Reloads but with new brass I guess.
Moving this thread back to an active forum…
Thanks. More detail on the Lahti LS light machinegun.
Here are examples of the ammunition for the Lahti L-39 rifle,most often found in the U.S. these days. The most common, Finn ammo (on right) Dark Blue paint with a white stripe, indicating solid shot A.P. w/trace. The less common German manufacture on left.(The tiny cartridge between them is a .45 a.c.p. round for size comparison) The Germans produced a wider variety of ammo in this caliber, I know only that this is another solid shot A.P. w/trace. The paint color identifies it in particular, but I do not have that information. It is marked with the Waffenampt stamp, which should be visible in the close up pic.
The headstamps are also pictured, The German is marked with 14 aux, a 6 point star, and the waffenampt insp. # Wa A109 dated 1941.
The Finn, is marked E9 with 2 arrows crossed in a circle,20/40,T 41.(1941)
Even after 68 yrs this ammo will still sizzle.
Nice photos, the fact that after so many years you could use it safely is amazing.
They do seem to have a long shelf life, tho I do have a couple that show some corrosion on the projectiles. The propellant charge is of smokeless powder, sewn into a silk bag. there is an initiator charge of black powder (10 grains) attached flat against the bottom of the main charge. Once fired, they can be adapted to use boxer primers. (U.S. .50 BMG) Reloading dies are made by RCBS, and maybe others by now.
Silk bag, kind of naval artillery way. 
Not sure why the charge is bagged, unless its to keep it consolidated, and near the primer.(its not a compressed charge)
I have a Box of spare parts for the Lahti L-39 anti-tank rifle. The box is in pristine condition as well as all the springs, pins, ect. i was wondering if anyone knows of a market where i could sell this. it is not doing much good for me and i figure they are probably hard to come by anymore. check out the pics. thanks
Hi Milo, P.M. sent.
God damn ! this site is becoming better than Ebay :mrgreen:
Milo you definatelty got a rare collection of pieces
They are around, sometimes several will show up on the market, maybe the kit for my rifle will will show up on ebay or something. (I only have the tool kit )
That is a very complete kit. i have never had to use my parts kit yet but i have only run about 100 rds thru the gun. one poster talked about shootingit prone and that is a hardest way to shoot the gun. I find that if you put the gun on its skis and put yourself and the gun on a moving blanket you both tend to recoil back. Not the total solution but a start.
While I have fired it from the prone position, I would prefer to fire it while seated, with the gun on a platform of some type. Then your body will follow the recoil very easily. How long have you owned yours?
About 20 years, so not many rounds down the tube. One thing from this very complete set up that is missing is the muzzle cover. If you ever run into one let me know. Do you reload?
No, I dont have the equipment (or space for it) just now, I know its become popular to do that. I have a stash of original ammo, and will be saving all the brass if I do use some of it. I have a question you might know about the gas adjuster, which way turns the flow down? and how is it removed. (if it can be.) My gun is missing the cover as well, but if I run across one, I’ll let you know.
I have an original manual but it is in Swedish, not Finnish. Plus, years ago I wrote the militiary attache and he sent me some infomration. Let me see if I can find anything for you on the gas adjustment. I have never taken mine apart either.
When i bought mine, a few other guys in he area had them, and were pretty much of the idea that its best never to disassemble the L-39, just clean what you can reach. (and hope nothing breaks…)
Here is a new video from YouTube, good sound and everything. He is using original Finnish service A.P. ammo. (this is not me, nor my rifle, but its fun anyway.)