Ammunition manufacturer Buffalo Bore announced they will introduce two new 9mm Makarov (9×18) loads in 2010. One load is a 95 grain JHP rated at 1175 fps (291 ft-lbs energy), while the second is a hard cast lead 115 gr FN at 1000 fps (255 ft-lbs energy.)
The loads are labeled as “+P,” indicating pressure levels above those of standards published by SAAMI. Among other things, SAAMI sets voluntary compliance standards for pressure limits on cartridges. The published limits on the 9×18 is a relatively weak 23,000 psi. Some Makarov enthusiasts have speculated the SAAMI limit is too cautious, and that many surplus Makarov pistols chambered in 9×18 could safely handle pressures greater than the SAAMI limit.
I suspect that most Makarov pistols chambered for the 9×18 could handle the +P ammo, but caution should be used.
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This load has more energy than 38 special +P but with lighter projectiles.
It’s about time someone made a credible 9×18 load ! Makarovs made in Russia, Bulgaria, and East Germany are of the best quality. They are made from old recycled steel from the 1930′s-40′s. That’s why the steel on them is so heavy and dense. With that in mind these little pistols are able to handle ample power to +P and +P+ loads in limitation. You can’t get steel like that today if you tryed.
I don’t know what they did different back then but steel and things made from it were a lot more durable than today. Today everything is focused on light weight, back then it was durability !
I’ve got an East German Mak that is a great shooting gun. My sole complaint about the 9×18 has been the ammo selection, not the gun. Hornady announced they will be producing a 9×18 load in their Critical Defense line, but I haven’t seen it yet. I hope it rolls out soon. I plan on buying up some of it also.
-Richard