I am the proud owner of a Pre 39 (safe queen) and a mint 39 that just demands to be appreciated. It has a history of a fragile extractor WHICH NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO QUANTIFY so I am loading less than max with 4.5 gr of Bullseye under a 125 gr bullet. I will investigate Unique and Powerpistol as well.

One obvious response will be to get a 39-2 for shooting and put the 39 away. Apart from that likely good advise does anyone have any thought for a safe load for the piece?

Bob

Sgt Preston here. I have a 539 wich is an all steel 2nd genertaion pistol. I shoot 124 grain flat pointed Berry's copper plated bullets. I load these with 4.2 grains of Win 231. I set the overall length at 1.090 & taper crimp these guys to .378 / .379 dia. This is a very comfortable & accurate load that never fails to cycle my gun. And the 39 series are simply fun to shoot. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

any replication of factory ammo will be fine in your 39. I would not give it a steady diet of the Plus or Plus P. My load has been 6 grn of Unique/115 FMJ...POA is same as most factory.
Randy

My pal's 39 shoots real straight with Unique. I believe it's the right powder for a 39.

Thanks all. The 39 is a classic second only to Browning. I do wish someone had some info re the extractor issue.

In any event, keep the pressure low, hope for the best and enjoy that beautiful classic.

bob