Why does my P.38 dislike 115 grain 9 mm? I bought what I believe is an authentic clean 1944 P.38 and was assured it would like standard 9 mm. When I complained later it consistently jammed I was assured that it dislikes 115 grain. Maybe I should not shoot it at all, but I wonder what the story is about what to feed P.38 -- please help.
why does my P.38 dislike 115 grain 9 mm
- Thread starter treb
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P.38 -- picky?
doesn't feed correctly -- jams -- usually after one fire, subsequent bullet sticks halfway out the breech -- this is using 115 grain UMC "Luger" 9 mm from BassPro (remington cheap) -- several people have said gun is great, must be the ammo
doesn't feed correctly -- jams -- usually after one fire, subsequent bullet sticks halfway out the breech -- this is using 115 grain UMC "Luger" 9 mm from BassPro (remington cheap) -- several people have said gun is great, must be the ammo
These guns are intrinsically reliable. To help analyze why a pistol jams we need to know what kind of jams you are getting. Does the pistol jam during feeding, or during ejection?
Having a dirty gun or not cleaning out the packing grease can cause jamming. A gun that's not properly lubricated may jam.
Shooter induced errors can cause jamming. Simply not holding the gun tight enough and relaxing your wrist (limp wristing) can absorb enough of the kinetic energy required by the slide to cause failure to eject. Laying finger or thumb against the slide can slow its speed down and cause jamming.
Poor, worn, or broken magazines in semi auto's are a common cause of jamming.
After market additions, heavier than standard factory springs are another cause.
Poor quality or low powered ammo (usually reloads) can be a factor.
Worn, bent or broken extractors or ejectors can cause jamming. As can worn or week springs.
I have a couple P1's that where German police trade ins and they all run like tops using standard pressure ammo, both fmj and jhp's.
Having a dirty gun or not cleaning out the packing grease can cause jamming. A gun that's not properly lubricated may jam.
Shooter induced errors can cause jamming. Simply not holding the gun tight enough and relaxing your wrist (limp wristing) can absorb enough of the kinetic energy required by the slide to cause failure to eject. Laying finger or thumb against the slide can slow its speed down and cause jamming.
Poor, worn, or broken magazines in semi auto's are a common cause of jamming.
After market additions, heavier than standard factory springs are another cause.
Poor quality or low powered ammo (usually reloads) can be a factor.
Worn, bent or broken extractors or ejectors can cause jamming. As can worn or week springs.
I have a couple P1's that where German police trade ins and they all run like tops using standard pressure ammo, both fmj and jhp's.
P.38 concerns
during feeding, the bullet does not go all the way in -- the gun is clean, I believe, adequately lubricated, etc., nothing wrong with springs and coils as far as we know -- the question seems to be -- can 115 grain standard 9 mm just not be the right ammo? That's what several people said. Granted I have not completely dissassembled the gun -- I thought field strip would be enough -- in any case, thanks folks for your prompt and intelligent responses -- if you feel like continuing the discussion, I would appreciate it
during feeding, the bullet does not go all the way in -- the gun is clean, I believe, adequately lubricated, etc., nothing wrong with springs and coils as far as we know -- the question seems to be -- can 115 grain standard 9 mm just not be the right ammo? That's what several people said. Granted I have not completely dissassembled the gun -- I thought field strip would be enough -- in any case, thanks folks for your prompt and intelligent responses -- if you feel like continuing the discussion, I would appreciate it
After reading your 2nd post I'd clean the chamber thoroughly to make sure the case is not sticking due to an accumulation of fouling or coating used on steel case ammo.
Check the extractor for tension and to make sure it isn't broken and will not slip off the case.
If the rounds will eject when the slide is manually operated then something is preventing the slide from full operating. Factory ammo by the big 3 seldom fail but a box of Winchester at Wally world is pretty cheap as another type to try. Make sure you are not limp wristing.
All my P1/P38's work with 115 gr ammo just fine.
Check the extractor for tension and to make sure it isn't broken and will not slip off the case.
If the rounds will eject when the slide is manually operated then something is preventing the slide from full operating. Factory ammo by the big 3 seldom fail but a box of Winchester at Wally world is pretty cheap as another type to try. Make sure you are not limp wristing.
All my P1/P38's work with 115 gr ammo just fine.
Welcome "treb," glad you got my link to the forum!
I don't shoot 9mm anymore but may have some 124 grain stuff around. I'll look. The 124 grain stuff was the original type used, IIRC.
However, I think Steve may be onto things.
Remove the barrel and see if you can insert a new bullet into the chamber and let us know.
T.
I don't shoot 9mm anymore but may have some 124 grain stuff around. I'll look. The 124 grain stuff was the original type used, IIRC.
However, I think Steve may be onto things.
Remove the barrel and see if you can insert a new bullet into the chamber and let us know.
T.
the correct ammo for the P-38 is the 124gr FMJ...the profile of the bullet is a bit longer. lower powered ammo might also not be imparting enough push to the slide
my first thought is that the mag spring might be weak and not getting the round up in time.
the next thought is that the recoil springs are getting weak and not pushing the round all the way in.
it depends on the angle of the jam....pictures would be a great help...the slide speed might also be hindered by dirt or friction.
my first thought is that the mag spring might be weak and not getting the round up in time.
the next thought is that the recoil springs are getting weak and not pushing the round all the way in.
it depends on the angle of the jam....pictures would be a great help...the slide speed might also be hindered by dirt or friction.
tipoc
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P 38s are generally reliable guns which work well with any weight standard ball ammo whether it's 115, 124 or 147gr bullets. The straight in line feeding also helps them feed hps well. That being said there can always be a glitch. Look for the simple and common things first.
Folks have already given good suggestions about making sure the chamber and barrel are clean. Pick up another box of ammo. Winchester, CCI, or another manufacturer and try that out.
Try another magazine as someone already suggested. Field stripping should be enough. Unless you know what you are looking at complete disassembly don't help you here.
When you are at the range, if it jams, ask one of the more experienced shooter, the rangemaster for example, there to take a glance at it. Could be something simple.
Talk to the place you bought it from.
A local smith could test the gun for you and check it for function.
You said that the gun will not chamber a round. This may be due to an obstruction in the chamber, a burr or foreign object. Weak springs, very weak. An out of spec magazine or out of spec ammo.
tipoc
Folks have already given good suggestions about making sure the chamber and barrel are clean. Pick up another box of ammo. Winchester, CCI, or another manufacturer and try that out.
Try another magazine as someone already suggested. Field stripping should be enough. Unless you know what you are looking at complete disassembly don't help you here.
When you are at the range, if it jams, ask one of the more experienced shooter, the rangemaster for example, there to take a glance at it. Could be something simple.
Talk to the place you bought it from.
A local smith could test the gun for you and check it for function.
You said that the gun will not chamber a round. This may be due to an obstruction in the chamber, a burr or foreign object. Weak springs, very weak. An out of spec magazine or out of spec ammo.
tipoc
Just between you and me, the forest and the trees, American made commercial full metal jacket 9mm is well known as being pathetic and underpowered.
Try some 115 Fiocci, Sellier and Bellot, or the excellent German GECO before you give up all hope on a 115 grain loading.
Try some 115 Fiocci, Sellier and Bellot, or the excellent German GECO before you give up all hope on a 115 grain loading.
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