Pistol · CIP
9x21mm IMI
Functionally identical to 9mm Luger but with a 2mm longer case — developed specifically for the Italian civilian market where ownership of military-caliber cartridges (9x19mm NATO) is restricted.
- Caliber
- 0.3555″ · 9.03 mm
- Introduced
- 1980
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- 9mm Luger
- Primary use
- Self Defense, Competition
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1980
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Israel
- Inventor
- IMI (Israeli Military Industries)
- Manufacturer
- IMI, Fiocchi, various Italian
- Standard
- CIP
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Case capacity
- 13.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:10
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 34,084 psi
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 100 yd
- Recoil
- 3–5 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 9x21mm IMI. Parent case: 9x19mm Parabellum.
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 ⌀ | 9.03 | 0.356 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.93 | 0.391 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.96 | 0.392 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 21.15 | 0.833 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 29.75 | 1.171 | ✓ |
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. 9x21mm IMI 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.
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed by Israeli Military Industries for the Italian civilian sporting and self-defense market in the early 1980s. Italian law restricts civilian ownership of calibers in active military use, meaning standard 9mm Luger is effectively banned for civilians. The 9x21mm's 2mm longer case makes it legally distinct while delivering identical performance. It became Italy's primary civilian 9mm cartridge and is used in IPSC competition throughout Europe. Fiocchi is the primary commercial manufacturer.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 9x21mm IMI use?
- 9x21mm IMI typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 9x21mm IMI?
- 9x21mm IMI uses a 0.3555″ (9.03 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 9x21mm IMI still in production?
- 9x21mm IMI is active; typical availability is limited.
- What is 9x21mm IMI used for?
- 9x21mm IMI is primarily used for self defense, competition.
- What is 9x21mm IMI based on?
- 9x21mm IMI is derived from the 9x19mm Parabellum case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — SAAMI cartridge & chamber drawing — 9x21mm IMI archived
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →