9x18 mak brass question

goste · February 22, 2006, 10:07 PM

Hey all,

I saw an add on ebay, a while back, for some 9x18 mak brass made from 9x19 brass cut down. I didn't know you could do this, as I thought it was a diff. diameter.

Can this really be done. I have 3 Bulgy maks, and I never really gave much thought to reloading ammo for them......But.... I have noticed in the past 3 or 4 months, that alot of places that had ammo for this caliber, now are out, and not accepting backorders.

I really like this gun/ammo combo, and would miss the cheap surplus ammo I mostly use.

Any thoughts?
Thanks

Buzzard · February 22, 2006, 10:18 PM

When I had a Mak I used to cut down 9mm's and they worked fine, just make sure you don't get the emptys mixed with non cut 9mm's , I painted mine with red paint every reloading.....worked for me

Hankster · February 22, 2006, 10:24 PM

I have been loading 9mm Mak ammo for at least 10 years now. I have made cassings from 9mm para cases. First, they have to be trimmed to the proper length (.0490in), then full length sized using the 9mm Mak sizing die. A 9mm Mak 365in bullet could then be properly seated when reloading.
The round is odd looking at first, till it is fired, afterwhich time it will take its proper shape.
I own 2 different 9mm Mak pistols, I found it much easier to simply contact Starline and buy 9mm Mak cases. Starline make excellent cases. I mostly load a 95 grain cast lead bullet behind 3.3 grains of Bullseye. This load is excellent and very accurate in both my pistols. Good luck.

Hankster · February 22, 2006, 10:33 PM

I have been loading 9mm Mak ammo for at least 10 years now. I have made cassings from 9mm para cases. First, they have to be trimmed to the proper length (.0490in), then full length sized using the 9mm Mak sizer. A 9mm Mal 365in bullet could then be properly seated.
The round is odd looking at first, till it is fired, afterwhich time it will take its proper shape.
I own 2 different Mak pistols, I found it much easier to simply contact Starline and buy 9mm Mak cases. Starline make excellent cases. I mostly load a 95 grain cast lead bullet behind 3.3 grains of Bullseye. This load is excellent and very accurate in both my pistols. Good luck.

donkee · February 23, 2006, 07:06 AM

Too much of a hassle, but works good. +1 on the Starline Brass.

lee n. field · February 23, 2006, 05:48 PM

Quote:

saw an add on ebay, a while back, for some 9x18 mak brass made from 9x19 brass cut down. I didn't know you could do this, as I thought it was a diff. diameter.

Can this really be done?

Yes, it really can be done. I have done it. It is a PITA. Resize fired (and thus oversize) 9x19 brass in a (x18 Mak sizing die and trim to length. Use a shell holder for 9x19, of course.

I wouldn't use someone else's trimmed brass, myself.

goste · February 23, 2006, 08:20 PM

Thanks .

I haven't reloaded in a while, and don't get the catalogs much any more. I wasn't aware starline had new brass, for this caliber.

Anyone know where all the surplus has gone?

Wrangler5 · February 23, 2006, 09:31 PM

I've read that surplus Makarov pistols are being sent from eastern Europe to Iraq for use by the police forces there. If that's true, it's likely that a lot of ammo is following.

February 22, 2006, 10:07 PM	#1
goste Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Posts: 71	9x18 mak brass question Hey all, I saw an add on ebay, a while back, for some 9x18 mak brass made from 9x19 brass cut down. I didn't know you could do this, as I thought it was a diff. diameter. Can this really be done. I have 3 Bulgy maks, and I never really gave much thought to reloading ammo for them......But.... I have noticed in the past 3 or 4 months, that alot of places that had ammo for this caliber, now are out, and not accepting backorders. I really like this gun/ammo combo, and would miss the cheap surplus ammo I mostly use. Any thoughts? Thanks

February 22, 2006, 10:18 PM	#2
Buzzard Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2005 Location: Kingman AZ Posts: 479	When I had a Mak I used to cut down 9mm's and they worked fine, just make sure you don't get the emptys mixed with non cut 9mm's , I painted mine with red paint every reloading.....worked for me __________________ Rick in Kingman AZ , Super Comanche 45LC/410 , ,Armscor .38 4, Marlin 60 & An UGLY 12ga , Savage Axis .223

February 22, 2006, 10:24 PM	#3
Hankster Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 36	9mm brass I have been loading 9mm Mak ammo for at least 10 years now. I have made cassings from 9mm para cases. First, they have to be trimmed to the proper length (.0490in), then full length sized using the 9mm Mak sizing die. A 9mm Mak 365in bullet could then be properly seated when reloading. The round is odd looking at first, till it is fired, afterwhich time it will take its proper shape. I own 2 different 9mm Mak pistols, I found it much easier to simply contact Starline and buy 9mm Mak cases. Starline make excellent cases. I mostly load a 95 grain cast lead bullet behind 3.3 grains of Bullseye. This load is excellent and very accurate in both my pistols. Good luck.

February 22, 2006, 10:33 PM	#4
Hankster Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 36	9mm brass I have been loading 9mm Mak ammo for at least 10 years now. I have made cassings from 9mm para cases. First, they have to be trimmed to the proper length (.0490in), then full length sized using the 9mm Mak sizer. A 9mm Mal 365in bullet could then be properly seated. The round is odd looking at first, till it is fired, afterwhich time it will take its proper shape. I own 2 different Mak pistols, I found it much easier to simply contact Starline and buy 9mm Mak cases. Starline make excellent cases. I mostly load a 95 grain cast lead bullet behind 3.3 grains of Bullseye. This load is excellent and very accurate in both my pistols. Good luck.

February 23, 2006, 07:06 AM	#5
donkee Junior member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 449	Too much of a hassle, but works good. +1 on the Starline Brass.

February 23, 2006, 08:20 PM	#7
goste Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Posts: 71	Thanks . I haven't reloaded in a while, and don't get the catalogs much any more. I wasn't aware starline had new brass, for this caliber. Anyone know where all the surplus has gone?

February 23, 2006, 09:31 PM	#8
Wrangler5 Senior Member Join Date: September 18, 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 326	I've read that surplus Makarov pistols are being sent from eastern Europe to Iraq for use by the police forces there. If that's true, it's likely that a lot of ammo is following.