9mm Makarov - The Firearms Forum

obxned · 09-08-2009, 12:20 AM

Anybody have any information on penetration and expasion of FMJs and the few JHPs available in this caliber? I haven't been able to find any data on line.

I've shot S&B FMJs and Silver Bear JHPs, both of which function 100% and are very accurate from my CZ-82, but I've had no chance to do any penetration or expansion testing due to lack of time.

Hammerslagger · 09-08-2009, 05:45 AM

The 9 Makarov (9.3 X 18) is or Soviet design. In compact pistols of Walther PP design, it falls about half way between the .380 ACP (9mm Kurz or Corto) and the 9 mm Luger (9x19) in ballistic energy on paper.

As to hollow-point expansion, that will depend on the brand of ammo, and will vary greatly. Several USA makers now load 9 Makarov hollow-point defensive ammo.

Of course, hollow point designs are not designed for deep penetration. In cold weather locations, a "Carhart" canvas coat over several underlying sweaters has been alleged to been pretty good body armor, on several occasions, involving police shootings. One might be well advised to alternate HP and FMJ in the magazine.

09-08-2009, 12:20 AM	#1
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	9mm Makarov Anybody have any information on penetration and expasion of FMJs and the few JHPs available in this caliber? I haven't been able to find any data on line. I've shot S&B FMJs and Silver Bear JHPs, both of which function 100% and are very accurate from my CZ-82, but I've had no chance to do any penetration or expansion testing due to lack of time. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan -->

09-08-2009, 05:45 AM	#2
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: (mm Makarov The 9 Makarov (9.3 X 18) is or Soviet design. In compact pistols of Walther PP design, it falls about half way between the .380 ACP (9mm Kurz or Corto) and the 9 mm Luger (9x19) in ballistic energy on paper. As to hollow-point expansion, that will depend on the brand of ammo, and will vary greatly. Several USA makers now load 9 Makarov hollow-point defensive ammo. Of course, hollow point designs are not designed for deep penetration. In cold weather locations, a "Carhart" canvas coat over several underlying sweaters has been alleged to been pretty good body armor, on several occasions, involving police shootings. One might be well advised to alternate HP and FMJ in the magazine.