Makarov JHP ballistics

[Retro]

Question:

During winter conditions, i.e. people wearing heavy coats, will 9x18 FMJ be better at penetrating potential human targets at 20 years than JHP?

I have a IJ-70 Makarov in 9x18 as my carry piece, and I am currently carrying JHPs but then I heard that 9x18 JHP is not as effective as FMJ in penetration. I know JHP .45 and JHP 9 mm do not have the same problem of penetration as 9x18 JHP.

So is 9x18 JHP as effective as FMJ in penetrating winter coats at 15-20 yards?

 

[denfoote]

Which 9X18 HP round are you carrying??
There are so few of them out there now!!
Hornady still makes it, there is the new Cor-Bon and that's about it, except for the sometimes on-again/off-again Russian brands.

 

[Dr.Rob]

15-20 yards is a long way in a self defense situation.

Without a true ballistic test... I'd say stick with what functions in the gun.

 

[weregunner]

Go to the www. makarov.com site and check out the ammo velocity threads that are sticky.Most of the major as well as foreign brands were chronograghed and the Mak people are up on the self defense issue for this gun.

 

[hnm201]

Maks are very interesting and fun guns but you can get a 9mm of the same size and less weight with better sights for just slightly more money. See the Bersa Thunder series if budget is an issue. 9mm trumps 9x18 mak, easily.

 

[foob]

The mak sights are awesome. Maybe if you are old and your sight is failing it isn't good, else it is great. Aim small hit small.

 

[steelhead]

I would take a strong look at Cor-Bon Powerball in 9X18. It feeds fine in my EG Mak.

From their website.

" Pow'RBall (TM)
Glaser has expanded their line of premium high velocity ammunition to include the Pow'RBall(TM) bullet design. Pow'RBall is a breakthrough concept designed and developed by renowned bullet maker Peter R. Pi, Sr. This bullet design is so unique it now carries a U.S. Patent.
100% Bullet Weight Retention
The Pow'RBall(TM) is a controlled expansion bullet capped with a polymer ball giving it a "full metal jacket" or rounded ball is smooth and slick. It will not hang up or snag as it guides the cartridge effortlessly into the chamber. The jackted bullet's lead core is shaped into a specially designed cavity that promotes deep penetration and high weight retention. All of this aids in energy transfer that produces stopping power.

Pow'RBall will not get plugged by heavy clothing. This ammunition will give you confidence and peace of mind knowing you can count on it in a critical situation.

9 MM MAK 70 GR. PB 1150 FPS 206 FTLBS "


I don't like the sights either, for self defense, and changed them out.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I have to totally disagree with Dominic. I have both a Bersa THunder in 9mm and a Mak. My mak is a much better self defense piece. It is slimmer, more reliable and accurate. I carry 115gr Silver Bear and I am giving up little in the way firepower. Carry a good ammo like Hornady or Silver Bear and don't worry. I would choose JHP over ball without question. Remember its BETTER (according to the FBI) to get 12 inches of penetration, it desn't mean that a round that penetrates less isn't going to work. I think Corbon is coming out with some loads for it also and I believe Double tap makes some Gold Dots for it.

PS. If anyone has a nice MAK I will GLADLY trade a slightly used Bersa 9mm for it.

 

[foob]

Double tap doesn't make gold dots for it, unfortunately.

Georgia arms does.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I stand corrected. The option is there regardless.

As a side note I've done some informal water jug shooting with my Mak and The hornadys performed surprisingly well. They impacted slightyl less than the 9x18 Corbons I tested at the same time but they expanded well, held together well, and penetrated a little further. I only had enough materials to test one round of 115gr silver bear but it penetrated much further as it didn't expand quite as much. I personally carry the Silver bears. They shoot well and I think they are a nice comprimise in power. I don't fell undergunned with my MAK at all.

 

[Retro]

Hey Steelhead, how come your Mak looks parkerized? Did you have it refinished or something?

I have been shooting American Eagles FMJ with it, and I was going to buy some Silver Bear JHP soon.

Thanks for all your inputs.

You know, you probably won't believe me... but of all the pistols I have in my arsenal, the Russian Mak is the most accurate and the most consistent one.

I definitely would put my trust in the KGB agents who carried this piece. Have you seen the movie "Munich", the special agents and terrorists alike all used Makarovs in that movie. You makarov fans should check out that movie.

 

[steelhead]

I had the finish done by Mac's Shootin Iron Restorations. Tuff Coat in OD Green and Black with contrasting parts. The sights were done by Makarov.com. I also had this CZ52 done by Mac's and Makarov.com as well.

 

[Retro]

awesome man, that CZ looks good. I am sure you also change the firing pin, of course...

I hate the adjustable sight of my mak because it moves when I fire the gun, and I had to glue it down with Threadlock Red to secure it in place... those replacement sites at Makarov.com are out of stock unfortunately.

 

[steelhead]

They are the same Novaks that are used for the Walther PP. You can get those anywhere and then all you need is someone to mill the slide for you.