Help: 9mm sub-machine gun ammo

bennettfam · Feb 15, 2011

Brown box labelled: Winchester 9m/m parabellum for use in sub-machine guns.

Anybody know the velocity or energy levels of this ammo?

Is it safe to shoot in a Browning Hi-Power pistol?

If not, do I need to find someone with a Blackhawk convertable revolver, or Marlin Camp Carbine, to use it up?

paragon1 · Feb 15, 2011

bennettfam said:
Brown box labelled: Winchester 9m/m parabellum for use in sub-machine guns.

Anybody know the velocity or energy levels of this ammo?

Is it safe to shoot in a Browning Hi-Power pistol?

If not, do I need to find someone with a Blackhawk convertable revolver, or Marlin Camp Carbine, to use it up?

What weight? Any pressure, or velocity specs?

stiab · Feb 15, 2011

If your box looks like this, they will run about average 1240 fps from a 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk.

john traveler · Feb 15, 2011

That late WWII-to-post WWII Winchester 9mm Parabellum ammunition is labeled "For use in submachine guns" not because it is of higher pressure and velocity to be dangerous if used in pistols, but is so labeled because earlier loadings were not reliable when used in sub-guns. It's velocity and pressure is perfectly safe if used in handguns such as the Browning High Power or the Parabellum.

This question has been adressed many times in questions to the American Rifleman Magazine technical editor.

ScottJ · Feb 15, 2011

Bet you could sell that box to a collector for enough to buy a few boxes of Win white box

Dragon88 · Feb 15, 2011

ScottJ said:
Bet you could sell that box to a collector for enough to buy a few boxes of Win white box

Yup. Especially if it's a full box and mostly intact, get an estimate on value first before you shoot collectible ammo. Fed 9mm is $10.50 at wally world.

bennettfam · Feb 16, 2011

stiab said:
If your box looks like this, they will run about average 1240 fps from a 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk.

Yep, just like that! Any idea how old they may be? I have 3 full boxes that are taped shut but otherwise in pretty good shape.

Homie · Feb 17, 2011

Jon,

This ammo was available everywhere as surplus in the '60s and '70s, really cheap. I put most of a case of it through a Nickel 39-2 and a surplus Radom a long time ago.

One little bit of warning- the flasholes are on the tight side and tended to pull decapping pins out easily, which really slowed down an early Dillon.

For reference, check out the RIFLEMAN, 12/63 and 7/69, as well as an interesting article by Lee Jurras of Super Vel fame in the 3/72 SHOOTING TIMES.

The collector thing may be some smart advice today.

Good shooting.

stiab · Feb 20, 2011

ScottJ said:
Bet you could sell that box to a collector for enough to buy a few boxes of Win white box

As a hobby I test all the old ammo I find, even if it is a full box. That's how it has the greatest value to me!

press-1-for-english · Oct 27, 2013

john traveler said:
That late WWII-to-post WWII Winchester 9mm Parabellum ammunition is labeled "For use in submachine guns" not because it is of higher pressure and velocity to be dangerous if used in pistols, but is so labeled because earlier loadings were not reliable when used in sub-guns. It's velocity and pressure is perfectly safe if used in handguns such as the Browning High Power or the Parabellum.

This question has been adressed many times in questions to the American Rifleman Magazine technical editor.

I just picked up 2 boxes of this ammo at the local gun show. They are both dated, on the bottom of the inner tray, 1967. I bought them because of their "neat" factor and have no intention of shooting them. But, it is good to know I can if I want to! Thanks John Traveler!

Help: 9mm sub-machine gun ammo

bennettfam

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paragon1

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stiab

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john traveler

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ScottJ

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Dragon88

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bennettfam

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Homie

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stiab

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press-1-for-english

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