Ammo for Luger

[rrengineer]

I have a nice 1918 Erfurt Arsenal Luger. I originally bought it from Turner's several years ago when they were selling Russian WWII captured guns. It was in fair shape when I got it, but the barrel had been shot out. Not wanting to just look at it, I originally had a Luger specialist bore the chamber out for 9X21 ammo, but it had feeding problems from the get go, so I bought a replacement barrel for it from Marstar in Canada and had a Luger expert that was a regular at the Pomona gun show named Michael Crosby replace the barrel and replace the original markings. He did an excellent job and the gun shoots very well, but I am still having cycling problems. I had Kevin at K&D Gunsmithing put a Wolff spring pack in it but have not fired it yet. I have read the original 9MM ammo for this gun was hotter than the commercial stuff generally sold today. I was just wondering what you Luger guys are using for ammo and what your experiences are with your gun. I'm sure I am not the only one having this problem, but I only own one Luger so I have nothing to compare.

[paul0660]

Is it now 9x19 or 9x21?

[rrengineer]

Now 9X19 as original, hence the question of ammo.

[paul0660]

Now 9X19 as original, hence the question of ammo.

That was not clear.

I had Kevin at K&D Gunsmithing put a Wolff spring pack in it but have not fired it yet

It would be a shame if it need some special ammo, given that 9mm is the cheapest out there. Grab some cheapo Walmart and try it out. It might be that Kraut ammo was stronger, but recoil spring adjustment, which may have been done, should solve that.

then, come back and describe the problem if any. "cycling" can mean a few things at a few parts of the "cycle".

[Anubis Laughed]

For my P'08, I try to shoot only European loaded 9mm with 124-grain ball. I've had good results with Sellier & Belliot and Fiocchi. Tends to be a little hotter than the US ammo. You just have to look around a bit to find it sometimes.

You may also want to buy a new repro magazine and see if you notice any improvement. The springs in the original mags may or may not be pretty worn by now, depending upon their condition.

[rrengineer]

I have three magazines to use that includes two repros and one original. By not cycling, I meant it does not always come back to battery, the toggle (knee?) stays up and sometimes it does not stay open after the last shot.
Mike

[jl7422]

None of my Lugers (including the artillery) require "hot" ammo. All work fine with a fresh Wolff recoil spring and the (relatively cheap) Winchester 115 bulk pack.

As I once heard a fellow say ". . . all you will do by using hot ammo in a Luger is create more spare parts for the rest of us"

[14delta]

I have a 1916 DWM that I shoot with my reloads, The load I use is pretty mild and I've never had a problem with it working the action. I did replace the original springs with Wolff springs. The Wolff springs which are pretty cheap would be a good thing to try first before you go to more expensive ways to get the pistol to work.
14delta

[rrengineer]

I guess some range time is in order. Maybe the Wolff springs did the trick. I'll report back. Next time I'll use the correct forum. Don't know how I clicked on the picture part of the C&R forum.
Mike

[Root66]

I used to have Luger feeding problems with ammo that was made close to the maximuim overall length specification...don't remember the actual dimension.