Shotshell · CIP

9mm Flobert

9mm Flobert Shotshell9mm Garden Gun9x20mmR Flobert

The original metallic cartridge — Louis-Nicolas Flobert's 1845 invention that started the era of fixed ammunition.

Caliber
0.354″ · 9 mm
Introduced
1845
Case
Rimfire
Primary use
Pest Control, Target
Status
Active
Velocity600–800 fps
Energy44–78 ft·lb
Typical grains60 · 65 gr
Identity
Introduced
1845
Type
Shotshell
Origin
France
Inventor
Louis-Nicolas Flobert
Manufacturer
RWS / Dynamit Nobel
Standard
CIP
Status
Active
Availability
Specialty
Build
Case capacity
8 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18
Primer
Rimfire
Case type
Rimfire
Pressure & range
Max pressure
7,000 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
30 yd
Recoil
3–5 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−95″95″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
By real loads
500–625 fps · 8 loads
Parent case

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · approximate
Measuremmin
Bullet ⌀9.000.354·
Neck ⌀8.400.331~
Shoulder ⌀8.800.346·
Shoulder angle7.6°·
Base ⌀8.800.346·
Rim ⌀10.500.413·
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.450.057·
Neck length33.001.299
Case length45.001.772~
Overall length45.001.772~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 9mm Flobert is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 8 active loads across 6 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 20 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
EleyLead RN Gallery60Lead RN62552
FiocchiLead RN Gallery60Lead RN62552
Sellier & BellotLead RN Gallery60Lead RN62552
CCIRange65LRN50036
FiocchiRange65LRN50036
Sellier & BellotSport65LRN50036
PPURange65LRN50036
RWSRange65LRN50036
PPUStandard60Lead Round Nose82090
NormaClassic60Lead Round Nose82090
WolfFMJ60Lead Round Nose82090
Buffalo ArmsCustom60Lead Round Nose82090
RWSClassic60Lead Round Nose82090
Sellier & BellotSP60Lead Round Nose82090
KynochClassic60Lead Round Nose82090

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Connected reference

History

Louis-Nicolas Flobert invented the first practical metallic cartridge in 1845 by inserting a projectile into a percussion cap — no separate powder charge, just the priming compound as the propellant. This became the Flobert cartridge, available in several bore sizes. The 9mm Flobert shotshell variant found a lasting niche in European garden guns — break-action rifles used for pest control in orchards and gardens, where minimal noise and range are virtues. RWS and other European makers still produce it. In the US it is rarely seen, but in France, Belgium, and Germany it remains available for traditional garden gun use.

FAQs

What twist rate does 9mm Flobert use?
9mm Flobert typically uses a 1:18 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 9mm Flobert?
9mm Flobert uses a 0.354″ (9 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 9mm Flobert still in production?
9mm Flobert is active; typical availability is specialty.
What is 9mm Flobert used for?
9mm Flobert is primarily used for pest control, target.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 8 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →