I stopped at my local Fleet Farm last week and was surprised to find a variety of 9 MM ammo on the shelves. Prices ranged from $20 to over $40 per box.  I just wanted something just to make a little noise so I bought a box of DRZ 115 gr FMJ for $20.

The first shot hit dead center.  Then the fun began.  6 miss fires in 15 shots. I then fired 2 magazines of hand loads with no problems.  I have fired over 1K rounds of mostly handloads  with only 2 misfires due to bad primers through that gun

I was able to return the shells for a full refund. When I checked the shelves the DRZ were gone . In their place was Norma 125 FMJ for the same $20. which I bought.  I tried them as soon as I got home.  They worked perfectly.

Examining the primer of the DRZ revealed a much lighter indentation than any of the other brands that I tried. Possibly the primer are harder than normal. BTW they are made in Turkey.

I've been loading cast bullets for many years so i was anxious to try my hand on loads for the R51.

The bullet is a Lee 356-125 gr. RN.  WW brass. WSP Primers. I have a lot of 700X so that was the first powder to try. Lee LLA handled the lube.

I started with 3.2 grains of 700X.  It would not operate the slide reliably.
Next was 3.6 grains. Reliable. mild recoil. Accurate. Best 10 shot group 2.87 inches.
Load 3 was 4.0 grains 700X. Sames as 2 but groups tightened up. Best 10 shot group 1.39 inches.

There were no signs of over pressure on any of the loads.

All shooting was done indoors at 7 yards on sandbag rest.  Laser sights.

I had three rounds that failed to feed all the way into the chamber. I got carried away with the tumble lube. Wiping the excess lube off solved the problem. 

just field strip so far.

one more

 I'll try again

For years my wife has been telling me that I have lost my grip. The first time I tried to disassemble my new R51 I had to agree. . 

I found a box of Adel Clamps left over from a aircraft project.  1/2 inch was a perfect fit. a bolt and wingnut and it was ready to test.  The rubber liner holds the clamp tightly in place without scratching the barrel. I soldered the bolt in place so that I wouldn't lose it.

Sorry no pix. The files are too big.

I picked up my R51 several weeks ago.  Only 150 rounds through it. So far it works fine. I'll be
working up cast bullet handloads so I have something to do will I'm stuck at home.