9x18 tested - 115 Hard Cast vs 95 JHP Underwood AND Buffalo Bore

[Turftech1]

Well, when we posted our last 9x18 ammo test, you asked to see 115 gr Hard Cast, and the UNDERWOOD 95 gr JHP.

I don't want to ruin the video, but will just say that the UNDERWOOD JHP is a sweet little round!

Enjoy.... if you're into Maks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1izBXZejuqA


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[Panzerschwein]

Love the Maks. Excellent stopping power and accuracy at close range. Very reliable CCW guns.

 

[Turftech1]

Love the Maks. Excellent stopping power and accuracy at close range. Very reliable CCW guns.

The more I shoot them, the more I like them.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I once read a story about a Spetsnaz guy who could hit a man sized target reliably at 80 yards with a Makarov.

 

[Wil Terry]

IF you can stand the thought of protecting your one and only life with a cartridge that is nothing more than a 380ACP with delusions of granduer. NOTHING MORE !!!
You do not understand the Russian mindset on pistols; they're nothing more than the instrument used to execute lines up prisoners, one each to the back of the head.
And so it goes...

 

[481]

For my own purposes, the Mak is a fun pistol-and round-to shoot. S'pose it could be pressed into service as a self-defense gun, but I already have a Glock 17 for that.

 

[WardenWolf]

Thank you for the tests, Turftech. I'll be sure to pick some of that Underwood stuff up for my next carry ammo. I've carried a P-64 for years, simply because it's more reliable than any commercial piece in the size range.

 

[Dr.Rob]

That might be the best jhp I have ever seen out of a Mak.

 

[Turftech1]

That might be the best jhp I have ever seen out of a Mak.

It's the best I've seen, and we've tested

Hornady XTP
Hornady FTX
BBore JHP
Underwood JHP
PPU JHP

The Underwood 9x18 JHP performed very similar to the Federal 115 gr JHP fired from our 9mm Beretta.

Next tests will be fired through either dry-wall or sheet metal.

 

[Tactical Lever]

IF you can stand the thought of protecting your one and only life with a cartridge that is nothing more than a 380ACP with delusions of granduer. NOTHING MORE !!!
You do not understand the Russian mindset on pistols; they're nothing more than the instrument used to execute lines up prisoners, one each to the back of the head.
And so it goes...

And the .40 is a neutered 10 mm, the .41 mag is no .44, the .44 is a .43 magnum and just not quite a hot .45....

Meanwhile a full size rifle does not fit in the pants, 9mm have put down problem wildlife and what is the point?

Are you suggesting something different for home defense? I think a lot of people have different guns for the task at hand.

 

[Merle1]

Well, when we posted our last 9x18 ammo test, you asked to see 115 gr Hard Cast, and the UNDERWOOD 95 gr JHP.

I don't want to ruin the video, but will just say that the UNDERWOOD JHP is a sweet little round!

Enjoy.... if you're into Maks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1izBXZejuqA


.

Thanks for re-testing & making the video!
You answered my question about the 115 gr loads.

Merle

 

[DMK]

That Underwood 95gr is impressive. 9x19 performance indeed.

 

[kBob]

"I once read a story about a Spetsnaz guy who could hit a man sized target reliably at 80 yards with a Makarov. "

Are makarovs known for some sort of lack of accuracy?

Any halfway decent shot should be able to do that with a service handgun.

My wife used to do better than that with 2 inch .38 Specials like the Charter, Rossi and Taurus models of the 1990's.

These test have got me reconsidering this year's quest for pistols for my kids.

-kBob

 

[Turftech1]

I am as accurate, if not more accurate, with my CZ-82 as with my full sized Beretta PX-4 Storm (which I also love).

I wish the CZ-82 had a de-cocker, but other than that, it is one of my favorite guns to shoot, and I do carry it sometimes.

 

[kBob]

what is the trigger pull like on the CZ83? Can you improve it without introducing other issues?

How is Magazine availability?

Looks like your boy is about mine's age and size so the CZ 83 looks good in that respect.

-kBob

 

[Jim NE]

And the .40 is a neutered 10 mm, the .41 mag is no .44, the .44 is a .43 magnum and just not quite a hot .45....

Meanwhile a full size rifle does not fit in the pants, 9mm have put down problem wildlife and what is the point?

Are you suggesting something different for home defense? I think a lot of people have different guns for the task at hand.

That's a good perspective. Also, remember that one of the considerations that determines caliber selection is how accurately it can be shot by an individual or a population on average. As suspect as I am of communists, I doubt their military or police leadership said, "We want a gun that' s only good at point blank range."

And the next time somebody one of these guns at me, I doubt I'm going to say, "Whew! It's only a Mak! I'm safe!"

 

[Turftech1]

what is the trigger pull like on the CZ83? Can you improve it without introducing other issues?

How is Magazine availability?

Looks like your boy is about mine's age and size so the CZ 83 looks good in that respect.

-kBob

Never owned a CZ-83, but assume it is similar to the 82. I have no problem with the trigger on the CZ-82. It is fine in both DA and SA. I know my PA-63 has an atrocious DA trigger, and a barely passable SA trigger. I have heard P-64 triggers are rough too.

 

[Tactical Lever]

That's a good perspective. Also, remember that one of the considerations that determines caliber selection is how accurately it can be shot by an individual or a population on average. As suspect as I am of communists, I doubt their military or police leadership said, "We want a gun that' s only good at point blank range."

And the next time somebody one of these guns at me, I doubt I'm going to say, "Whew! It's only a Mak! I'm safe!"

Ya, thanks! I don't think I would like to get hit with 21" of penetration that those hard cast are doing either!

And of course portability is a big concern. If the gun weighs 4 pounds and is not concealable, no one would carry it.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Well the 9x18 is ok, but even the top 9x18 ammo is no where near a standard velocity 9x19! And now there are plenty of small 9mms.

Oh, and I do have a East German Makarov, ammo, dies, and lots of Hornday XTP slugs.

I still use more capable rounds.

Deaf

 

[Wishoot]

Well the 9x18 is ok, but even the top 9x18 ammo is no where near a standard velocity 9x19! And now there are plenty of small 9mms.

Oh, and I do have a East German Makarov, ammo, dies, and lots of Hornday XTP slugs.

I still use more capable rounds.

Deaf

Very true. I prefer my 9mm to my 9x18.

BUT...

My CZ82 is remarkably accurate, ergonomic and the DA/SA is one of the smoothest I've found. The CZ82 can dump 12 rounds on a target with a bit more accuracy than any other gun I own. I carry a 9mm Shield most of the time, but I wouldn't feel terribly under -gunned with a CZ82 either. Especially with that 95gr JHP load from Underwood.

 

[joneb]

Turftech1, it would be great to have some velocity numbers. Nice work and very well done. Thanks.