Which 9X18 Makarov Load for Self Defense?

[ANGUSLINCOLN]

My new(to me) Bulgarian Mak had trouble feeding the first 100 rounds of Silver Bear HP's using both a brand new mag as well as a mag that was fairly broken in. I solved the issue by disassembling the both mags and polishing the front inside surface with a pencil wrapped with a bit of crocus cloth. The tip of the HP's seemed to be just barely touching enough of that front inside surface of the mag to cause a hang up. The problem is solved now and my Mak has not hiccupped since.

 

[grimjaw]

I've chrony'd that Fiocchi FMJ load, and it's not as fast as the Fiocchi published numbers. More like it crests 1000 fps sometimes, sometimes not; my results seem to match NorthBender's, http://grimjaw.net/ballistics.htm

For self defense, I'd take a surplus Makarov PM, swap for a .380 ACP barrel and enjoy the larger selection and availability of hollowpoints. The chrome-lined barrels are nice but really unnecessary for the application. 9x18 is not significantly better ballistically than .380 ACP.

jm

 

[wnycollector]

When I carried a mak as my CCW, it was loaded with FMJ. Also I found the wolf military classic 95gr was the best of the russian imports. It was very clean and reliable for com block ammo!