Best 9x18 Makarov self defense round?

I have several Maks and I have been over this ground several times. Since everything works well in a Mak the question becomes how much penetration do you think you need from a 9X18? I had used Corbon but they discontinued it. Also used Hornady XTP and its fine, so is the Barnaul hollow point. All of those open up just fine. That said, I am back to hard ball, at least I was during the winter. I like penetration.
 
That's weird. My EG Makarov didn't like Hornandy XTPs. I believe the problem was that the wide-mouthed hollow points were catching on the chamber throat and pushing the bullet back into the case. They actually fired, but it felt strange and spit burnt powder back through the firing pin hole.

I now use the Fiocchi JHP. It has a rather small mouth that feeds just like FMJ. The cost is low enough that I can shoot it regularly.
 
I made my own. I couldn't find anything decent like the Hornady XTP round, the Barnaul HP is so rubbishy that it wouldn't feed two in a row, so I bought some XTP and Phoenix 93 gr lead bullets and made my own, using Unique powder. I mix both loads in the mags, and they function flawlessly. I've got a hundred round supply of good SD/HD ammo now.

The XTP/Unique blast through three milk jugs and expand to .53 caliber. The Phoenix lead/Unique will punch through a 3-1/4" piece of treated pine.

If ya want it done right, do it yourself.
 
I used Silverbears in my IJ-70 for a little while, but relapsed back into using FMJs. The Makarov is the only pistol I keep loaded with hardball, but my Russian specimen loves the Chinese Norinco 95gr FMJ, and that's what I'll use.
After all, it's only a glovebox gun. I'd use what I'd be carrying first, anyway.
 
I used to use Cor-Bons, but since they stopped making it, I use Federal 90gr Hi-Shoks (C9MKB). They come out at 990 f/s with 195 ft-lb energy. Not exceptional, but not bad! :)
 
I usually keep Barnaul JHP in mine. I've shot over 1000 rds of it without a single malfunction. And it's about $5/50.

I also have some Corbons, but am saving them for a rainy day.
 
I wish I could find 9x18 Fiocchi around here, I like their other products I've tried in 9mm, .357 and .45. Can't even find it in catalogs:(
S&B works well, but I havn't found any in HP, only FMJ.
 
As much as I admire the Maks, these posts confirm to me why I think a good .380 is the better choice, at least in my book.
 
IT'S A DIRTY ROTTEN SHAME!
But according to an engineer that claimed to have helped set SAAMI standards for the 9X18, they used the poorer or lower end quality guns for their testing, one FEG for sure. For liablility reasons, they set the specs to accomodate the weapons that would not take higher pressure.

The Russian, EG, and Bulgies apparently have the ability to take substantially higher pressures than the SAAMI specs, as can be seen by some of the Russian 9X18 ammo that have 120 grain loads that crank out at around 1126 FPS. I have loaded 95 gain jacketed in excess of 1200 fps, and could detect no problems, other than the recoil that I would call stout, but not abusive. They got fair but not great accuracy. I think they could safely go higher, but am unwilling to try it.

Because of the legal issues, I shoot the Cor-Bon loads as a carry load, and get 1030 fps avg out of them with sub 2" groups at 25 yards. Since I have several Maks, my two accuracy practice loads with 100 gr copper plated average 920 fps and 980 fps, respectively. My accuracy small game 90 and 95 gr hollow point loads run 1040 to 1175 depending on bullet and weapon. All get groups of less than 2" at 25 yards. One weapon and load is under an inch.

Because of the ability to shot very tight groups rapid fire under 15 yards, I am very confident using my Maks for carry.

Shoney
 
Chipperman:
you are the first one I have seen that does not have glowing comments on the EG Mak.

What is the problem with our weapon? Please elaborate!


Laz:
There was only one unsupported negative comment before your remark. My Maks eat everything I feed them without a hiccup. Granted, some are more accurate than others, but at 15 yards, they will put every shot in a 3.5” circle, regardless of the ammo.

What is your reasoning that a 380 is better?

Shoney
 
Shoney - I didn't mean my comments to be negative about the Mak and I don't think the .380 is "better" than the 9x18. What I meant was that, for me, the .380 is a more practical round because there is not much difference between most .380 rounds and most 9x18 rounds in weight, velocity, and power, and high quality .380 hollowpoints are readily available. Cor-Bon does not currently make a 9x18 and other domestic hollowpoints are clearly in the .380 territory (and Cor-Bon's .380 is clearly in the 9x18 territory). Some of the other imported, hotter rounds are simply less obtainable on a regular basis, at least from my perspective. I used to have a Bulgie that I kinda miss and have thought about getting another one, so I have nothing but respect for the Maks and for the ingeniousness and simplicity of the design. But when I hear people talk about their problems finding good quality HPs for their Maks, I realize why I think a good quality .380 makes more sense - for me. Also, I have a Sig
P232 and a CZ83, both of which are, I think, outstanding examples of quality .380s. Granted, both do it with a whole bunch more parts than the marvelous Makarov, especially the CZ-83. Sorry to be so long-winded. I like the Maks and the 9x18. I choose the .380.
 
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