I just purchased a Walther P99 in 9MM and after getting it home and looking over the paperwork I read in the instruction manual that it doesn't recommend using +P factory ammo. I been using +P+ in my glock and have had no problems,and didn't recall seeing or hearing anything about not using +p ammo for the glock. Can anyone give me any information on using any +P or the +P+ Iv'e been using in my glock in the Walther.
Walther P99 9MM Ammo
- Thread starter cmt157
- Start date
The P-99 was originally designed for NATO ammo (124 gr., 1,200+ fps). I would think a pistol so designed could handle +P. I have read where some have experienced cracked frames, but supposedly, the cracks are superficial, and do not effect structural integrity.
The only thing I could find in my manual that even mentioned +P (one of the early German imports), was a warning against using "Handloads, Remanufactured or Home Loads". It states as follows:
Is this the warning you are referring to, or has Walther updated the manual to recommend against all +P ammo?
The only thing I could find in my manual that even mentioned +P (one of the early German imports), was a warning against using "Handloads, Remanufactured or Home Loads". It states as follows:
I may be wrong, but this seems more of a warning against +P reloads, and not warning against +P factory ammo.
Is this the warning you are referring to, or has Walther updated the manual to recommend against all +P ammo?
I contacted Earls to clear this up. They stated that +p wouldnt hurt the P99 and not to worry. It seems the warning only applies to reloaded high pressure ammo.
In order to get the German proofmark, P99s must be able to withstand ammo that has been loaded to double its normal pressure. Im sure P99s are tough enough for +p and Ive never heard of any Kbs or other catastrophies.
In order to get the German proofmark, P99s must be able to withstand ammo that has been loaded to double its normal pressure. Im sure P99s are tough enough for +p and Ive never heard of any Kbs or other catastrophies.
I thought that the Ulm proofhouse had a maximum test pressure of 150% SAAMI, wouldn't 200% equate to a colossal 68,000 psi ?
I find it hard to believe that any gun could withstand double pressure.
If the P-99 is not completely happy with +P and +P+ in 9mm as is the case with Glock and HK then it is going to be off my list in very short order.
If the manual says no, then that should be enough. The fact that people are shooting +P through their guns with no problems doesn't make it right or safe, no matter what "Earl" says.
Mike H
I find it hard to believe that any gun could withstand double pressure.
If the P-99 is not completely happy with +P and +P+ in 9mm as is the case with Glock and HK then it is going to be off my list in very short order.
If the manual says no, then that should be enough. The fact that people are shooting +P through their guns with no problems doesn't make it right or safe, no matter what "Earl" says.
Mike H
Mike-
Youre right, the Ulm proofhouse fires two rounds that are loaded with up to 50% over maximum normal loading pressures. I guess my memory isnt what it used to be
Also the manual doesnt say not to fire +p ammo, it states to be careful no to handload ammo to +p levels, but doesnt say not to fire factory +p ammo.
Youre right, the Ulm proofhouse fires two rounds that are loaded with up to 50% over maximum normal loading pressures. I guess my memory isnt what it used to be
Also the manual doesnt say not to fire +p ammo, it states to be careful no to handload ammo to +p levels, but doesnt say not to fire factory +p ammo.
+P ammo for the P99
Thanx for the info.I read the same thing in my manual. I may research it further and contact a Walther rep. to see if they can give me an answer. If I getone I'll post what I find out. I haven't shot it yet,but it feels right in my hand,and have heard alot of good things about it for such a short time on the market compared to many others. Thanx again.
Thanx for the info.I read the same thing in my manual. I may research it further and contact a Walther rep. to see if they can give me an answer. If I getone I'll post what I find out. I haven't shot it yet,but it feels right in my hand,and have heard alot of good things about it for such a short time on the market compared to many others. Thanx again.
OK I had to get out my manual to see this for myself.
The paragraph states:
Ammunition Warning: Do not use handloads, reloaded, or remanufactured ammunition, or home loads. then goes on to say If you prepare your own handloads be very careful, and do not exceed recommended pressures in line with those generated by standard factory loads (not +P)
So, don't be a dumbass and hot rod your handloads and expect us to warranty your blown up pistol.
No where does this paragraph mention not using +P FACTORY ammunition.
{edit}
Here is a link to the manual in Adobe Acrobat form.
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/whog/pdf/P99Manual.pdf
The paragraph states:
Ammunition Warning: Do not use handloads, reloaded, or remanufactured ammunition, or home loads. then goes on to say If you prepare your own handloads be very careful, and do not exceed recommended pressures in line with those generated by standard factory loads (not +P)
So, don't be a dumbass and hot rod your handloads and expect us to warranty your blown up pistol.
No where does this paragraph mention not using +P FACTORY ammunition.
{edit}
Here is a link to the manual in Adobe Acrobat form.
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/whog/pdf/P99Manual.pdf
I regard that statement from the manual as ambiguous.
It certainly states that handloads should not be loaded to +P, but since some handloaders use fresh brass, where's the difference.
It also infers that the approved pressure for the gun is standard SAAMI and not +P.
I may well be wrong, but I would certainly appreciate some clarification from Walther on this.
+P and +P+ makes the 9mm all that it can be for carry and is definitely the way to go. Any 9mm that is restricted to standard pressure is severely hampered and lacks an important pressure safety margin YMMV.
Mike H
It certainly states that handloads should not be loaded to +P, but since some handloaders use fresh brass, where's the difference.
It also infers that the approved pressure for the gun is standard SAAMI and not +P.
I may well be wrong, but I would certainly appreciate some clarification from Walther on this.
+P and +P+ makes the 9mm all that it can be for carry and is definitely the way to go. Any 9mm that is restricted to standard pressure is severely hampered and lacks an important pressure safety margin YMMV.
Mike H
In the manual it states that handloads and remanufactured ammo are not to be used due to poor or nonexistant quality control. It says nothing about new vs. old brass.
It infers nothing of the kind, nowhere is SAAMI mentioned. It says
"If you prepare your own handloads be very careful, and do not exceed recommended pressures in line with those generated by standard factory loads (not +P) as manufactured by Remington, Winchester, Federal, Hornady, PMC or other reputable companies." All of the above manufacture NATO spec ammo for the military and European markets. They are specifically stating do not HANDLOAD to +P specs.
Read the actual paragraph from the manual, its talking about handloads specifically.
Go here and read this as well
http://www.waltherusa.net/p99.htm
"Available calibers include 9mm (a.k.a. 9mm NATO, 9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum and 9x19)"
Note the 9mm NATO, which is considerably hotter than SAAMI.
Buy a Walther P99 with confidence, it is a superbly engineered and manufactured weapon. Which will hold up to any amount of shooting that you can put through it in a lifetime.