West German police and military cartridge developed as a blowback-compatible 9mm round that fits in compact pistol designs without a locked-breech action. Distinct from 9x18mm Makarov despite similar case length — slightly smaller bullet diameter than Makarov.
Type: Pistol
Introduced: 1936, Germany
Parent case: None
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.355" (9.02 mm)
Case length: 0.72" (18.29 mm)
Overall length: 1.03" (26.16 mm)
Max pressure: 22,800 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:10
Muzzle velocity: 1020–1066 fps
Muzzle energy: 231–272 ft-lbs
Effective range: 50 yd
Common bullet weights: 100, 108 gr
Primary use: Military, Law Enforcement
Production status: Active
Also known as: 9mm Police · 9x18mm Ultra · 9mm PA
History: Originally developed in 1936 by Walther for a compact Luftwaffe pistol requirement. After WWII, West German police forces adopted the cartridge for the Walther PP and related blowback-operated pistols. The 9mm Ultra offered more power than .380 ACP in a package compatible with compact blowback designs without the locked-breech requirement of full 9mm Luger. Still produced by European…
Notable firearms: Walther PP (9mm Ultra variant), Astra Constable
Military use: West Germany (Luftwaffe)
Similar cartridges: 9x18mm Makarov, .380 ACP, 9mm Luger