[Minion82]

For you Makarov owners out there, what ball ammo do you like best? Personally, I'm looking for something with a good combination of price, accuracy, and functionality. I've tried S&B and CCI Blazer, both of which I liked, but I'd like to shoot something a little less expensive.

I've already got a couple boxes of Wolf to try at the next range session. How are the Russian imports, like LVE and Barnaul? Do they work consistently? Are they reasonably accurate? Will they coat my internals with lacquer?

I'd love to hear some opinions.

[CZ52GUY]

Barnaul ball is fine...I like the JHP better...it can be had reasonable...check out www.dansammo.com.

The PS Grand ball is getting good press over at the Makarov forum also for a cleaner alternative (it's boxer primed...reloadable...looks pretty much like S&B).

I've never had any issues with the laquer...the commie guns were made for it.

Good luck and enjoy your Mak', their great fun to shoot!

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[Missouri Mule]

I have yet to try the Barnaul ball.

I have however gone through about 2000 rounds of the HP's. Accuracy is very good, feeding is 100% and they always go bang.

I have recently been shooting the brown bear HP's. My two Maks absolutely love this stuff. I like the Brownies better than the Barnauls personally. I think they are a little more accurate in my Circle 10's.

6 -O- one 1/2 dozen of the other, really!!


Sorry if this doesn't help since the only ball ammo I have used in my Maks was the S&B you mentioned, when I first got my 2 Bulgies.

[Dave Markowitz]

All I've ever fed my Bulgarian Mak has been Barnaul 9x18 FMJ. It has close to 500 rounds though it without a malf.

[JERRY]

ive only shot wolf fmj in my mak. it doesnt get laquered covered or anything....ect.... i like that ammo, cheap, accurate, and so far, not one failure.

dirty ammo never was a concern for me, i always clean my guns after i shoot anyway.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I've had extremely good luck with Barnaul JHP and FMJ in the Makarov.

Best.

[Minion82]

Thanks all for the responses so far. Seems like Barnaul is universally loved. :)

How about LVE? Any experience? I found some at a really good price, so I have to wonder if it's any good.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Here are some figures based on ten-shot strings of fire that I chronographed. Hopefully, they'll be of some use:

9x18mm Makarov (East German Makarov):
LVE 115 gr JHP Ave. Vel. = 1025 ft/sec (ES:12/SD:5.38)!
Sellier & Bellot 95 gr ball Ave. Vel. = 924 ft/sec (ES:264/SD:81)!
Barnaul 95 gr ball Ave. Vel. = 1058 ft/sec (ES:45/SD:13)!
Fiocchi 95 gr ball Ave. Vel. = 1020 ft/sec (ES:89/SD: 32)
Corbon 95 gr JHP Ave. Vel. = 1100 ft/sec (ES:29/SD: 12)
Hornady 95 gr XTP Ave. Vel. = 984 ft/sec (ES:168/SD:60) HV:1102 ft/sec, LV: 933 ft/sec

(On another day)

Brown Bear LVE 115 JHP Ave. Vel. = 1007 ft/sec (ES:33/SD: 9.69)
Barnaul 95 gr JHP Ave. Vel. = 1030 ft./sec (ES: 66/SD:20.37)
Corbon 95 gr JHP +P Ave. Vel. = 1088 ft/sec (ES: 53/SD: 26.85)
Hornady 95 gr XTP Ave. Vel. = 938 ft/sec (ES: 63/SD: 21.35)

The 115-gr. load by Brown Bear did cause some feeding problems in both a Bulgarian and E. German Makarov until I beveled the lower edge of the feed ramp. The Barnaul ran w/o worry.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p0a021a05d90acdee333d30d87e9e2923/fcbd15ef.jpg
This Barnaul 95-gr. JHP was fired into water and expanded nicely.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/pfb65132cb534fefe03032b07597374d5/fcbd1534.jpg
The taller cartridge on the left is the Brown Bear 115-gr. and the one that gave problems for me ... initially. Runs fine now.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/pb6e40419505f0ab2ae62fc3648c315df/fcbd15eb.jpg
When fired into "scientific mud," the 115-gr. did expand a bit more than did the 95-gr. JHP.

Best.

[Gordon]

I am glad I bought 500rounds of the Corbon stuff when I could get it , Shot half am saving the other half. HOT STUFF! Very accurate and always has fed. It has much sharper recoil in my FEG's , especially my little bitty RK-59!;)

[denfoote]

Wolf!!!

[PCRCCW]

Ive shot most of the stuff listed.

My guns did NOT like Silver/Brown Bear.
Its the only ammo thats overexpanded to the point of locking itself in a chamber, thus my slide and frame were one!

As far as quality, price, performance, accuracy etc.....are concerned..Barnaul is the best IMO.

I WISH CORBON WOULD MAKE THE STUFF AGAIN!...........

Shoot well.......

[CZ52GUY]

I too had some issues with Silver Bear.

CZ52'

[agony]

My PMs universally crave Barnaul as their favorite food. They love the JHP and FMJ equally well.