9x18mm Makarov as a carry/defensive round?

[Frankl03]

CZ-82 is my edc, loaded with Silver Bear hps. Snappy shooter!

 

[winchester1886]

I only use Hornady Critical Defense ammo in my Makarov and also my CZ 82.I don't feel under gunned shot placement is the key.

 

[PabloJ]

PabloJ, perhaps you need to rethink your wording on that "manly" comment. Seems as if you just insulted every person that carries something smaller than a .40.

I have S&W 940. There is absolutely nothing wrong with girly guns! Matter of fact pink Hogue Monogrip will complement stainless finish very nicely.

 

[pockets]

Hornady XTP cycles well in the three 9x18's I own; Bulgarian Makarov, PA-63, and P-64.
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[marklmurray]

I'm thinking that Hornady XTP load is the best out there right now. I've seen a couple recent YouTube ballistic Gel tests that show good performance being replicated by this round.

I currently use a load by Georgia Arms (they're local to me, but available for order), that uses the Speer Gold Dot Bullet. I haven't seen many ballistic tests with this load, but availability, and my confidence in the Speer bullet dictated my choice, here. I'll probably pick up some Hornady XTP (not critical defense) when next the time comes.

I have tried the Buffalo Bore "+P" load as well, but it just felt way to hot and I felt it might be overdriving the bullet design and limiting potential penetration. I have no doubts that this load would reliably expand, though.

There is also an XTP load by Underwood ammo that they market as "+P". I have seen some Gel test on this one as well, that seem to also indicate that the increased velocity results in great expansion, but decreased penetration.