DD>Does anyone know how many grains I can safely use for 9mm Luger rounds in 
my
DD>Walther P-1 (theoretically same as P-38)? I like the 154grain Federals, 
but I
DD>am being shamed by even heavier grain bullets used by friends who have 
weapon
DD>of more recent make.
Lyman only lists loads for 147gr for the 9mm Luger.  This does not mean 
that heavier bullets are unsafe, just no loads have been worked up by 
this manufacturer.  They list a 158grain for the .38super, but this 
chambering has a listed nominal bullet diameter of .356" instead of the 
9mm Luger's .355".  Only careful testing preceded by discussion with the 
bullet manufacturer will tell if this is a viable load.
Personally, I'm curious as to why you would want to load a heavier 
bullet.  When someone says a load is 'heavier', they don't always refer 
to the weight of the bullet.  In fact, in calling a load 'heavy' or not 
usually refers to the muzzle energy or muzzle momentum of the particular 
bullet and powder charge combination.  I have heavy load for my .40 that 
run from the lightest bullet (135gr) to the heaviest bullet (200gr) 
available, all producing over 500 ft/lbs.
I also have some light loads that use a 175gr bullet at a much reduced 
velocity, yeilding only about 70% of the momentum of the 'heavy' loads.
Check this out, I think you'll find this is the case.
If it is, then in term of power, stay away from +p or +p+ loads for the 
9mm.  Two of the better defensive loads in standard 9mm are the 115gr 
Winchester Silvertip, and the 124gr Federal Nyclad, the lighter bullet 
being the slightly lesser penetrative.
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