9X18 load data

[joem]

I note that there doesn't seem to be a great deal of loading data on this caliber (9X18). I've done a bit of searching and have found only a few sites that offer any data. Is this because this caliber is not well known in this country?

[KeithNyst]

I don’t think the importing of the 9x18s [CZs, true Makarovs (Russian, East German, Bulgarian), Polish P64 and P83, and Hungarian PA63] have been going on long enough to establish the demand for reload components and data. And there has been quite a bit of reasonably priced steel-cased Russian ammo available. I was finally able to purchase 9x18 brass from Starline this year. I found load data on Hodgdon’s and Alliant’s websites, and in Hornady’s 8th edition, Lyman’s 49th, Speer’s 14th manuals. FYI, you can also convert 9x19 Parrabellum brass (google ”fireform 9x19 to 9x18”).

I started picking up a few of these last year as a cheaper way to feed my collecting habit (the price of the 1911s and 1911A1s are just getting so high).

[Tuna]

The Makarovs are following suit with the 1911's. The East Germans are now over $400 close to $500 and the rest are following. The only ones not climbing in value are the commercial Russian ones.

[Sunray]

Few firearms and NIH. Uses an odd bullet diameter too.

[joem]

I got my dies and I'll order some cast lead soon. I'm ready to try it out.

[Tuna]

By the way Joe which version of the Makarov are you going to be loading for?

[joem]

By the way Joe which version of the Makarov are you going to be loading for?

I'm unaware that there are different versions for the makarov. I know that there is 9X17, 9X18, 9X19, 9X21,9X23 and 9X25.

[Tuna]

Not caliber wise but pistol wise. Which make and model are you getting?

[joem]

Not caliber wise but pistol wise. Which make and model are you getting?

Oh, P64. It looks like new. The double action pull is long and stiff but the single action pull while somewhat long breaks very smooth. I did see a U tube where a guy demonstrated one with a double stack mag that held more than 6. I'll have to look into that.

[Tuna]

A P64 is fine then with the use of lead bullets. A CZ 82 is not the best to use with lead bullets because of the rifling in it. Polygonal rifling and lead do not mix well together just like in the Glocks. I did read sometime ago that if your replace the hammer spring in the P64 with one for the PPK that it improves the trigger pull in double action a lot.