9x18mm SD Cartridge Choice

[Aaryq]

Howdy, folks.

I've been using my PA-63 as my CCW for quite some time (when I can). I first inquired long ago as to if I should use a JHP or FMJ and decided on FMJ due to that magic 12" in Ballistics Gelatin. I bought a big case of S&B and Wolf Military Classic (both 95 gr FMJ) to test and my PA-63 shoots them both reliably but Wolf MC won the accuracy test. Since I am limited to 95 Grains or less due to the aluminum frame) in a cartridge slightly hotter than a .380, I'm trying to find the best possible rounds I can for HD/SD. Thing is, until I get the money to upgrade to a .45 ACP CCW, I need something with better expansion and less penetration of interior walls. I want something that will work as a GP alternative to FMJ for HD and for CCW. I've done my research and I have narrowed it down to 3 choices.
Here's the 3 I've chosen. Before I start testing them, are there any rounds that you have taken a liking to? Are there any that you would advise me to avoid?

95 Gr Hornaday XTP
80 Gr Glaser Silver Safety Slug
70 Gr Glaser Pow'R Ball

I'll be testing by accuracy and reliability. I'll be trying to research performance in ballistics (and if I can find a range that will allow it, test it in wet newspaper, or water jugs).

 

[Aaryq]

Shameless Self Bump

 

[bluetopper]

The Hornady XTP for sure, it performs remarkably.

 

[19-3Ben]

I'd look at some of THESE. The price is right, Georgia Arms has a great rep, and the Gold Dot is very well established as a reliable bullet.

 

[ARTiger]

Have used the XTP's and Georgia Arms Gold Dots in my CZ82 extensively. Both work well. The gold dot gets 70 more FPS (1026) through my old chronograph, but is actually a 90 grainer.(they were calling it 95)

 

[burningsquirrels]

brassfetcher.com

 

[Aaryq]

So Hornaday's 95 grain bullet is actually a 90 grain? Or is it just GA Arms reloads?

 

[Aaryq]

Are there any other loads availible out there?

 

[AnaxImperator]

I found some other 9mm Makarov SD options for ya.

Master Cartridge, 95gr JHP
Silver Bear & Brown Bear (also LVE/Russian surplus), 115gr HP
Federal Classic Hi-Shok, 90gr. JHP (IIRC out-of-production)

 

[Drgong]

Magtech Guardian Gold is another brand I seen people use.

 

[12Bravo20]

I found some other 9mm Makarov SD options for ya.

Master Cartridge, 95gr JHP
Silver Bear & Brown Bear (also LVE/Russian surplus), 115gr HP
Federal Classic Hi-Shok, 90gr. JHP (IIRC out-of-production)

I personally use Hornady XTP ammunition in my PA63. Since the OP is using a PA 63, I would strongly suggest against using anything over 95gr. I don't know if the article is still up on makarov.com, but it stated that one should not use any bullet heavier than 95 grains in the PA63 due to its aluminum frame. The heavier bullets are fine in pistols with steel frames.

 

[Gordon]

Wish I would have known I couldn't use Brown Bear 115 grain before my son and I put 400 rounds thru our PA-63s the last 5 years. They DO have wolffe springs however. have wolf springs, however.

 

[12Bravo20]

I wasn't trying to start a flame war with the warning, just passing on some safety information since some PA63s might not be able to handle the 115gr bullets and not every one has put Wolff springs in their pistols.

 

[esq_stu]

CorBon Pow'RBall 70gr
Try and find the CorBon JHP they stopped making. Hot stuff.

 

[Noxx]

Hornady was the only thing I could find when I bought my Mak, and it's tests had come back very well. I'm pleased with it's feeding and accuracy so I've stayed with it.

 

[rondog]

I hope this isn't off-topic, but does anyone know a good source for affordable cast-lead 95gr. bullets for 9x18mak, in .363 diameter? I wanna load up a bunch of target loads for my PA-63, using cut-down 9mm Luger cases.

 

[burningsquirrels]

the handload/reloading section of the forum might be a better place to ask too...