Unique, and am much happier. I have no idea what your Luger will like, and dislike.....that is part of the fun in handloading.