.30 Luger Bullets .308-.309 FMJ?

[Chuck R.]

Guys,

I've inherited a 1923 Commercial P08 Luger in 7.65 Luger. The dies, brass, and shell holder are on the way.

Anybody have any idea wher I can order some 93 grain FMJ in the .308-.309" range? I'm trying to duplicate the original load.

I've checked all the usual companies with no luck.

Anybody else load for a 7.65??

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[Jim Watson]

Huntington has 86 grain .30 Mauser bullets that would probably do OK.
http://www.huntingtons.com/bullets_hornadyspecial.html

Buffalo Arms has a 90 gr .309" hollowpoint - probably the Hornady XTP - that would be interesting if it would feed.
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,1282.htm

They also have an 85 grain .308" Sierra
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,1282.htm

Sorry, can't find a proper 93 grain.

 

[scotty]

I loaded some .30 Luger for my father several years back.

I have no idea where he got them, but the bullets we used are:

Hornady #1419 93 gr. FMJ .308" made specifically for .30 Luger.

 

[BuddyOne]

Hornady XTP 90 Grain

Chuck,

I load for my Browning Hi Power (in 30 Luger) using the Hornady 90 grain XTP Hollowpoint. Hornady sizes it at .309, and it works fine. Hornady's number for the bullets is 31000 and I've seen them on Midway's website.

I've also heard that the Speer Plinker (.308) in the 100 grain round nose configuration would work, but I haven't tried them yet.

Buddy

 

[Chuck R.]

Thanks guys, I’ve got some of the Hornady 90 grain XTP Hollowpoint’s on the way, hopefully they’ll feed. I also ordered some of the 85 grain Sierra’s.

With any luck I can find a combination that will function.

Thanks again,

Chuck

 

[Chuck R.]

.30 (7.65) Luger Follow Up

I thought I’d post a follow up on my attempts to find suitable bullets and a load for my 7.65 Luger incase anybody did a search in the future.

I initially had a load using the Hornady .309 XTP that “worked” but would have occasional FTF of 3-4 rounds per 50. The 80+ year old pistol just didn’t like the XTP HP no matter what OAL I tried.

A search of the: http://www.lugerforum.com/
revealed that .30 Lugers often have oversized bores, sure enough mine does at .310”. It sort of made sense because I wasn’t seeing much copper fouling at all on the grooves. BTW, the Luger Forum is a great source of information for these pistols. So I then wanted to try .32 caliber bullets in a suitable weight.

I decided to try the Berry’s .32 caliber 90 grn plated RN bullet. At .312 diameter, I figured the plated would give some leeway for the extra .001” as the plated bullets often act as “cast” bullets where pressures are concerned.

That led to the next problem, the .30 Luger die expanders are made for .308” bullets. So I bought a .310 “short” expander for my RCBS dies. I figured that that would leave enough spring back to have ample neck tension. It did and I could then seat the Berry’s in my brass.

Luckily, my Luger’s chamber had enough clearance for the .312 bullet and brass neck thickness. I loaded up 50 rounds using the Berry RN and 4.5 grains of 231(my original XTP load) and off to my range I went.

It shot, it shot great. No FTFs, toggle locked back on the empty mag, and no excessive signs of pressure. I was smiling like a little kid with a Luger Accuracy was pretty good for a pistol with pretty dinky sights. It also looks like the .312 Berrys are using the whole barrel, not just the lands! I loaded up another 50 rounds on my 550 and went back on Sunday with the same results.

So it looks like my load search is over and I found some cheaper bullets to boot.

Chuck