I took the 1915 M14 Mauser and the 1943 Mauser HSc to the range today to test new carry loads. I had been carrying PPU JHP, but after some research I found that the round gave little to no expansion. I wanted a little more advanced load as a .32 is on the small side for a carry piece, so I tested I three different hollow point loads as old pistols (and new ones for that matter) can be picky about ammo.
1. Federal Premium Hydra Shok: 65gr JHP with post/950fps/128ft/lbs KE ($21.50/25 + shipping on line)
2. Speer GD-JHP: 65/960/123 ($28.35/25 box from LGS; $19.50 + shipping on line)
3. PPU JHP: 71/902/128
Control: PPU FMJ ball: 71/902/128. PPU ball and JHP have identical specs ($17.99/50 + shipping on line)
Started with the Federal, the (2) Speer, then the (3) PPU. M14 Mauser first, HSc second. M14 was flawless as usual (damn nice for almost 105 years old). One 8-round magazine each target, picture with pistols right. Next was the HSc; One FTF/stove pipe with the Speer, but shot well. I followed with three magazines of PPU ball, pictures with pistol left, again 1 8-round magazine/target. One double tap with the M14, and two with the HSc. The PPU ball was gifted to me (as was the federal), and as the FTF occurred in both pistols, I put that down to old ammo. As both the Speer and PPU ball stove piped from the same magazine, I put that down to the magazine and not the ammo. As such I will carry the M14 until I get another magazine to prove the hypothesis.
The HSc is more comfortable to shoot with the deep stock thumb groove. The M14 has huge sights and easy to see. The upgraded M34 Mauser changed to the deep groove grip from 1934-1940, then was superseded by the HSc.
Not tested was Hornady JHP XTP, 60/1000/133 ($16.50 + shipping on line). While researching .32 auto JHP on line, I came across .32 NAA. This is a necked down .380 with a .32 maximum cavitation round that looks like a square tipped socket piece. Sort of a "Super" .32. Not sure if compatible with my older pieces, but the 80 gr solid round rates 1000fps and 178 ft/lbs....which is .380 specs in a .32 round. The reviews of Hornady .25 JHP were exceptional with expansion from .45 to .50 inches. I can only assume .32 will be similar.
So for the nonce, my M14 is loaded with Federal ammo. When my shots pull right, I'm guilty of trigger finger placement. For the record, it was rapid fire, 25 feet, 49F, windy, and the targets were swinging on the line.
t
1. Federal Premium Hydra Shok: 65gr JHP with post/950fps/128ft/lbs KE ($21.50/25 + shipping on line)
2. Speer GD-JHP: 65/960/123 ($28.35/25 box from LGS; $19.50 + shipping on line)
3. PPU JHP: 71/902/128
Control: PPU FMJ ball: 71/902/128. PPU ball and JHP have identical specs ($17.99/50 + shipping on line)
Started with the Federal, the (2) Speer, then the (3) PPU. M14 Mauser first, HSc second. M14 was flawless as usual (damn nice for almost 105 years old). One 8-round magazine each target, picture with pistols right. Next was the HSc; One FTF/stove pipe with the Speer, but shot well. I followed with three magazines of PPU ball, pictures with pistol left, again 1 8-round magazine/target. One double tap with the M14, and two with the HSc. The PPU ball was gifted to me (as was the federal), and as the FTF occurred in both pistols, I put that down to old ammo. As both the Speer and PPU ball stove piped from the same magazine, I put that down to the magazine and not the ammo. As such I will carry the M14 until I get another magazine to prove the hypothesis.
The HSc is more comfortable to shoot with the deep stock thumb groove. The M14 has huge sights and easy to see. The upgraded M34 Mauser changed to the deep groove grip from 1934-1940, then was superseded by the HSc.
Not tested was Hornady JHP XTP, 60/1000/133 ($16.50 + shipping on line). While researching .32 auto JHP on line, I came across .32 NAA. This is a necked down .380 with a .32 maximum cavitation round that looks like a square tipped socket piece. Sort of a "Super" .32. Not sure if compatible with my older pieces, but the 80 gr solid round rates 1000fps and 178 ft/lbs....which is .380 specs in a .32 round. The reviews of Hornady .25 JHP were exceptional with expansion from .45 to .50 inches. I can only assume .32 will be similar.
So for the nonce, my M14 is loaded with Federal ammo. When my shots pull right, I'm guilty of trigger finger placement. For the record, it was rapid fire, 25 feet, 49F, windy, and the targets were swinging on the line.
t
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