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9x18 Ammunition Data

115K views 6 replies 1 participant last post by  North Bender 
#1 · (Edited)
(Updated to re-post pictures)

This thread is periodically updated as new ammunition becomes available to me.

The following velocity tests (a few descriptions without velocity tests) of 82 varieties of military and commercial 9x18 ammunition were completed using a Beta Chronograph set 7-feet from the muzzle of a 1985 Bulgarian Makarov. Included here are many varieties of ammunition that are no longer available, and this post hopefully serves as a reference for those shooters who encounter obscure brands of 9x18.


Thanks to many the Forum member who helped me collect some of the more obscure varieties. Slim Tim wins the Golden Chrony With Oak Leaf Clusters for sharing his stash and providing auditing. Other forum members who provided ammunition include George Fisher (of Makarov.com); Jehzsa, VWTim, BNitch, kitchwb, Nietzsche, MakNik, VonAlt, M2 Carbine, Parasite, rangeshooter, Trent, Trapper94, Septembermars, and pete950.

If someone comes across a brand on which I have not posted about I'd appreciate an email.

Unless otherwise noted, I pulled and weighed a single bullet from each variety tested. All of this chronograph and pulled bullet data has this admitted weakness: commercial ammunition is built within tolerances and even 10-rounds measured are only a snapshot of the production line. I used a digital scale calibrated with brass weights from an assayer's balance.

Abbreviations:

OAL: Overall length. Measured with digital calipers.
Avg: Average
ES: Extreme Spread (difference between minimum and maximum)
SD: Standard Deviation
gr: Grains
fps: Feet per second
ins: Inches
FMJ: Full metal jacket
JHP: Jacketed hollow point
"Magnetic" is listed to indicate a component contains steel.

In alphabetical order:


Ammonet (4H) 95gr XTP-HP (17 rounds tested)

As of 2012 (and perhaps earlier) these are being sold on Gunbroker by Ammonet. The cartridges are made by 4H. Several smaller ammunition manufacturers such as Ammonet (4H), Appalachian, Georgia Arms, Buffalo Bore, Kinematics Research, and D&G Reloading make 9x18 rounds using the Hornady 95gr XTP HP bullet and Starline brass.

Manufacturer: 4H in Arizona, sold by Ammonet on Gunbroker
Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer with a red primer seal
Bullet: 95gr Hornady XTP-HP, copper coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.919 - 0.953
Avg: 0.942

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1028 - 1116
Avg: 1064
ES: 88
SD: 25

Ammonet (4H) 90gr Speer GDHP (11 rounds tested)

Manufacturer: 4H in Arizona, sold by Ammonet on Gunbroker
Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 90gr Speer Gold Dot Hollowpoint (GDHP), copper coated, concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.958 - 0.969
Avg: 0.964

Velocity (fps)

Range: 937 - 1035
Avg: 1000
ES: 98
SD: 27

Appalachian Emancipator 9MM Makarov 95gn XTP-HP (20 rounds tested)

Several smaller ammunition manufacturers such as Ammonet (4H), Georgia Arms, Buffalo Bore, Kinematics Research, and D&G Reloading use the Hornady 95gr XTP HP bullet and Starline brass.

Manufacturer: Appalachian Ammunition, Industry, Maine
Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 95gr Hornady XTP, copper jacketed with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.966 - 0.969
Avg: 0.967

Velocity (fps)

Range: 973 - 1045
Avg: 1008
ES: 72
SD: 18

Barnaul

The Barnaul Plant has exported many varieties of 9x18 to the U.S. They first briefly produced a FMJ round packaged in a red/white box labeled as "Barnaul", and then the "Tiger" brand, and then for some time they exported FMJ and HP in the familiar blue box with the one-handed shooter on the cover. They followed that with the RAM ammo in FMJ and HP that was available around 2004 to early 2006. Aside from those brands, Barnaul has also produced FMJ with "brass plated" cartridges sold by Wideners (introduced in March, 2007), and have produced FMJ and HP rounds under the Silver and Brown Bear name. In 2008 Academy Sports stores started selling the "Monarch" FMJ, also made by Barnaul. In April, 2008, Widener's started selling "Spam Cans" of Barnaul: 1,440 round tins with individual 40-round paper-wrapped packages.

Barnaul "Brass Plated Steel Case" 94-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9 mm Mak w/ Trademark
Cartridge Case: Brass-coated steel,
Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.3-gr, 94.6-gr (2 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated, concave exposed-lead base, red lacquer seal
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.974 - 0.983
Avg: 0.976

Velocity: (fps)

Range: 960 - 1031
Avg: 994
ES: 71
SD: 20

Barnaul 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

Blue box with the "one-handed shooter"



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9 mm MAK
Cartridge Case: Lacquer-coated steel,
Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer, red-sealed primer and case
Bullet: 94.3-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated, concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.967- 0.981
Avg: 0.976

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1038 - 1063
Avg: 1049
ES: 25
SD: 8

Barnaul 95-gr HP (10 rounds tested)

Blue box with the "one-handed shooter".



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9 mm MAK
Cartridge Case: Lacquer-coated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer, red-sealed primer and case
Bullet: 94-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave copper-coated base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.935 - 0.941
Avg: 0.938

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1004 - 1028
Avg: 1020
ES: 24
SD: 9

Barnaul (Monarch) 94-grain FMJ

See "Monarch (Barnaul)" listed below

Brown Bear 94-gr FMJ (Barnaul) (20 rounds tested)

In 2006 the Russian Barnaul Plant started exporting Brown Bear 9x18. Older Brown Bear cartridges were produced by the Russian LVE plant.



Manufacturer: CJSC Barnaul Cartridge Plant, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: "9mm Mak" with small "JSC" (Russian Cartridge Plants Association) trademark
Cartridge Case: Lacquered steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 2 weighed: 94.5 and 94.9-grains; steel-jacketed, copper-coated, with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.973 - 0.981
Avg: 0.976

Velocity (fps)

Range: 965 - 1009
Avg: 982
ES: 35
SD: 9

Brown Bear 92-gr FMJ (Novosibirsk) (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 02 9x18Mak
Cartridge Case: Bi-metal case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.2-gr (1 measured), Steel-jacketed copper-coated with exposed-lead concave base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.964 - 0.984
Avg: 0.977

Velocity (fps)

Range: 966 - 1041
Avg: 1006
ES: 75
SD: 21

Brown Bear 115-gr HP (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 01 9x18Mak
Cartridge Case: Bi-metal case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 116.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with flat copper-coated base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.951 - 0.969
Avg: 0.964

Velocity (fps)

Range: 971 - 1023
Avg: 1001
ES: 52
SD: 15

B-West 100-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

This comes packaged in 16-round cardboard boxes with blue labeling. Part of the label reads "non-corrosive"; most boxes found have the "non" part scratched out by hand.



Manufacturer: TCW (Tula Cartridge Works) Tula, Russia
Headstamp: B West 9x18
Cartridge Case: Bi-metal, Berdan primed, corrosive primer
Bullet: 105.2-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.972 - 0.978
Avg: 0.976

Velocity (fps)

Range: 912 - 943
Avg: 930
ES: 31
SD: 10

Buffalo Bore 115-gr Hard Cast Flat Nose +P (15 rounds tested)

This round came available in May of 2010. Buffalo Bore has provided external ballistic testing of this round on their website: http://www.buffalobore.com and the velocities I measured largely agree with their data. They state that the cartridge is constructed with a "flash supressed powder" to avoid night blinding.

I corresponded with Tim Sundles of Buffalo Bore who wrote that this cartridge is built within the standard pressure limit of the 9x18 cartridge (24,000 psi). Tim wrote:
"The reason I went with the +P designation is because we are getting what would be considered +P velocity, even though the pressures are normal and I knew of no way to illustrate the fact that this new 9X18 ammo was quite a bit more powerful than ordinary ammo, without using the +P designation. Bullet design and powder selection make it possible to get added velocity without generating more pressure than what is normally considered “industry” standard."



Manufacturer: Buffalo Bore Ammunition Company, Saint Ignatius, Montana
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: (2 measured): 117.7gr, 116.6gr. Hard cast lead, flat nosed, flat based, with a single grease groove
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.945 - 0.948
Avg: 0.946

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1018 - 1048
Avg: 1031
ES: 30
SD: 9

Buffalo Bore 95-gr JHP +P (15 rounds tested)

This ammunition became available around April, 2011. See the note posted under Buffalo Bore's 115-gr Hard Cast ammunition regarding the "+P" designation.

Manufacturer: Buffalo Bore Ammunition Company, Saint Ignatius, Montana
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: (2 weighed): 95.1 and 95.2 grains. Hornady XTP JHP bullet; copper-clad, flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.921 - 0.925
Avg: 0.923

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1132 - 1177
Avg: 1151
ES: 45
SD: 14

CCI 90-gr GDHP (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Blount (CCI), Lewiston, Idaho
Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N
Cartridge Case: Aluminum case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point (GDHP) 90.3-gr (1 measured), copper-jacketed, concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.959 - 0.963
Avg: 0.961

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1024 - 1074
Avg: 1051
ES: 50
SD: 15

CCI Blazer 95-gr TMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: CCI, Lewiston, Idaho
Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N
Cartridge Case: Aluminum case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured) fully copper-jacketed with concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971- 0.976
Avg: 0.973

Velocity (fps)

Range: 946 - 982
Avg: 969
ES: 36
SD: 14

CCI Centerfire 95-gr TMJ (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: CCI, Lewiston, Idaho
Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N
Cartridge Case: Aluminum case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured) fully copper-jacketed with concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.977
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 903 - 946
Avg: 928
ES: 43
SD: 10

Chinese "Military" (Factory 71) FMJ (20 rounds tested)

These rounds have the military marking: "71" is a manufacturing plant code; "86" is the year it was made. They come packaged in 16-round unmarked cardboard boxes.I don't think either of the Chinese "Military" rounds would have used corrosive primers as they were both made in the 1980s, but I would clean up after shooting as if they are.



Manufacturer: Unknown factory, China
Headstamp: 71 86
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, corrosive? (possibly) primer
Bullet: 94.5 and 94.9-gr (2 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base (may be steel cored)
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.968 - 0.975
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 914 - 1028
Avg: 977
ES: 114
SD: 30

Chinese "Military" (Factory 81) FMJ (12 rounds tested)

These rounds have the military marking: "81" is a manufacturing plant code; "83" is the year it was made. They come packaged in 16-round unmarked cardboard boxes.



Manufacturer: Unknown factory, China
Headstamp: 81 83
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, corrosive? (possibly) primer
Bullet: 93.7 and 95.2-gr (2 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base (may be steel cored)Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.977
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 914 - 999
Avg: 965
ES: 85
SD: 25


 
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15
#2 · (Edited)
Cor-Bon 95-gr JHP (10 rounds tested)

No longer manufactured.



Manufacturer: CorBon/Glaser, Sturgis, South Dakota
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK (Starline brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass case (Starline), Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.9-gr (1 measured) copper-jacketed with flat copper-coated base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.946 - 0.950
Avg: 0.948

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1123 - 1153
Avg: 1135
ES: 30
SD: 9

(Cor-Bon) 70-grain Pow'RBall (10 rounds tested)

This ammunition is produced by Glaser, but shooters recognize it as Cor-Bon. Pow'RBall bullets are copper-coated (jacketed) hollowpoints capped with a tight-fitting polymer ball in the nose. Glaser states that this aids in controlled expansion and better penetration, and that they are designed to offer the feeding reliability of FMJ ammunition.



Manufacturer: Glaser, Sturgis, South Dakota
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK * - * (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 71.7-grains (1 measured); copper-jacketed, flat copper base, polymer tip
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.970 - 0.974
Avg: 0.948

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1304 - 1384
Avg: 1348
ES: 80
SD: 22

Custom Cartridge GDHP 90-gr (15 rounds tested)

These cartridges were too long to insert into my magazine.



Manufacturer: Custom Cartridge, Inc., Goleta, CA
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK (Starline brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 1 GDHP bullet weighed 89.1-grains; copper-jacketed, concave copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.981 - 0.984
Avg: 0.982

Velocity (fps)

Range: 979 - 1,183
Avg: 1,106
ES: 204
SD: 60

D&G Reloading 95-gr XTP HP (12 rounds tested)

No photo - sent to me by a forum member.

Manufacturer: D&G Reloading, Clinton Township, MI
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (Hornady XTP), copper coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.962 - 0.966
Avg: 0.964

Velocity (fps)

Range: 880 - 968
Avg: 918
ES: 88
SD: 27

East German Military FMJ (10 rounds tested)

These came in 16-round boxes. This was a common early 9x18 ammunition import and was widely available.



Manufacturer: Volkseigene Betrieb (VEB) ("People-owned Enterprise") Mechanische Werkstatten (Mechanical Workshops) Konigswartha, East Germany
Headstamp: 78 04
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.5-gr (1 measured) steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.974 - 0.979
Avg: 0.977

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1002 - 1056
Avg: 1033
ES: 54
SD: 17

Extreme Shock 85-gr PDR (3 rounds tested)

One round separated during handling (the bullet fell out of the casing)



Manufacturer: Mullins Ammunition Co., Clintwood, VA
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK
Cartridge Case: Brass Case (Starline), Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 84.2-gr (1 measured) "Tungsten-Nytrilium"? with a plastic tip; flat copper-coated base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins) (5 rounds)

Range: 0.981 - 0.984
Avg: 0.983

Velocity (fps)

1060, 1045, 1048 (avg = 1051)

Federal American Eagle 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Mn
Headstamp: F C 9x18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), fully-copper jacketed, concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.987
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1004 - 1056
Avg: 1033
ES: 52
SD: 19

Federal Hi-Shok 90-gr JHP (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Mn
Headstamp: F C 9x18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 89.4-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with concave copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.967 - 0.97
2
Avg: 0.969

Velocity (fps)

Range: 986 - 1047
Avg: 1022
ES: 61
SD: 19

Fiocchi

In 2007, Fiocchi USA began importing their 9x18 ammunition made at the MFS Plant in Sirok, Hungary. The previous Fiocchi 9x18 was labeled "Made in the European Union", and may also have been made in Hungary. The older varieties of Fiocchi - the "Full Metal Jacket Hollow Point", and a 95-grain FMJ in a black box (not tested here) were made in Italy and have not been imported since at least 2003.

Fiocchi 95-gr FMJ (Hungarian) (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: MFS, Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary
Imported by: Fiocchi of America, Inc., Ozark, MO
Headstamp: FIOCCHI USA 9X18MAK
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.3-gr, 96.2-gr (2 measured), brass-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.972 - 0.977
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 895 - 962
Avg: 937
ES: 67
SD: 21

Fiocchi 95-gr FMJ (European Union) (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Unclear; This ammunition is labeled "Made in European Union", which could have been in Hungary or Italy
Headstamp: G.F.L. 9 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), copper (brass?)-coated, with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.970 - 0.975
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 976 - 1077
Avg: 1040
ES: 101
SD: 27

Fiocchi 90-gr FMJHP (13 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Fiocchi Munizioni S.P.A., Lecco, Italy
Headstamp: G.F.L. 9 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 90.3-gr (1 measured), copper (brass?)-coated, with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.914 - 0.916
Avg: 0.915

Velocity (fps)

Range: 960 - 1020
Avg: 993
ES: 60
SD: 18


Geco 95gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

The RUAG Ammotec conglomerate distributes both Geco and RWS in 9x18 in the U.S. and the cartridges appear similar.





Manufacturer: Distributed by RUAG Ammotec; constructed at the old MFS plant (Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc.), Sirok, Hungary
Headstamp: Geco 9x18 Makarov
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 2 weighed: 95.4 & 95.1-gr; brass-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.979
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 910 - 1000
Avg: 945
ES: 88
SD: 23


Georgia Arms 95-gr GDHP (6 rounds tested)

See below, "Master Cartridge".

**Note: I believe the Speer GDHP bullet is 90-grains, not 95-grains as Georgia Arms advertises.



Manufacturer: Georgia Arms, Inc., Villa Rica, Georgia
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point (GDHP) 90.3-gr (1 measured), copper coated, concave base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.947 - 0.949
Avg: 0.948

Velocity (fps)

Range: 884 - 978
Avg: 938

Georgia Arms 95-gr Hornady XTP Hollow Point (15 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Georgia Arms, Inc., Villa Rica, Georgia
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 XTP round previously measured), copper-jacketed with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.946 - 0.953
Avg: 0.949

Velocity (fps)

Range: 872 - 967
Avg: 922
ES: 95
SD: 27

Glaser (Con-Bon) 75-gr Silver Safety Slug (10 rounds tested)

Glaser makes Silver and Blue Safety Slugs for use in "populated, urban areas" to reduce richocet and over penetration. They state that the "... composite design uses a special thin-wall jacket, and a precision compressed lead shot core with a soft polymer tip ... provides optimum balance between penetration and fragmentation." The Silver Safety Slug uses #12 shot for warmer climates and the Blue Safety Slug uses #6 shot to penetrate through heavier clothing during winter.



Manufacturer: Glaser (Cor-Bon), Sturgis, South Dakota
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK (Starline brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass case (Starline), Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 72.2-gr (1 measured) copper-coated with flat copper-coated base with silver-colored polymer tip
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.964 - 0.975
Avg: 0.970

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1099 - 1212
Avg: 1157
ES: 113
SD: 34

Glaser (Cor-Bon) 75-grain Blue Safety Slug (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Glaser, Sturgis, South Dakota
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK * - * (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 72.6-grains (1 measured); flat, copper-coated base with blue polymer tip
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.975 - 0.980
Avg: 0.977

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1142 - 1210
Avg: 1173
ES: 68
SD: 24
 
#3 · (Edited)
Hornady 95-gr JHP XTP (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing Co., Grand Island, NE
Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured), copper coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.933 - 0.940
Avg: 0.939

Velocity (fps)

Range: 908 - 956
Avg: 934
ES: 48
SD: 15

Hornady 95-gr Critical Defense FTX (20 rounds tested)

This ammunition became available in July, 2011.



Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing Co., Grand Island, NE
Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Nickel plated case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.2 and 95.4-gr (2 weighed), copper coated with flat copper base. Bullet is cannelured; bullet nose is filled with "soft polymer insert" to aid in controlled expansion
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins) (difficult to measure as the polymer nose extends out varying distances)

Range: 0.965 - 0.984
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 924 - 999
Avg: 971
ES: 75
SD: 20

Jing An FMJ (Chinese Blue Box) (10 rounds tested)

See below: "Norinco", which is the same ammunition. This round has the military marking: "71" is a manufacturing plant code; "93" is the year it was made.



Manufacturer: Exported by Jing-An Equipment IMP/EXP, China; manufacturing plant unknown
Headstamp: 71 93
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)
Range: 0.970 - 0.975
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 998 - 1095
Avg: 1037
ES: 97
SD: 29

Kinematics Research, L.L.C. 95-gr Tactical HP (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Kinematics Research, L.L.C., Bartlett, TN
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (Hornady XTP), copper coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.963 - 0.968
Avg: 0.966

Velocity (fps)

Range: 960 - 1017
Avg: 1000
ES: 57
SD: 17

"Lake City" (Armscorp) 95-gr FMJ (14 rounds tested)

Not to be confused with the American "Lake City" military ammunition plant.



Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary. Imported by Armscorp USA, Inc.
Headstamp: LC 9X18
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.9 (1 measured), copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
M
agnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.968 - 0.979
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)
Range: 1001 - 1050
Avg: 1024
ES: 49SD: 14

LVE: See also "Novosibirisk

LVE (Green Box) 6g FMJ
(20 rounds tested)

This round may have been the most exported of the initial 9x18 offerings from Russia. It's known for reliability and ease of feeding through a Makarov. Shooters (Gunboards members) nick-named it "Green Box". LVE also sold .380 in a very similar looking box - look closely to avoid making a mistake on the caliber.



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 99 9x18Mak
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.2-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.979
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 968 - 1029
Avg: 1008
ES: 20
SD: 61

LVE 115-gr JHP

See "Silver Bear 115-gr JHP".

This round became available through UN Ammo in February, 2014. Howie Glaser, the owner of UN Ammo, wrote that he was offered this ammunition by Wolf Ammunition and he bought all they had - two pallets. It's the same round as described below as "Silver Bear 115-gr JHP" so no chronograph tests were run. The LVE 115-gr ammunition that I received was made in 2002, the same era that my Silver Bear 115-grain was made.




Master Cartridge

Master Cartridge is made by Georgia Arms ammunition, see above. This is usually made with either the Hornady 95-grain XTP HP bullet or the Speer 90-grain HP bullet, and Starline brass. The Master Cartridge is packaged in a box; the ammunition that I've seen sold as "Georgia Arms" comes in plastic baggies.

Mesko

In 2005 Mesko joined the Bumar Group, which consists of 22 manufacturing companies from the Polish defense industry (PPO) specializing in munitions, radars, rockets, armour and vehicles. As of this writing (Jan 2012) the Mesko web page redirects to Bumar and this ammunition brand may no longer be in production.

Mesko 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland
Headstamp: Mesko 9x18 Mak
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.9-gr (1 measured), copper-coated bullet with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.970 - 0.980
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 934 - 1026
Avg: 975
ES: 92
SD: 31

Mesko (SK) Nimrod 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland
Headstamp: S K N 9x18 Mak
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.2-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: The cartridge case is not; the bullet is

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.973 - 0.978
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 886 - 1000
Avg: 954
ES: 114
SD: 36

Mesko "Vollmantel" 93-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

"Vollmantel" translates to "Full Jacket".




Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland
Headstamp: Mesko 9x18 Mak
Cartridge Case: Copper-washed steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: Two weighed: 93.1 and 92.5-gr, copper-coated steel-jacketed bullet with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.947 - 0.977
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 927 - 1050
Avg: 977
ES: 96
SD: 35

MFS 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

The "Mátravidéki Fémmuvek" company was established in Sirok in 1952. The plant has also produced military ammunition with a plant code of "23".



Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary
Headstamp: MFS 9x18 Mak
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.4-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is not; the bullet is

O
AL (ins)

Range: 0.973 - 0.979
Avg: 0.976

Velocity (fps)

Range: 986 - 1024
Avg: 1002
ES: 38
SD: 11

MFS 95-gr "+P" FMJ (20 rounds tested)

This is not "+P" (high pressure) ammunition. I obtained the pressure test data from MFS for this cartridge. Of 30 shots fired the highest pressure they recorded was 1,333 bars which is equal to 19,334 psi; well within the designed maximum pressure limit of the Makarov. The C.I.P. pressure maximum for the 9x18 cartridge is 1,600 bar, equal to 23,206 psi (per email from Carlo Fiocchi of Fiocchi Munizioni S.P.A.). Walther Cude in The Ultimate Makarov Guide stated that the Makarov pistol was designed for pressures up to 24,000 psi, and the Speer (2005) reloading manual states: "CCI ... established the maximum average pressure limit (of the 9x18 cartridge) at 24,100 psi".

There are a number of overseas factories that manufacture 9x18 bullets to a standard of 6-grams, which equates to 92.6-grains. However, as with this MFS bullet, the Europeans and Russians have commonly advertised their 92-gr bullets as 95-grains.



Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary
Headstamp: MFS 9x18 MAK+P
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 2 weighed: 92.9 & 92.3-gr; brass-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.973 - 0.978
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 924 - 1006
Avg: 981
ES: 82
SD: 23

Monarch (Barnaul) 94-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

These rounds became available at Academy Sports stores in early 2008. The boxes come with a factory-imprinted "Academy" bar code, indicating that they are made under contract to Academy.



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9 mm Mak w/ Trademark
Cartridge Case: Lacquer-coated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer, red-sealed case mouth
Bullet: 94.2, 95.1-gr (2 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated, concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.974 - 0.980
Avg: 0.977

Velocity (fps)

Range: 974 - 1030
Avg: 1010
ES: 56
SD: 12


Monarch (Barnaul) 94-gr HP (15 rounds tested)

This became available in the Summer of 2016. Like the Monarch FMJ this is made by Barnaul under contract to Academy Sports and Outdoors and is available only through their outlets.



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9 mm Mak w/ Barnaul Trademark
Cartridge Case: Polymer-coated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: Two bullets each weighed 94.2-gr, steel-jacketed concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.938 - 0.941
Avg: 0.939

Velocity (fps)

Range: 917 - 1069
Avg: 992
ES: 176
SD: 50

Norinco FMJ (Chinese Green Box) (10 rounds tested)

See above: Jing An, which is the same cartridge. This round has the military marking: "71" is a manufacturing plant code; "93" is the year it was made.




Manufacturer: Exported by China North Industries Corp., China; manufacturing plant unknown
Headstamp: 71 93
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.978
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 950 - 1063
Avg: 1014
ES: 113
SD: 36
 
#4 · (Edited)
Novosibirsk (LVE) "Sport" 92-gr FMJ (15 rounds tested)

This cartridge became available in 2011.



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 10 9mm Makarov
Cartridge case: bi-metal steel case, Berdan primed with red primer seal; non-corrosive primer, red case mouth seal
Bullet: 92.3, 93.1-grains (2 weighed); steel-jacketed, copper-coated, round-nose with a concave exposed-lead base and red primer seal
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.968 - 0.978
Avg: 0.973

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1040 - 1102
Avg: 1067
ES: 62
SD: 17

Prvi Partizan 93-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)





Manufacturer: Prvi Partizan, Uzice, Serbia
Headstamp: 9-M nny
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.0-gr, 92.9-gr (2 measured), copper-coated, concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.975
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 944 - 1018
Avg: 977
ES: 74
SD: 23

PPU 95-gr JHP (17 Rounds Tested)



Manufacturer: Prvi Partizan, Uzice, Serbia
Headstamp: PPU 9mm MAKAROV
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.2-gr, 94.3-gr (2 measured), copper-coated, flat copper-coated base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.954 - 0.962
Avg: 0.957

Velocity (fps)

Range: 980 - 1058
Avg: 1015
ES: 78
SD: 20

PS Grand 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: PS Grand a.s., Bytca, Slovakia
Headstamp: PS 9mm M
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is not magnetic but the bullet jacket is

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.967 - 0.974
Avg: 0.970

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1041 - 1093
Avg: 1070
ES: 52
SD: 17

Quality Cartridge 93-gr RNL (3 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Quality Cartridge, Hollywood, MD
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.3-gr (1 measured), Round nose lead, flat base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

0.954 / 0.966 / 0.959

Velocity (fps)

1043 / 1072 / 1171


RAM 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

See above: "Barnaul"



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Mak (with a trademark)
Cartridge Case: Zinc-plated steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.7-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.977
Avg: 0.973

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1043 - 1086
Avg: 1063
ES: 43
SD: 17

RAM 95-gr HP (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Mak (with a trademark)
Cartridge Case: Zinc-plated steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.934 - 0.944
Avg: 0.939

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1039 - 1083
Avg: 1069
ES: 44
SD: 16

RBCD 45-gr TFSP (Total Fragmenting Soft Point) (5 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: RBCD Performance Plus Ammunition, San Antonio, TX
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK
Cartridge Case: Brass Case (Starline), Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 39.2-gr (1 measured), Copper-jacketed, lead-filled or coated tip, convex (bulged) copper-coated base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins) (5 rounds)

Range: 0.940 - 0.946
Avg: 0.943Velocity: (fps)

Velocity (fps): 1671, 1661, 1032, 1558, 1640
Avg: (1512)

**Note: The round that shot 1032 fps did not have the energy to cycle the slide


Red Army Standard 94-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

This became available in January, 2014 and is the first commercial 9x18 we've been offered from the Lugansk factory. I ran a "Bright Nail" test on the primer to insure that it was not corrosive.




Manufacturer: Lugansk Cartridge Works, Lugansk, Ukraine. Imported by Century Arms International
Headstamp: Red Army LU 9x18 MAK
Cartridge Case: Polymer coated steel case, non-corrosive Berdan primer with red seal
Bullet: Two bullets weighed: 93.7, 94.5-gr; lead core bi-metal jacketed (copper clad steel) bullet with concave exposed lead base
Magnetic: Both case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.972 - .980
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1007 - 1070
Avg: 1036
ES: 63
SD: 15


Red Army Standard Elite 93-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

This became available in 2015. The Red Army Elite is made with reloadable brass casings and copper plated bullets.



Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland
Headstamp: Red Army M 9x18 MAK
Cartridge Case: Brass case, non-corrosive Boxer primer with red seal
Bullet: Two bullets weighed: 93.5, 93.2-gr; lead core copper jacketed bullet with concave exposed lead base
Magnetic: Neither case nor bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - .977
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 962 - 1050
Avg: 1012
ES: 88
SD: 23


Reeds 90-gr Gold-Dot (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Reeds Ammunition & Research, Oklahoma City, OK
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK
Cartridge Case: Brass (Starline), Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 88.9-gr (1 measured; factory Speer load), copper-coated, concave copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.959 - 0.963

Velocity (fps)

Range: 922 - 979
Avg: 957
ES: 57
SD: 19


"Russian Military" FMJ (12 rounds tested)

Identified as "Russian Military" for lack of a better term. This comes in 16-round, completely unmarked cardboard boxes. The manufacturer information is deduced from the headstamp markings which are typical military: "38" refers to the manufacturing plant code and "87" is the year of manufacture.



Manufacturer: Yuryuzan Factory, Russia
Headstamp: 38 87
Cartridge Case: Copper-washed steel, Berdan primed, corrosive primer
Bullet: 91.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated; steel core with thin flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.978
Avg: 0.973

Velocity (fps)

Range: 868 - 938
Avg: 895
ES: 70
SD: 11


RWS "Match Grade" "Sport" 95-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

RWS (Rheinisch-Westfälischen Sprengstoff) is manufactured in Sirok, Hungary under the conglomerate RUAG Ammotec. RUAG includes the brands RWS®, Rottweil®, GECO®, Norma® and Hirtenberger®. It's imported to the U.S. by RUAG Ammotec USA, Tampa, Florida.

Although advertised and labeled as 95-grain this bullet is probably built to the 6-gram standard, which equates to 92.6 grains.




Manufacturer: RUAG Ammotec; the old MFS plant in Sirok, Hungary
Headstamp: RWS 9x18 Makarov
Cartridge case: brass, Boxer primed
Bullet: 92.6, 92.3-grains (2 weighed); lead core brass clad, round-nose with a concave exposed-lead base and purple seal on the bullet inside the case mouth
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.972 - 0.976
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 885 - 987
Avg: 948
ES: 102
SD: 27

Sellier & Bellot 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

Note: MagTech ((Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC)) purchased Sellier & Bellot in April, 1999

24-round white box



Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlašim, Czechoslovakia
Headstamp: 9 mmM S & B
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.961 - 0.965
Avg: 0.963

Velocity (fps)

Range: 898 - 934
Avg: 916
ES: 36
SD: 14


Sellier & Bellot 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

50-round green/red/white box. Older style box pictured on left.



Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlašim, Czechoslovakia
Headstamp: 9 mmM S & B
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.7-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.977 - 0.979
Avg: 0.978

Velocity (fps)

Range: 914 - 966
Avg: 940
ES: 52
SD: 16
 
#5 · (Edited)
Silver Bear (Barnaul) 94-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

In 2006 the Russian Barnaul plant started manufacturing Silver Bear. Older Silver Bear cartridges were produced by the Russian LVE plant.



Manufacturer: CJSC Barnaul Cartridge Plant, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: "9mm Mak" with small "JSC" (Russian Cartridge Plants Association) trademark
Cartridge Case: Zinc plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.3-grains (2 weighed the same), steel-jacketed, copper-coated, with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.968 - 0.978
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 930 - 1007
Avg: 969
ES: 77
SD: 20


Silver Bear (Barnaul) 94-gr HP
(20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: CJSC Barnaul Cartridge Plant, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: "9 mm Mak" with small "JSC" (Russian Cartridge Plants Association) trademark
Cartridge Case: Zinc plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.2-gr (2 weighed the same), steel-jacketed, copper-coated, with concave copper-coated base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.936 - 0.941
Avg: 0.939

Velocity (fps)

Range: 916 - 998
Avg: 963
ES: 82
SD: 25

Silver Bear 120-gr JHP (10 rounds tested)

A lot of shooters posted that this round wouldn't fit in or would jam in their magazines.



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 01 9X18MAK
Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 116.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.961 - 0.974
Avg: 0.968

Velocity (fps)

Range: 945 - 983
Avg: 960
ES: 38
SD: 12


Silver Bear 115-gr JHP (20 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 01 9X18MAK
Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 116.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with flat copper base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.960 - 0.972
Avg: 0.966

Velocity (fps)

Range: 992 - 1037
Avg: 1011
ES: 45
SD: 12


Silver Bear 92-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia
Headstamp: LVE 01 9x18MAK
Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.9-gr (1 measured), steel-cased copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.983
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 885 - 1057
Avg: 1033
ES: 172
SD: 52

Speer 100-gr JSP (10 rounds tested)

This round was sent to Makarov.com for testing but was never produced for the market. I thank George Fisher for providing me with some rounds to test. I found that this round, constructed with a very blunt nose, was built a bit too long and I had trouble loading it into a magazine.

Manufacturer: Blount (CCI), Lewiston, Idaho
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK (Nickel Starline Brass)
Cartridge case: Nickel Case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.973 - 0.975
Avg: 0.975

Velocity: (fps)

Range: 915 - 964
Avg: 929
ES: 49
SD: 14

Stars & Stripes Ammunition GDHP 90-gr (15 rounds tested)

No photo - small sample tested that was sent to me by a forum member

Manufacturer: Stars & Stripes Ammunition, Pompano Beach, FL
Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK (Starline brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 1 GDHP bullet weighed 90.0-grains; copper-coated, concave copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.963 - 0.973
Avg: 0.970

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1,052 - 1,122
Avg: 1088
ES: 70
SD: 21

TCW 109-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

50-round white box.



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia
Headstamp: TCW 9mm Makarov
Cartridge Case: Steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 2 measured: 108.2-gr; 109.8-gr; copper-coated bullet, flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.972 - 0.980
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 978 - 1037
Avg: 1013
ES: 59
SD:17


Tiger 95-gr JHP (10 rounds tested)

See above: "Barnaul"



Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Mak (W/ Trademark)
Cartridge Case: Zinc plated steel, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.3-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave copper-coated base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.935 - 0.941
Avg: 0.937

Velocity: (fps)

Range: 1040 - 1070
Avg: 1053
ES: 30
SD: 9


Tula: See also "TCW" and "B West"

TulAmmo 92--gr FMJ (15 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia
Cartridge Case: Steel cased, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.8-gr and 93.1-gr (2 measured), steel-jacketed, copper-coated, with flat exposed-lead base and small meplat (flat nose)
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.977
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 934 - 1007
Avg: 964
ES: 73
SD: 21


Underwood Ammo 95-gr Hornady XTP J.H.P (20 rounds tested)

This ammunition became available in October, 2012. Kevin Underwood states that this round produces 24,500 psi which is above the C.I.P. pressure maximum of 23,206 psi. CCI stated in their 2005 reloading manual that they established a pressure mazimum of 24,100 psi for the 9x18 cartridge. I would be cautious about shooting this in a PA-63.

Underwood also produces a 115-gr hardcast lead bullet (not tested here) that Underwood states is not over pressure.


Manufacturer: Underwood Ammo, Charleston, W. VA
Headstamp: 9x18 MAK *-* (Starline Brass)
Cartridge Case: Brass, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 95-gr Hornady XTP J.H.P, copper-jacketed with flat copper base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.923 - 0.926
Avg: 0.924

Velocity (fps)

Range: 1159 - 1200
Avg: 1176
ES: 41
SD: 11


Winchester 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

Made in Czechoslovokia



Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlašim, Czechoslovakia
Headstamp: WIN 9x18 Mak
Cartridge Case: Brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 93.8-gr (1 measured), copper-coated bullet, concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: No magnetic components

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.977 - 0.977 (!!)
Avg: 0.977

Velocity (fps)

Range: 904 - 966
Avg: 928
ES: 45
SD: 13


WPA (WOLF) "Polyformance" 94-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Mak. (with Barnaul trademark*)
Cartridge case: Green polymer coated steel case, Berdan primed; non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 94.6, 95.7-grains (2 weighed); steel-jacketed, copper-coated ("Bi-Metal"); round-nose with a concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.982
Avg: 0.976

Velocity (fps)

Range: 934 - 1028
Avg: 1003
ES: 94
SD: 23


* The Barnaul Trademark on this headstamp is:



WOLF "Military Classic" 95-gr FMJ (20 rounds tested)

This offering from Wolf became available in early 2007. It's the first 9x18 ammunition that I've seen that's reported to be from the Ulyanovsk plant in Russia. Although the box states 95-gr, the Wolf website states the bullet weighs 92-grains and my measurements also indicate that a bullet weighing less than 95-grains is used.



Manufacturer: Ulyanovsk Machine Tool Plant, Ulyanovsk, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF
Cartridge case: Green polymer coated steel case, Berdan primed; non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 92.9, 93.8-grains (2 weighed); steel-jacketed, copper-coated, round-nose with a concave exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.967 - 0.977
Avg: 0.973

Velocity (fps)

Range: 961 - 1069
Avg: 1034
ES: 108
SD: 27


WOLF 109-gr "Bi-Metal Case" FMJ (14 rounds tested)

This may have been the first 9x18 to bear the Wolf brand. It has a rounded, copper-coated bullet, unlike the cone-shape of the later 109 and 100-grain FMJ's. The cone-shaped bullets have steel casings; where this variety has a copper-colored "Bi-Metal" (copper-washed steel) casing. It was followed by the 109-grain "conehead", then by the 100-grain "conehead". Wolf is an "umbrella" company organized for export and contracts with multiple manufacturers. Even though their website has traditionally listed manufacuter at the Tula Cartridge Works, their recent offerings may be produced by various Russian facilities, including the JSC Liimovsk Stamping Plant, the Ulyanovsk Machine Tool Plant and the Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC.



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia
Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF
Cartridge Case: Copper-washed steel case, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 107.7-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.971 - 0.979
Avg: 0.975

Velocity (fps)

Range: 946 - 998
Avg: 971
ES: 52
SD: 15

WOLF 100-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)

When Wolf switched from 109-grain to 100-grain they put a lot of 100-grain bullets into boxes marked 109-grain. Check the color of the casing - 109-grain is green colored and 100-grain is gray colored.



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia (caveat listed above)
Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF
Cartridge Case: Steel cased, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 101.2-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.979
Avg: 0.974

Velocity (fps)

Range: 908 - 987
Avg: 951
ES: 79
SD: 22

WOLF 109-gr FMJ (10 rounds tested)



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia (Caveat listed above)
Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF
Cartridge case: Steel-cased, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 107.4-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with flat exposed-lead base
Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.969 - 0.977
Avg: 0.972

Velocity (fps)

Range: 950 - 992
Avg: 973
ES: 42
SD: 14


Wolf 120-gr HP (13 rounds tested)

This was a very limited production and produced a very stout recoil.



Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia (Caveat listed above)
Headstamp: 9mm MAKAROV WOLF
Cartridge Case: Steel-cased, Berdan primed, non-corrosive primer
Bullet: 119.7-gr ( Avg. of 3 measured), steel-jacketed fully copper-coated bullet with flat base
Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic

OAL (ins)

Range: 0.958 - 0.968
Avg: 0.962

Velocity (fps)

Range: 931 - 1025
Avg: 982
ES: 94
SD: 27
 
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