Hand Loading Ouch!!!!

cirelaw · 03-19-2014, 07:07 PM

This coming month I'm buying a shooter from George. I'm going to the range to lose my luger virginity. I just realized the hard part. I have ten magazines to fill as my loader doesn't work on mags there goes my thumb!! Any suggestion would be priceless! I tried with the key which I find impossible after the first five rounds!! I can't imagine doing this in muddy trenches! Any suggestions? ~~Sore Thumbs Eric

mrerick · 03-19-2014, 08:37 PM

I personally don't load more than five rounds when shooting my Luger....

I know that more will fit, but when on the bullseye range, I usually only load and fire five shots when practicing...

cirelaw · 03-19-2014, 08:41 PM

Brilliant, You can tell I'm new at this!!!! Debbie suggested useing the corner of a face cloth to protect your thumb!!It works great and no sore thumb!!

stressed · 03-19-2014, 08:45 PM

Wait, cirelaw you've been around since 2003 and are just getting a luger? Or you've only collected and never shot?

Curss · 03-19-2014, 09:04 PM

Mitchell arms made loading tools, similar to the original loading tools used in war time. I use one of these when loading magazines. You can still find them on ebay for 10-15 dollars. I picked one up at a gun store for $12. Otherwise...use gloves or your shirt.

cirelaw · 03-19-2014, 09:08 PM

Scott I own 15 to date. All are very nice. If something like a spring breaks and has to be replaced there goes my luger virginity! I've never fired any and with my accident prone, I wouldn't take any chance. So I asked George Anderson to sell one of his nice shooters! A damn good friend!! Thanks for asking! ~~~Eric

saab-bob · 03-20-2014, 12:20 AM

Chris
You have a Mitchell loading tool that works?

I have a chrome plated Mitchell loading tool and it was made without the little lip that holds the follower button.Worthless as a tool,but looks nice.

Bob

Curss · 03-20-2014, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saab-bob

Chris
You have a Mitchell loading tool that works?

Wow, thats crazy!

Yes, mine does have the lip on it! Its also nickel plated! Wonder why your's doesn't...did it break off?

stressed · 03-20-2014, 03:45 AM

MegGars and older aftermarkets are easy to load to 8 rounds. I suggest getting an aftermarket for shooting and keeping your original mags tucked away.

JTD · 03-20-2014, 05:33 AM

Eric, Neil Young makes a loader that looks nothing like the original skate key, but works fantastic!!! Made for use, not show. He may have an extra one for sale, I do not know for sure, but ask, and you will see.....
He gave me one at the SOS, and it is pretty slick!
The man is a master craftsman, John

Sergio Natali · 03-20-2014, 06:36 AM

Eric

Safe shooting!

Sergio

cirelaw · 03-20-2014, 08:41 AM

I think for now I'll stick to the face cloth. I have 12 mags that I can load at home. To you all I thank you as always for your input!!~Eric

John Sabato · 03-20-2014, 09:30 AM

JTD,

Please post a couple photos of Neil Young's loading tool! I am sure all would be interested to see one.

JTD · 03-20-2014, 11:37 AM

tonight I will try to get some pics posted. I do not know if he is even offering them for sale for sure. It is nothing fancy, but works great. John

John Sabato · 03-20-2014, 12:31 PM

Whether for sale or not, the design is what will intrigue most members here... so please do post photos.

cirelaw · 03-20-2014, 12:56 PM

Definitely~~~

rhuff · 03-20-2014, 02:18 PM

I purchased one of the cheap replica/aftermarket loading tools, and it "sort of worked". It kept slipping off of the mag button. When I checked it out, I found that the back side that goes against the mag, was no where near flat. I resurfaced the back side by rubbing it over a piece of emery paper(approx 220 grit) that was on a piece of flat glass.

This technique squared up the back surface of the tool, and now it works like a dream.

Like Marc, I only load 5 rounds in a mag, or a cylinder when I am at the range. That gives me a 5 shot group.

cirelaw · 03-20-2014, 03:36 PM

I'm thankful I own 12 mags. At 5 loads each I will have 60 shots before reloading with my trusty face cloth!! My other alternative seems a little over board!~~Eric

Curss · 03-20-2014, 05:32 PM

I like the alternative!!!

Sieger · 03-20-2014, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirelaw

This coming month I'm buying a shooter from George. I'm going to the range to lose my luger virginity. I just realized the hard part. I have ten magazines to fill as my loader doesn't work on mags there goes my thumb!! Any suggestion would be priceless! I tried with the key which I find impossible after the first five rounds!! I can't imagine doing this in muddy trenches! Any suggestions? ~~Sore Thumbs Eric

Hi,

Using the original Luger "key" loader is really quite easy.

Place the bottom of your magazine on a firm, but slightly padded surface. Usually your regular shooting bench will do, padded by a towel, or even a small piece of cardboard.

Then draw down the key, with the thumb of your writing hand, just enough for each individual cartridge you are loading to slip under the magazine lips. Proceed until all 8 are in.

The last few are a bit more challenging, but that's why you have the firm surface to give you some leverage. Don't be shy in applying adequate pressure.

I always shoot from a full 8 round magazine, as this was how the pistol was designed to shoot.

I hope this helps.

Sieger

03-19-2014, 07:07 PM	#1
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Hand Loading Ouch!!!! This coming month I'm buying a shooter from George. I'm going to the range to lose my luger virginity. I just realized the hard part. I have ten magazines to fill as my loader doesn't work on mags there goes my thumb!! Any suggestion would be priceless! I tried with the key which I find impossible after the first five rounds!! I can't imagine doing this in muddy trenches! Any suggestions? ~~Sore Thumbs Eric

03-19-2014, 08:37 PM	#2
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	I personally don't load more than five rounds when shooting my Luger.... I know that more will fit, but when on the bullseye range, I usually only load and fire five shots when practicing... __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-19-2014, 09:04 PM	#5
Curss User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 303 Thanks: 304 Thanked 98 Times in 75 Posts	Mitchell arms made loading tools, similar to the original loading tools used in war time. I use one of these when loading magazines. You can still find them on ebay for 10-15 dollars. I picked one up at a gun store for $12. Otherwise...use gloves or your shirt. __________________ -Chris

03-20-2014, 12:20 AM	#7
saab-bob User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 459 Thanks: 774 Thanked 143 Times in 87 Posts	Chris You have a Mitchell loading tool that works? I have a chrome plated Mitchell loading tool and it was made without the little lip that holds the follower button.Worthless as a tool,but looks nice. Bob __________________ "I think,therefore I own guns"

03-20-2014, 06:36 AM	#11
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Eric Safe shooting! Sergio __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

03-19-2014, 08:41 PM	#3
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Brilliant, You can tell I'm new at this!!!! Debbie suggested useing the corner of a face cloth to protect your thumb!!It works great and no sore thumb!!

03-19-2014, 08:45 PM	#4
stressed User Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 197 Thanks: 41 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts	Wait, cirelaw you've been around since 2003 and are just getting a luger? Or you've only collected and never shot?

03-19-2014, 09:08 PM	#6
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Scott I own 15 to date. All are very nice. If something like a spring breaks and has to be replaced there goes my luger virginity! I've never fired any and with my accident prone, I wouldn't take any chance. So I asked George Anderson to sell one of his nice shooters! A damn good friend!! Thanks for asking! ~~~Eric

03-20-2014, 03:45 AM	#9
stressed User Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 197 Thanks: 41 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts	MegGars and older aftermarkets are easy to load to 8 rounds. I suggest getting an aftermarket for shooting and keeping your original mags tucked away.

03-20-2014, 05:33 AM	#10
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 424 Thanks: 217 Thanked 407 Times in 148 Posts	Eric, Neil Young makes a loader that looks nothing like the original skate key, but works fantastic!!! Made for use, not show. He may have an extra one for sale, I do not know for sure, but ask, and you will see..... He gave me one at the SOS, and it is pretty slick! The man is a master craftsman, John

03-20-2014, 08:41 AM	#12
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	I think for now I'll stick to the face cloth. I have 12 mags that I can load at home. To you all I thank you as always for your input!!~Eric

03-20-2014, 09:30 AM	#13
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	JTD, Please post a couple photos of Neil Young's loading tool! I am sure all would be interested to see one. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-20-2014, 11:37 AM	#14
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 424 Thanks: 217 Thanked 407 Times in 148 Posts	tonight I will try to get some pics posted. I do not know if he is even offering them for sale for sure. It is nothing fancy, but works great. John

03-20-2014, 12:31 PM	#15
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Whether for sale or not, the design is what will intrigue most members here... so please do post photos. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-20-2014, 12:56 PM	#16
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Definitely~~~

03-20-2014, 02:18 PM	#17
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,273 Thanks: 2,692 Thanked 960 Times in 706 Posts	I purchased one of the cheap replica/aftermarket loading tools, and it "sort of worked". It kept slipping off of the mag button. When I checked it out, I found that the back side that goes against the mag, was no where near flat. I resurfaced the back side by rubbing it over a piece of emery paper(approx 220 grit) that was on a piece of flat glass. This technique squared up the back surface of the tool, and now it works like a dream. Like Marc, I only load 5 rounds in a mag, or a cylinder when I am at the range. That gives me a 5 shot group.

03-20-2014, 03:36 PM	#18
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	I'm thankful I own 12 mags. At 5 loads each I will have 60 shots before reloading with my trusty face cloth!! My other alternative seems a little over board!~~Eric Attached Thumbnails

03-20-2014, 05:32 PM	#19
Curss User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 303 Thanks: 304 Thanked 98 Times in 75 Posts	I like the alternative!!! __________________ -Chris