Lahti Model 40 9mm

[outdoorfan]

Anybody have one and/or can give an educated guess as to what size boolit they need to have?

[WARD O]

This is a standard 9mm isn't it? I don't think it is anything unusual but if in doubt drive a soft lead ball thru the barrel and check.

ward

[wch]

The Lahti Model 40 fires the 9mm parabellum cartridge; the Finns ran into a problem in the 1950's with the Model 40's bolt cracking when used with the increased velocity 9mm round that they developed for use in their machine pistols.

[outdoorfan]

It's not mine. I haven't had a chance to slug it yet, and I just wanted to see if anyone had one that they casted and loaded for. Thanks!

[rintinglen]

I'm gambling that a .357 boolit will be about right. European 9's seem to run a tad larger than SAAMI spec, especially older ones.

[outdoorfan]

I am also thinking about eventually getting a 9mm for myself, but something modern. I've got my eye on the M&P, for example. So, it would be nice to have one die for the Star to do both guns with. I would prefer to go with a .358 right off the bat, but if it's too large for one of the guns, then I have to get another one. That's quite a bit of an investment. So, I could go .357 and hone it out if need be. In the end I'm sure it will come down to slugging and evaluating.

What is the general consensus? Will a .358 usually work fine in 9mm's, or is it a touch-and-go between .357 and .358?

[Freischütz]

I've found .357 diameter often works well, but you should slug the barrel and throat to find out what is needed.

[MtGun44]

Use .357, your chances will be good.

Bill