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Posted: 3/4/2010 11:05:33 AM EDT
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I recently purchased a vz82 Makarov-kind-of-clone-in-the-same-way-a-vz58-is-an-AK-clone pistol and totally love it.
I don't however love the non-bulk price of 9x18. Doing some simple research, I gleaned the 9x18's projectile is .366 and not the same .356/.357 of ordinary 9mm/.38. Now, I also know the .380's projectile isn't .357 either, it's closer to .37x. At a recent gunshow, I saw lots of 1000 94gr .380 bullets going for around 55$ (ouch, I remember when 1000 complete .380 cartridges were that much). So, what's the deal? Can I use .380 bullets to load for the 9x18, or am I stuck trying to feebly Google for .366 94gr bullets and only end up with 260gr rifle bullets as results? |
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Quoted:
I recently purchased a vz82 Makarov-kind-of-clone-in-the-same-way-a-vz58-is-an-AK-clone pistol and totally love it. I don't however love the non-bulk price of 9x18. Doing some simple research, I gleaned the 9x18's projectile is .366 and not the same .356/.357 of ordinary 9mm/.38. Now, I also know the .380's projectile isn't .357 either, it's closer to .37x. At a recent gunshow, I saw lots of 1000 94gr .380 bullets going for around 55$ (ouch, I remember when 1000 complete .380 cartridges were that much). So, what's the deal? Can I use .380 bullets to load for the 9x18, or am I stuck trying to feebly Google for .366 94gr bullets and only end up with 260gr rifle bullets as results? Couple of points 1) 9mm Luger is .355 to .356. 38 Special is .357 2) 380 Auto is also .355. It is not .37x or anywhere near it. 3) 9x18 Makarov is not .366, it's .364. 4) Berrys makes plated bullets in the correct size for 9x18 Makarov 5) When loading copper plated bullets like Berrys, use data for lead bullets or low to mid range loads for jacketed bullets. 6) I have the same pistol; it's a fine weapon at a great price. |
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I just buy 95gr plated Mak bullets from Berrys..
I also convert all my nickel plated 9x19 brass to 9x18 brass. There are a couple youtube vids that show how easy it is. I use nickel brass, just to instantly distinguish between my standard 9mm and 9mak. There are offerings of lead Mak bullets out there... but I wouldn't recommend using them in your CZ. Lead thru a polygonal barrel is bad juju. I have two of the -82s and love em. 
Hornady also offers a 95gr XTP for the Mak. Not as cheap as the bulk 380s... but not too bad. I've been happy with the Berrys. ETA: I type too slow! 
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Hey, awesome, guys, that was quick!
Further research has shown that indeed, the .380 is .355. I was always told that a .380 is .380 in diameter. As for resizing brass, I'd kind of intended on running a ring around the rims in black or red sharpie to differentiate my x18 from my x19. Moot anyway, since I don't own a x19 anymore nor do I reload for it. Thanks for the prompt heads ups. |
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Quoted:
Hey, awesome, guys, that was quick! Further research has shown that indeed, the .380 is .355. I was always told that a .380 is .380 in diameter. As for resizing brass, I'd kind of intended on running a ring around the rims in black or red sharpie to differentiate my x18 from my x19. Moot anyway, since I don't own a x19 anymore nor do I reload for it. Thanks for the prompt heads ups. It's kind of counter intuitive, I know. You'd think 380 was, well, .380. However, it's the same diameter as 9mm. Go figure. The .380 figure comes from the outside diameter of the case mouth. Same with 38 special, the diameter of the case mouth is .38 or very close to it. I don't know about 380, but with 38 special it was named this way because 38 special was intended as a replacement for older cartridges that used heeled bullets. As for using a sharpie on your x18 brass, that's a good idea to differentiate it at the range when you pick it up from 9mm Luger cases and especially 380 cases. |
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