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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Barnaul (Monarch)
94-grain FMJ
See "Monarch (Barnaul)" listed below
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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(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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
2Avg: 0.969
Velocity (fps)
Range: 986 - 1047
Avg: 1022
ES: 61
SD: 19
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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|
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
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|
"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
Magnetic: No magnetic components
OAL (ins)
Range: 0.968 - 0.979
Avg: 0.972
Velocity (fps)
Range: 1001 - 1050
Avg: 1024
ES: 49
SD: 14
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|
LVE: See also “Novosibirisk”
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|
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
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|
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.
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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.
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MagSafe
Ammo, Inc.
No rounds tested to date.
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|
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.
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|
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
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|
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
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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
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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
OAL (ins)
Range: 0.973 - 0.979
Avg: 0.976
Velocity (fps)
Range: 986 - 1024
Avg: 1002
ES: 38
SD: 11
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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|
"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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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|
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
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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
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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: 
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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