Makarov Reloading

[plateshooter]

Hello, I just ordered a die set, some Hornady 95gr XTP bullets and some Starline brass for 9X18 Makarov ammunition. Anyone have any favorite loads they would like to share? I will be using these in my Bulgarian Maks and my PA-63. I have Red Dot, and Unique on hand, but would be ready to get some different powders if needed. I think I see more 9X18 handguns in my future.


Thanks

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I don't personally, no. But-
Check www.makarov.com , I know they have quite a few loads listed.

 

[jcwit]

I reloaded for the Mak 4 to 5 years ago. Don't remember the loads but I used info and receips from the Lee manual.

 

[amlevin]

A starting load of 5 gr AA-5 is recommended in Lee 2nd edition. Max is 5.6 gr. I like AA-5 for all my 9mm loads and it should do fine in you Mak.

Too bad you didn't post this yesterday. I sorted a ton of range brass and discarded at least 200# of 9x18 Makarov brass, all once fired. Would have been yours for the postage.

 

[Shoney]

plateshooter
May I caution you to be carefull of loads recieved over the internet. Not because of mischief, "butbecasue some of us do hiotthr rong keys and mak typos". Verify all loads with published data. I also caution you becasue I have a number of Bulgies that each like different load for max accuracy. Start Low and work up.

For your specific request on Red Dot - Hornady 95gr XTP - 3.4 (3.6 is max)
For your specific request on Unique- - Hornady 95gr XTP - 4.6 max

I prefer the Red Dot for 95 gr hard cast at 3.2 gr powder puff load.

I prefer Hodgdon Univeral all weights and types of bullets.

Other good powders were AA-5, 231, and HS-6.

You do know that the 9X18 Mak is a grand champion flinger of brass don't you?

 

[joneb]

I just started loading 9x18 for a EG Mak, I'm loading Meister 93gr LRN with Bullseye, W-321 and AA#5 and so far I like 231 and #5 with this bullet.
Here's some more data http://www.members.carol.net/~on.melchar/makarov/index.html

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I use Bullseye for cast slugs (fairly light 'practice' rounds) and Power Pistol for jacketed slugs loading for my Mak.

 

[plateshooter]

Thanks for the replies guys, I found some AA5 and Universal in my powder locker, so now I have even more loads to try. I have my brass catcher ready and L Potterfield said my "stuff" will be here Monday. I really like the 9X18 and appreciate your suggestions and information. I have several manuals and I will check them as well. I have been reloading for 40 years, and found that sometimes I (or someone else) will hit that "load" that is an almost perfect combination for a caliber. I couldn't think of a better place to check than here

 

[rfwobbly]

With a recoil operated gun like the Mak, you'll want a fairly fast powder. Something slow like Unique is just going to leave a mess inside the gun. My son has had really good success using Win231, but I don't remember the exact loads. They were right out of one of the common RLM.

My son's PA63 had a lot of issues with conical nose and HP bullets. Advise you stay with RN until you test out others in low volumes.

Most Maks have been in service for decades and will respond favorably to a new set of springs from Wolff.

Berry is out favorite provider of Mak RN pullets.

 

[plateshooter]

RF I have the same problems with my PA63. Round nose type HP bullets won't even fit into the mag, while everything I have tried works great in the MAKs. With the tapered Hornady XTPs, I am hoping to come up with a load the functions well in my PA63. I put a spring kit in my gun, and it improved things tremendously. Thanks for the reply.

 

[rfwobbly]

Dear P.Shooter -
You're very welcome. Yes, he was highly disappointed. The PA63 is a beautiful carry gun. He purchased an expensive holster, and we got him some Hornady HP, which were the only Mak defensive load we could find.

Although the RN plinking reloads (Berry and Win231) fed just fine, the Hornady had FTF issues on 2 out of 25. Not good for defense. Please contact me if you find how to make the Hornady loads feed reliably.

Thank you.

 

[joneb]

In regard to Post #6
I first tried Bullseye at 3.3 and 3.4gr behind a Meister 93gr LRN with WSP and a COAL of .970 with ok results. Today I gave Bullseye another shot, but this time using the same bullet I loaded with 3.6 and 3.8gr and CCI 500 with a COAL at .974" the 3.8gr load gave me the best groups. I'm still new to reloading this cartridge but so far with the powders on hand I'm very pleased with the results.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I carry my Mak with a hot-loaded HP, an XTP chambered and FMJ in the mag. spare mag I have an XTP on top the rest FMJ. I have got best results w/cast slugs loading Bullseye. cheap to load with too.