LugerForum Discussion Forums my profile | register | faq | search
upload photo | donate | calendar

Go Back   LugerForum Discussion Forums > Luger Discussion Forums > All P-08 Military Lugers

Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
Unread 11-08-2021, 11:07 PM   #1
queeg730
New User
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Remove firing pin for cycle testing / OAL

Folks,
Re checking the OAL for hand loaded cartridges....

is it advisable, and safe, to remove the firing pin from a P08, then to insert a magazine with live rounds, then cycle these through the gun as a test for OAL?

Or would a better method be to load, but NOT crimp a dummy round, then drop it into the barrel from the breech end, then push it forward so it head-spaces ( the projectile will engage on the lands and the case will headspace).
Once it is removed from the barrel, measure and subtract 0.020 to get the safe OAL for reloading?

thanks to all,
Mike
queeg730 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11-08-2021, 11:28 PM   #2
G.T.
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Chandler Arizona
Posts: 3,483
Thanks: 1,282
Thanked 3,579 Times in 988 Posts
Default safety

Hi Mike, I've done it, but don't recommend it! And since then, I have had dummy rounds made up as well. The reasons for NOT using live ammo ever for testing function is simple, we are human! And, back and forth arming and disarming the gun leaves a potential window for disaster! One in a million, still not good enough odds!!!...... I always, ALWAYS, use dummy rounds, (made for me especially by ruff) AND, I have a dedicated test Luger (for testing mags and drums!) with the firing pin assembly rermoved. Hope this helps with your testing proceedure in the future... best, til...lat'r...GT...
G.T. is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 5 members says Thank You to G.T. for your post:
Unread 11-09-2021, 01:04 AM   #3
queeg730
New User
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thanks GT
Yes, I do understand and agree that there is the possibility of human failure, which could be catastrophic!
The main thing I want to achieve is to determine the OAL... Maybe my second method is the one to use, dummy round, no crimp, into the barrel, then subtract 0.020
queeg730 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11-09-2021, 01:47 AM   #4
G.T.
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Chandler Arizona
Posts: 3,483
Thanks: 1,282
Thanked 3,579 Times in 988 Posts
Default chamber and leade

Hi Mike, by loading test dummies, it will be easy to accomplish your task by starting long, and going shorter? If you want to first establish your headspace, you can do this by using a "GO" headspace gauge, or, a shade tree way is to glue or tape shims on the back of an empty and measue with a caliper. you'll find the "GO" gauge measurement allows about .010" (over the length of most all factory brass) in chamber length to accomidate any variances in the brass. For OAL, start by loading an enert dummy / test round at about 1.170"OAL and see if the breechblock closes? It should just snap shut we a little light pressure? Lengthen until it can't, or shorten until it can... Good luck, til...lat'r....GT....
G.T. is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 3 members says Thank You to G.T. for your post:
Unread 11-09-2021, 09:33 AM   #5
Bill_in_VA
User
 
Bill_in_VA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southwest Virginia
Posts: 340
Thanks: 711
Thanked 460 Times in 176 Posts
Default

If you’re checking COAL of your reloads a set of dial calipers is both safer and far more accurate than cycling the cartridges through your gun. Another issue of concern to consider when cycling cartridges is setback - pushing the bullet deeper into the case mouth. While it won’t affect headspace (the 9mm headspaces on the case mouth), it can affect cartridge pressures as well as feeding reliability.
__________________
John 8:32


reive (riːv) vb (Military) (intr) dialect Scot and Northern English to go on a plundering raid
[variant of reave]
ˈreiver n e.g., " Some view the Border Reivers as loveable rogues."
Bill_in_VA is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 2 members says Thank You to Bill_in_VA for your post:
Unread 11-09-2021, 04:20 PM   #6
mrerick
Super Moderator - Patron
LugerForum
Life Patron
 
mrerick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA
Posts: 3,900
Thanks: 1,370
Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts
Default

Get a cartridge gauge. these are generally designed to show you the maximum correct cartridge overall size and length. As you reload a cartridge, do 100 percent testing of your output with these drop in gauges.

If you want to check the cycling of your Luger, make dummy rounds.

You may want to fill your dummy round have something in the primer hole so that the firing pin had something to stop it. just make sure that the dummy rounds are properly drilled through the case and marked by painting with black lacquer.
__________________
Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum -
- Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.
mrerick is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 2 members says Thank You to mrerick for your post:
Unread 11-09-2021, 06:55 PM   #7
Sieger
User
 
Sieger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,575
Thanks: 2,124
Thanked 400 Times in 249 Posts
Default

Hi Queeg730,

In the "Shooting and Reloading" section of this forum, I authored a "sticky" entitled "Determining Proper Cartridge Over All Length". After you read and understand it, you will know how to determine proper Luger C.O.A.L., perfectly.

Proper C.O.A.L. for Lugers is somewhat longer than most 9mm ammo is commercially loaded, with round nose bullets, typically loaded to 1.169 to 1.173 inches.

Good luck with your project and if you are interested in loading accurate ammo for your Luger please contact me further.


Sieger
Sieger is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11-10-2021, 01:28 AM   #8
queeg730
New User
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thanks to Sieger, mreric and Bill in VA.
I wasn't aware that there was that sticky re "Determining Proper Cartridge Over All Length".
I will of course consult it immediately,
Again folks, thanks for your wonderful information!
regards,
Mike
queeg730 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:21 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 1998 - 2023, Lugerforum.com