9mm Makarov (9x18) Ammo
9mm Makarov ammo is a cartridge designed for use in handguns chambered for the Makarov pistol, a Soviet-era firearm that was widely used by the military and law enforcement agencies in the former Soviet Union and other countries. The cartridge is also known as 9x18mm Makarov.
The 9mm Makarov cartridge has a bullet diameter of 9.2mm (0.363 inches) and a case length of 18mm (0.709 inches), making it slightly shorter and wider than the more common 9mm Luger cartridge. It is typically loaded with a 95-grain bullet, although other weights are available.
The Soviet Army developed this cartridge in response to Germany’s attack during WWII. While the cartridge will fit in a 9mm Luger, attempting to fire it will blow the gun apart. Thus, any stockpiled munitions that the Germans captured would be useless in the 9mm Luger guns.
Compared to the 9mm Luger, the 9mm Makarov has less recoil and lower muzzle velocity, but it is still a reliable and effective cartridge for self-defense and target shooting. However, it is less common and less widely available than 9mm Luger ammo, which can make it harder to find and more expensive.
It is important to note that while the 9mm Makarov and 9mm Luger cartridges have similar names, they are not interchangeable and should not be used in firearms chambered for the other cartridge.