The marginal difference debate rages in 9x18

[HogManMagnum]

Simple, and possible silly question but I couldn't help posting...

I recently learned about Buffalo Bore's 9x18 +P loadings. Now, I have a PA-63, that I would not shoot anything over 95 grs out of it, and I would not shoot any thing +P out of it. But I am considering buying a Bulgy Makarov...

So, what do you guys think about a well built, steel Makarov pistol having it's 8 round magazine loaded with Buffalo Bore's 95 gr +P JHP for the first 3 rounds and Buffalo Bore's 115 gr +P hard cast flat nose for the last 5 rounds? This is assuming the rounds all fed reliably, of course.

I have been wanting a real Makarov for some time and I am intrigued by these loadings. This wouldn't be an EDC gun, just an occasional carry or car gun kind of thing. Any thoughts on these particular loads?

 

[Shadow 7D]

They will be harder the gun, and harder on you
many state that most COMMERCIAL 9mak loads are 'loaded down' for the PA-63 and other similar guns that lack the ability to handle 'full bore' military loads

Or it could be that lighter 9mak loads are just easier to shoot...
as for BB in a Mak, wear gloves.

 

[Pict]

I'd think a Makarov or CZ-82 would handle 'em just fine. I agree with you that the PA-63 might be a little overwhelmed by such loads.

You will find that the different weights have an effect on shooting to point of aim, so you'll have to remember what's coming up next in the lineup.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Hogman, let us know how that does for you. I'd been reluctant to carry my Makarov because of the lighter 95 gr bullet weight. But 115gr puts it on par with a 9mm.

 

[InkEd]

I think it would handle them okay. However, I wouldn't mix the magazine.

 

[antiquus]

I don't think Mak's need more powerful ammo, since the controlability of the gun is one of it's better points. However, if you want to use it, unless you are putting 500 rounds a month through it, I don't see the +12% BB ammo making a PA-63 come apart, it is after all a faithful copy of a Walther. You might go over to Wolfe and kick the recoil spring up a notch or two.

 

[alex4922]

In the 70s we responded to a call where an individual was killed DRT from two shots from a .380. From the brass location the range was probably 10 - 15 ft. Both slugs stopped just under the skin on the far side of the torso. Now it may have been a heart shot but I have not felt undergunned with any of my Makarov caliber pistols.

By the by, if you reload you can do lots of cheap practice by using cut down parabellum brass and cast bullets.

Alex

 

[PabloJ]

I looked at $250 Bulgarian Makarov. Nice pistol not much less then East German variety but for only $50 more I was able to buy unissued short barreled 9x19 Argentinian HiPower. It is not much larger package but magazine capacity is 13 cartridges if I recall correctly.

 

[makarovnik]

+P in a PA-63 should be slightly ... painful. I wouldn't recommend it. I also didn't shoot hollowpoints in my PA-63 because the aluminum feed ramp galled easily.

 

[harmon rabb]

Wouldn't do it in a pa-63, but a mak with a stronger recoil spring would be fine. Lots of guys over on the mak forum have run the hot bb stuff through their maks with no issue.

CZ-82's were designed for a hotter round than the standard commercial stuff, so I wouldn't worry one bit about putting the buffalo bore stuff through one.