CZ -82 Ammo Question

[dmoore58]

Yesterday, I purchased my first CZ product, a CZ82 at a local gun show. Haven't had the chance to run any rounds thru it yet but from what I have been reading on the net the last month or so, I will enjoy it much more then the Hungarian PA-63 that I currently own. My question is in regard to safe ammo. After purchasing the PA-63 I found a report indicating that if you fire anything above 95gr ammo you are taking a big risk of that weapon blowing apart in your hand. Literally. I've seen ammo all the way up 120gr for the makarov round. Not that I want or would use this ammo but if I did would it be safe in the CZ-82 ? Input is appreciated

 

[TCOV]

I have a PA 63 and have never heard of one blowing up in your hand. Maybe happened but I haven't heard of it. The issue I have found with the PA 63 and heavy bullets is that some are too long to load in the magazine or feed reliably. I would think that ammo marked for 9mm MAK would be safe to shoot in any 9mm MAK pistol that will feed it reliably.

 

[dmoore58]

If I knew how to post an attachment I would post a the report I have. Would be happy to email you a copy of it

 

[dmoore58]

TCOV - Just tried to send you a copy of what I have if you didn't receive it let me know and I will resend it. Since you have that weapon as do I, it may save you some grief

 

[TCOV]

Thank you for your email. In this case the PA 63 blew up because the shooter fired it with another bullet stuck in the bore. I don't know about the other cases as no details. It's a moot point in mine as most won't fit the mag properly and feed properly. The PA 63 is an alloy frame and probably not for heavy use but with proper springs is a good light weight carry pistol and affordable for someone on a tight budget. I have shot over a thousand rounds of Wolf 9mm Mak in a couple pistols and not had one problem. This is my experience, others may disagree.

 

[nalioth]

The PA-63 is made of alloy (grip frame) with a steel slide. You shouldn't use powerful loads in it, imho (for a variety of reasons).

The Cz82 is an all steel pistol designed by the Czechs for a cartridge that was "dimensionally" a 9x18 Makarov, but not "technically" a 9x18 Makarov (the Czech round is more powerful).

The Cz82 will be fine shooting any type of 9x18 you desire.

 

[dmoore58]

I was simply under the impression if it says "Makarov" or "9x18" you should be able to feed it thru any weapon designed for it. Also, I'm aware this appears to be an "ammo" issue. This particular case user error was also obvious. However, in high stress rapid fire scenario as one gentleman put it "doubt I would have the reflexs to stop firing quick enough". I really like my PA-63. I Love the way it disappears in cc or in my tackle box.

Was just curious if I had to pay attention to the same details with the CZ-82 Hope you can understand my concern

 

[nalioth]

I was simply under the impression if it says "Makarov" or "9x18" you should be able to feed it thru any weapon designed for it. Also, I'm aware this appears to be an "ammo" issue. This particular case user error was also obvious. However, in high stress rapid fire scenario as one gentleman put it "doubt I would have the reflexs to stop firing quick enough". I really like my PA-63. I Love the way it disappears in cc or in my tackle box.

Jennings and Bryco are chambered in the same calibers as Beretta or other quality maker's pocket pistols.

Would you run the same 'high end" ammo though a Jennings or Bryco and expect it to wear the same as a Beretta or Seecamp?

 

[dmoore58]

Wear the same ? No.. Stay together ? Yes. Please undertstand I'm not knocking the weapon. Personally, I really like the PA-63. Lots of good attributes. Only curious if I have to be concerned with putting a heavy round thru the CZ 82 ? Was hoping that someone that has actually done it to give me a little input

 

[nalioth]

Wear the same ? No.. Stay together ? Yes. Please undertstand I'm not knocking the weapon. Personally, I really like the PA-63. Lots of good attributes. Only curious if I have to be concerned with putting a heavy round thru the CZ 82 ? Was hoping that someone that has actually done it to give me a little input

Allow me to repeat myself:

The CZ-82 was NOT DESIGNED WITH THE 9x18 IN MIND

The Czechs designed a more powerful round that coincidentally was of identical dimensions as the 9x18 Makarov cartridge.

More info: Cz-82/83 - Modern Firearms

You will be fine shooting whatever 9x18 you can get through it.

 

[Hammerhead6814]

The CZ-82 will eat any 9x18 you feed it. Even 9x19's shaved down to 9x18 (casing being shaved of course). Don't believe anyone who tells you the 9x19 uses a larger bullet, the Mak actually wins there.

They are great pistols and I can't wait to find another one. I'm still kicking myself for selling my first :banghead: .

If my girlfriend ever let me choose a pet-name for her, it would be Vz. 82.

 

[dmoore58]

Thanks for the info (and the confidence) guys. Just looking for that warm and cozy feeling if you know what I mean. Sorry nalioth wasn't getting your drift at first.
Theres a few available over at gunbroker.com if your really interested Hammerhead. Personally I think their wanting too much for them. Got mine at gun show Saturday. Paid $200 out the door with 2 mags, holster and a 50 rd box of ammo.

 

[Dr_2_B]

the 82's on my short list now too.

 

[christcorp]

dmoore; I would KILL if I could find 9x18 ammo up to 120 grain. Where have you seen such a thing??? Are you sure you were reading OLDER articles of when they use to have 115 grain ammo. Currently, I can't find anything of 94-95 grain. No matter WEAR I look. I have been discussing with BuffaloBore, and they are planning on making a 9mm Makarov that will be hotter; but they don't want to actively begin until the current ammo hysteria calms down. But if you can turn me onto some 115-120 grain 9x18 makarov ammo; I would definitely put you into my prayers. LOL!!! Thanks..... Mike.....

 

[dmoore58]

I've been reading for a while now what a great carry gun it is. Supposed to be extremely accurate and 100% reliable. We shall see. Going out to compare it to my PA-63 (the Hungarian Version) in a couple days

 

[dmoore58]

christcorp, I haven't actually seen ammo that heavy for it . I got that info off a list of ammo that shouldn't be put thru the PA-63. The heaviest I've actually seen was 109gr about 3 weeks ago at a gun show. Supposedly Wolf, Silver Bear and Brown Bear all have the 120 gr in 9x18 but I haven't actually seen it

 

[christcorp]

Well, if you can find any online available for purchase, definitely post it. I'd be interested. The biggest round I think I've found has been 100 grain wolf. Thanks.

 

[doubs43]

Allow me to repeat myself: The CZ-82 was NOT DESIGNED WITH THE 9x18 IN MIND

Yes, the CZ-82 WAS designed with the 9x18 as it's primary cartridge. What you fail to consider is that the Czech cartridge developed for the Czech pistol was - and is - a 9x18. The higher velocity was achieved by using a 4.5 gram (approx. 69.5 grains) bullet which increased velocity without increasing pressures. The bullet also used a sintered iron core that can only be fired in a polygonal bore, according to the reference. The Russian 9x18 cartridge uses a 6.1 gram (approx. 95 grains) bullet.

Your contention is no different than saying that a 9mm Luger cartridge loaded with a 130 grain bullet is a different cartridge than the same case loaded with a 115 grain bullet at a higher velocity.

My reference is taken from a Czech publication and is a bit more detailed than the one you've listed: http://www.freeexistence.org/vz82.html

Here's a quote from the site:

The new pistol was intended for the military, and chambered in 9mm Makarov (9mm vz. 82). Development of the pistol was completed in 1982, and it was then introduced to the People's Army of Czechoslovakia and marked on the bottom "9mm pistol vz. 82".

Farther down:

As was already generally known, the standard Makarov round was not ideal for service use, and so Sellier and Bellot began developing a cartridge interchangeable with the 9mm Makarov, however with a higher velocity bullet designed for a shorter distance.

You may argue that it's a different cartridge but I submit that it's simply a different loading of the same cartridge as I point out with the 9mm Luger cartridge.

 

[DMK]

Hmm. I have some Czech surplus ammo. I'll have to look at the markings on the box. It doesn't feel that hot.

I've shot it through my CZ82 and my EG mak.

Don't believe anyone who tells you the 9x19 uses a larger bullet, the Mak actually wins there.

The 9x18mak has a larger diameter bullet at .365 while 9x19 is .355

9x19 is usually longer though.

 

[amd6547]

Silver Bear used to sell a 115gn JHP, which I fired with no problem in both the CZ82 and the Polish P64.
It is no longer available.