Pistol · SAAMI
9x18mm Makarov
Soviet bloc standard pistol cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.365″ · 9.27 mm
- Introduced
- 1951
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Military, Law Enforcement, Self-Defense
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1951
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Inventor
- B. V. Semin
- Manufacturer
- Soviet Military
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 12.8 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9.45
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 24,100 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 1700 yd
- Recoil
- 3–5 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 9x18mm Makarov.
Performance
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 · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.27 | 0.365 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.91 | 0.390 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.95 | 0.392 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.95 | 0.392 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.25 | 0.049 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 18.10 | 0.713 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 25.00 | 0.984 | ✓ |
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. 9x18mm Makarov is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 9x18mm Makarov
History
Developed to replace the 7.62x25mm Tokarev. The diameter is slightly larger than 9mm Parabellum, preventing NATO 9mm ammo from chambering. The Makarov pistol was the Soviet sidearm from 1951 through the end of the Cold War.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 9x18mm Makarov use?
- 9x18mm Makarov typically uses a 1:9.45 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 9x18mm Makarov?
- 9x18mm Makarov uses a 0.365″ (9.27 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 9x18mm Makarov still in production?
- 9x18mm Makarov is active; typical availability is common.
- What is 9x18mm Makarov used for?
- 9x18mm Makarov is primarily used for military, law enforcement, self-defense.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Manufacturer Hornady — 9 x 18mm Makarov 95 gr FTX Critical Defense (Item #91000) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Winchester — Winchester USA 9mm Makarov 95 gr FMJ (MC918M) — handgun ammo catalog listing · representative_gun, grain_ballistics
- Manufacturer Barnaul Ammunition — Barnaul Ammo: 9mm Makarov with poly coated case (94 gr FMJ) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer PPU (Prvi Partizan) USA — 9x18 MAKAROV | PPU USA Ammunition (PPH9MF, 93 gr FMJ) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Sellier & Bellot — 9 mm MAKAROV – FMJ 95 GRS (SB9MAK / V310912) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 73 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
