Can you shoot 9mm Luger in a 9×18?
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The answer to this question is a straightforward no, as the 9mm Luger and 9x18mm Makarov cartridges are not interchangeable due to differences in their design and dimensions, which can lead to safety issues and potentially cause damage to the firearm. Attempting to use a 9mm Luger round in a 9x18mm Makarov firearm can result in the slide not going into full battery, and even if it does, the larger 9x18mm bullet will not pass through the barrel, making it a potentially hazardous situation.
Introduction to 9mm Luger and 9x18mm Makarov
The 9mm Luger, also known as 9x19mm Parabellum, is a widely used pistol cartridge, while the 9x18mm Makarov is a Soviet-designed cartridge used in various firearms, including the Makarov PM pistol. Understanding the differences between these two cartridges is essential for safe and effective use of firearms.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between 9mm Luger and 9x18mm Makarov?
The primary difference lies in the bullet diameter, with the 9mm Luger firing a 0.355” diameter bullet and the 9x18mm Makarov firing a larger 0.365” diameter bullet.
2. Can I use 9mm Luger in my 9mm Ruger?
Yes, you can use 9mm Luger in your 9mm Ruger, as 9mm and 9mm Luger are interchangeable terms, and SAAMI has designated 9mm Luger as the official name for this ammunition.
3. What guns are chambered in 9×18?
Firearms chambered for 9x18mm Makarov include the Makarov PM, Stechkin APS, MP-448 Skyph, ČZ vz, FEG PA-63, SMC-918, R-61, RK-59, P-83 Wanad, P-64 pistol, and R-92.
4. Is 9×18 ammo still made?
Yes, many of these rounds are still produced in the former Soviet Union and Ukraine, staying true to the roots of the cartridge.
5. Is 9×18 ammo hard to find?
This cartridge is used mostly in pistols, and it can be difficult to find anything but pistols that load this round, as it was developed for sidearms used by Soviet-bloc military personnel.
6. Can you fire 9×18 out of 9×19?
No, you cannot fire 9×18 out of a pistol chambered for 9×19, as the cases are different sizes with different case diameters, which can lead to a ruptured case.
7. Is 9×18 more powerful than 380?
The 9mm Makarov in its standard, FMJ form is slightly more powerful than the .380, but the difference is not significant.
8. What ammo can be used in a Makarov?
The Makarov natively is chambered for the 9X18 Makarov round, but kits have been distributed for conversion to .380, which only requires a barrel change.
9. Can I shoot 9mm in a 9×18?
No, a regular 9mm Luger 9x19mm round will not fit the chamber of a 9x18mm Makarov, and even if it did, the 9x18mm bullet is larger than the 9x19mm Luger standard.
10. Is the Makarov legal in the US?
In the US, surplus Soviet and East German military Makarovs are listed as eligible curio and relic items by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
11. How much is an East German Makarov worth?
The price of these pistols continues to rise, with typical specimens selling between $350 and $500, making the East German Makarov an intriguing pistol that is emblematic of the bygone Cold War era.
12. Is .380 and 9×18 the same?
No, the 9×18 Makarov cartridge actually shoots a 9.3 mm bullet, whereas the .380 shoots a true 9.0 mm bullet, making them different.
13. Is Makarov illegal?
They are legal to own, but difficult to purchase, and are not on the handgun roster; some are likely capable of being purchased with a curio and relics license.
14. Is a Makarov a good carry pistol?
By the standards of the mid-20th Century, the Makarov was an excellent pistol, and even by today’s standards, it’s not a bad gun, as they are generally extremely reliable, which is a high priority for a self-defense gun.
15. What does ACP stand for in ammo?
ACP stands for “Automatic Colt Pistol,” and designates cartridges used in a specific type of firearm, making it an important term to understand in the context of ammunition.