Luger P-08 9MM - Safest/Cleanest modern production ammo?

CoyoteM4 · 10-14-2012, 03:30 PM

Hey everyone, I don't see a sticky on this so I'll just ask. For you guys that shoot your Lugers regularly, is there a certain brand/type of 9MM ammo you prefer. I actually haven't located my Luger yet, so I'm kind of jumping the gun, but it's one of the questions that keep popping into my head.

For range use I used to shoot whatever I could find the cheapest in my Springfield XD 9MM - As far as cheaper stuff goes I've found I like the cheap Federal FMJ best, but it will shoot/feed Tula steel case fine as well. However, it's a modern pistol and not 75 years old.

When I finally get my hands on one, I don't want to feed it garbage that will cause unnecessary ware for something already worn. So I'm all ears for suggestions on modern production ammo that works best for these older pistols.

I might be over-thinking it, but I'm sure you can understand my enthusiasm for knowledge. Also, if this has been beaten to death and I haven't dug far enough into the forum, my apologies.

Edward Tinker · 10-14-2012, 03:40 PM

Mike, yes, it does get asked a lot - but it is probably spread here and there

Many folks use Winchester 'white' box, it works well in most lugers

I have some cheaper ammo, called Olympic, and it shoots good but is dirty - wolf ammo is also fairly dirty

Don't use +p or machine pistol ammo / some say that Nato is too powerful

Ed

CoyoteM4 · 10-14-2012, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the quick reply Edward. I've shot a decent amount of Winnie White Box and I'd say very comparable to the Federal I shoot now. So that's great. I have shot a couple thousand rounds of Wolf and Tula steel case in my AKM and that stuff can be super dirty. I'll definitely avoid it and stick with White Box and Federal.

I could see a preferred ammo sticky with everyone's input as being a great source for new shooters.

Edward Tinker · 10-14-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoyoteM4

...

I could see a preferred ammo sticky with everyone's input as being a great source for new shooters.

Lets see what else do we get asked all the time?

Best type of ammo?
Value (too wide based, so no I don't think so)
Grip cleaning (there is a write up on it)
How much does mismatched parts affect value
What uses are the loading tool good for? (i have one on my keyring

)

OTHERS?

CoyoteM4 · 10-14-2012, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

Lets see what else do we get asked all the time?

Best type of ammo?
Value (too wide based, so no I don't think so)
Grip cleaning (there is a write up on it)
How much does mismatched parts affect value
What uses are the loading tool good for? (i have one on my keyring

)

OTHERS?

Well now I know what questions to avoid in the future without thorough research first.

rhuff · 10-14-2012, 04:36 PM

I have had very good luck with 115gr PMC FMJ ammo. It is available and inexpensive. The Federal Champion 115gr FMJ also runs well.

My Lugers will not function with Wolf, Tula, or the Remington UMC ammo.

Lugers can be ammo sensitive like the .22 guns are. You may have to try a few different brands and once you find the "golder brand "or two, purchase a fair amount of it, and you are good to go.

pitsword · 10-14-2012, 06:24 PM

I have had very good utility with Blazer 115 gr in all of my 9's, even my Vector Uzi carbine. I am talking function only. Geco, from years gone by, is the most accurate..not much left though. If you want to ruin a Luger or P 38, L7a1 will do it. My Uzi and CZ's thrive on it. Be safe, be informed and shoot light.

swampsavage · 10-14-2012, 07:40 PM

I have the same quest re: ammo. I have a newly acquired P08 in great shape and am going to try, besides the usual brands mentioned often, some Lapua 124gr FMJ. I saw it highly recommended on one of the older threads here.
I ordered it from Graf and Son and should come in a few days. When I get it to the range I shall report findings. It is costlier but you seem to indicate that price is secondary to the other requirements.

Edward Tinker · 10-14-2012, 07:46 PM

Winchester white box is one of the cheaper brands, but the ones above are inexpensive too.

I think the most important thing is to find an ammo that works well in your luger

10-14-2012, 03:30 PM	#1
CoyoteM4 User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 30 Thanks: 7 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Luger P-08 9MM - Safest/Cleanest modern production ammo? Hey everyone, I don't see a sticky on this so I'll just ask. For you guys that shoot your Lugers regularly, is there a certain brand/type of 9MM ammo you prefer. I actually haven't located my Luger yet, so I'm kind of jumping the gun, but it's one of the questions that keep popping into my head. For range use I used to shoot whatever I could find the cheapest in my Springfield XD 9MM - As far as cheaper stuff goes I've found I like the cheap Federal FMJ best, but it will shoot/feed Tula steel case fine as well. However, it's a modern pistol and not 75 years old. When I finally get my hands on one, I don't want to feed it garbage that will cause unnecessary ware for something already worn. So I'm all ears for suggestions on modern production ammo that works best for these older pistols. I might be over-thinking it, but I'm sure you can understand my enthusiasm for knowledge. Also, if this has been beaten to death and I haven't dug far enough into the forum, my apologies.

10-14-2012, 03:40 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Mike, yes, it does get asked a lot - but it is probably spread here and there Many folks use Winchester 'white' box, it works well in most lugers I have some cheaper ammo, called Olympic, and it shoots good but is dirty - wolf ammo is also fairly dirty Don't use +p or machine pistol ammo / some say that Nato is too powerful Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

10-14-2012, 04:36 PM	#6
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	I have had very good luck with 115gr PMC FMJ ammo. It is available and inexpensive. The Federal Champion 115gr FMJ also runs well. My Lugers will not function with Wolf, Tula, or the Remington UMC ammo. Lugers can be ammo sensitive like the .22 guns are. You may have to try a few different brands and once you find the "golder brand "or two, purchase a fair amount of it, and you are good to go. Last edited by rhuff; 10-15-2012 at 04:34 PM.

10-14-2012, 07:40 PM	#8
swampsavage User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Jackson County, GA Posts: 43 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have the same quest re: ammo. I have a newly acquired P08 in great shape and am going to try, besides the usual brands mentioned often, some Lapua 124gr FMJ. I saw it highly recommended on one of the older threads here. I ordered it from Graf and Son and should come in a few days. When I get it to the range I shall report findings. It is costlier but you seem to indicate that price is secondary to the other requirements. __________________ John

10-14-2012, 07:46 PM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Winchester white box is one of the cheaper brands, but the ones above are inexpensive too. I think the most important thing is to find an ammo that works well in your luger __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

10-14-2012, 03:55 PM	#3
CoyoteM4 User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 30 Thanks: 7 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks for the quick reply Edward. I've shot a decent amount of Winnie White Box and I'd say very comparable to the Federal I shoot now. So that's great. I have shot a couple thousand rounds of Wolf and Tula steel case in my AKM and that stuff can be super dirty. I'll definitely avoid it and stick with White Box and Federal. I could see a preferred ammo sticky with everyone's input as being a great source for new shooters.

10-14-2012, 06:24 PM	#7
pitsword User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 454 Thanks: 3,885 Thanked 101 Times in 81 Posts	I have had very good utility with Blazer 115 gr in all of my 9's, even my Vector Uzi carbine. I am talking function only. Geco, from years gone by, is the most accurate..not much left though. If you want to ruin a Luger or P 38, L7a1 will do it. My Uzi and CZ's thrive on it. Be safe, be informed and shoot light.