Decently priced FMJ or plated 9x18 MAK bullets?

Status
Not open for further replies.
K

Katitmail

Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
568
Location
St Louis
Any sources? I'd like NOT to do lead if possible. But if you have source for lead bullets - let me know (I only know Missouri Bullet company and I pay 10% tax there...)

Anybody reload MAK here?

P.S. I try to stay away from lead because I don't know how to deal with leading of barrel.
 
9x18 (.364") 95 gr Berry's RN plated $25.59 / 250 (free shipping + $6.95 processing) - https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/23261

9x18 (.364") 95 gr Speer TMJ plated $18.09 / 100 (free shipping + $6.95 processing) - https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17341

9x18 (9mm Makarov) (365") 95 gr Hornady XTP JHP $17 / 100 - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/48...95-grain-xtp-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-100

9x18 (9mm Makarov) (364") 95 Speer TMJ $19.45 / 100 - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...ameter-95-grain-total-metal-jacket-box-of-100
 
9x18 (.364") 95 gr Berry's RN plated $25.59 / 250 (free shipping + $6.95 processing) - https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog...roductId/23261
Click to expand...

Thanks! But how do I order? :) I see "available" but no options to add to cart or anything like this...

Seems like <$0.10 round is not achievable right now, unless it's lead. I'm using my EG Mak for most target practice and for carry and tend to shoot it more than anything.

Is it a bid deal to clea lead? Switch from FMJ to lead. Any precautings? Cleaning problems?
 
Hmmm, not sure why. The "Add to cart" button is showing for the Speer bullet but not for the Berry's bullet. :confused:

You could try giving them a call/email.


As to shooting lead in Makarov, I had a Russian model chambered for 380Auto (wish I never sold it). Many shoot lead in Makarov's with good results. Best way to test is to try some bullets.

Hodgdon and Alliant have jacketed/plated load data for 9x18 Makarov and here's 2004 Alliant lead load data for 100 gr lead bullet - you can also use the load data for slightly lighter 93-95 gr lead bullets).

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • 2004 Alliant 9x18 Makarov.jpg
    2004 Alliant 9x18 Makarov.jpg
    30.8 KB · Views: 119
I'm just gettig started with the Mak reloading myself. I will likely be going to lead (my first venture there as well). From what I can tell, there's nothing serious to worry about until you start pushing the edge of the velocity envelope with lead. More experienced shooters are sure to chime in.
 
Berry discontinued MAK bullets, it's not in their catalog. Other's charge 20c per round which, when primer included will not make sense to reload financially. I'd rather buy ready ammo.

Ordered 2000 from MBC, will learn how to deal with lead I guess.

Hopefully someone will chime in with notes for loading lead bullets vs plated/FMJ.
 
I have found that Red Dot works well with lead bullets. I use 3.0 gr of it with 93gr LRN, haven't had any problems.

Wish I could get some jacketed bullets. Some of the ranges require jacketed and also have rules against steel cased ammo. So basically I can't shoot my Mak :banghead:

Can't find factory ammo with brass cases in stock anywhere

Can't find jacketed bullets for reloading in stock anywhere (seems that everyone has discontinued them, even Hornady)

Edited to add:

I think that 9x18 is a dying cartridge. Manufacturers are dropping it left and right, like rats from a sinking ship. I started a thread about this a while ago back. Makes me sad because it's a cool caliber. Am considering buying new barrels for my 2 Makarov pistols and converting them to .380 ACP
 
Lead is fine in 9x18 or .380 ACP Maks. I have Maks in both calibers, and reload for them.

I kept my B-West imported, satin nickel Mak in .380 all these years. :evil:
 
I found a couple of boxes of speer TMJ bullets and started reloading for my CZ-82. It's about the same price as buying factory ammo.... when you can find it. I actually have a 380 ACP barrel for mine in case 9x18 does go the way of the 357 Maximum... useful, semi-available, but very uncommon.

Matt
 
We started casting and loading for my son's PA63 this year, using trimmed down 9mm Luger cases which are everywhere. Turns out they are significantly more accurate than any 9x18 factory ammo he has ever used and leading is not an issue at all. A bit of work trimming those cases though, but they should last a long time.
 
What is the best way to effectively trim cases? I collected some nickel plated ones I'm ready to turn into MAK stuff
 
David4516 said:
I have found that Red Dot works well with lead bullets. I use 3.0 gr of it with 93gr LRN, haven't had any problems.

Wish I could get some jacketed bullets. Some of the ranges require jacketed and also have rules against steel cased ammo. So basically I can't shoot my Mak :banghead:

Can't find factory ammo with brass cases in stock anywhere

Can't find jacketed bullets for reloading in stock anywhere (seems that everyone has discontinued them, even Hornady)

Edited to add:

I think that 9x18 is a dying cartridge. Manufacturers are dropping it left and right, like rats from a sinking ship. I started a thread about this a while ago back. Makes me sad because it's a cool caliber. Am considering buying new barrels for my 2 Makarov pistols and converting them to .380 ACP
Click to expand...
Several manufacturers have stated that they are merely discontinuing Makarov bullet production until they can catch up with more popular calibers. I just received an in-stock notification for Makarov ammo earlier this month (can't remember where).
 
Several manufacturers have stated that they are merely discontinuing Makarov bullet production until they can catch up with more popular calibers
Click to expand...

And when will they catch up? My guess is never. Ammo and reloading components have been difficult to find of years now (thank you Mr. Obama!)

Unless manufacturers add more capacity to their operations, I don't anticiapate that they will ever catch up. Especially when you take into accout all the new shooters and reloaders. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we have new people, the more the better. I am just not hopeful that 9x18 has a future. Yesterday I orderd a pair of .380 ACP Mak barrels from Numrich...
 
What is the best way to effectively trim cases? I collected some nickel plated ones I'm ready to turn into MAK stuff
Click to expand...

Not sure if it's the best, but we first deprime and run them through the 9mak expander die,then trim with the appropriate Lee length gauge and cutter (with the lock stud chucked into a cordless drill). Chamfer/deburr while still in the drill. Doing batches of 50-100 at a time while watching TV or something, still a chore but goes fairly quickly.
 
I use .365" LRN mostly with W-231 and WLP or CCI 500 works real well.
I trim 9x19 to 9x18 on a Lyman universal using the .357 pilot, works real well.
 
I have loaded Missouri Bullets Mak leads with 3.2 grains of Red Dot and 3.5 grains of Bulleye. In my East German Mak and Polish P64, the 93g LRN is as accurate as Russian FMJ. I was worried about leading, but I have not seen much, if any, problem. There is one problem, though. My P64 ejects brass to another county, which makes recovery difficult. Fortunately, my gun club allows me to shoot lead and the steel Russian Make ammo.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

O
  • Locked
Is anyone still making FMJ bullets for 9x18?
Replies
4
Views
308
swiftak
S
B
  • Locked
Bullets for 9x18 Makarov?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Thirties
T
C
  • Locked
Plated Bullets
Replies
11
Views
2K
Gewehr98
G
D
  • Locked
Switch to Lead Bullets - What do I need to know?
2
Replies
33
Views
1K
Smokey Joe
S
mongoose33
  • Locked
.45 200gr FMJ bullets?
Replies
7
Views
825
gregj
G
Back
Top