9x18mm Mak: Berry's or Missouri Coated?

[Dain Bramage]

I have six pistols in 9mm Makarov, including a polygonal rifled CZ-82. I've always relied on East European brands of ammo in the past. Recently, I bought a die set and some brass, more due to fluctuating availability of factory ammo than price. Seems factory price is currently dipping and availability is going up, but I still want to work up a contingency load.

Which round would the board recommend for general target shooting and practice: Berry's plated or Missouri Bullet Company Hi-Tek coated?

Missouri is the winner on price, but has anyone had problems with the coating? I've had good luck with X-Treme plated bullets, but they don't manufacture 9mm Mak. I've never tried Berry's. Or, perhaps someone has a third option?

 

[joneb]

I have had good results with 93gr LRN .365" bhn 18 with 3.6-3.8gr of W-231 for a EG Mak with a Wolff 19lbs recoil spring. Avg Vel. 1,025-1,050 fps

 

[rcmodel]

Myself.

I would start out with Berry plated bullets and get all the kinks worked out of your reloading set-up.

Less can go wrong with case neck tension, bullet shaving, etc. then with lead paint coated bullets.

rc

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

I have used Berry's bullets, only Berry's bullets. I had trimmed down some Luger brass. Other than not being happy with my velocity I had great success. Please let how know how any of it works in the 82.

 

[Dudedog]

I have had good luck with the MBC lead lubed in my 9mm MAK. (MAK Pistol normal rifled barrel)
Based on all of their coated bullets I have used the coated ones would be even better. Tough call Plated or coated, 2 different beasts. Some say lead is harder to load but I don't really think so.
If you want to try the lead lubed MBC 9mm MAK bullets PM me and I will send you some to try.
My next order for MAK will be the coated but I had about 1500 about before MBC started offering coated bullets. (still have 500 or so)
I had no issues with MBCs lead lubed bullets it's just that for the few extra $ I prefer the coated. (using them in 9mm, .357 and .45)

 

[Dain Bramage]

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I think with all the anectodes against them in polygonal barrels, I'm going to avoid lubed lead bullets. Although, I have had good luck with them in 7.62x25mm (both of mine with standard land-and-groove rifling).

 

[Havok7416]

Either bullet will work for you just fine. I used to use plated bullets in my 9x18, but I have switched to coated bullets. Except for the cost, there's not much difference for me.

 

[cougar1717]

I've used both Berry's plated and MBC's lead lubed for the Mak. IMHO, I don't think it really matters. If the OP has never loaded lead bullets before, it might be better to start with the Berry's. But if you know how much you need to flare and how much you need to crimp, it's not like you have to use reduced loads to use lead in 9x18. Even in a CZ-82, if you clean it somewhat regularly and check for excessive lead buildup, lead through a poly barrel isn't a big deal.