AFTE Store - The Makarov Mixup: 380 Automatic in the 9X18mm Makarov – Exterior and Terminal Ballistic Characteristics

The importation of numerous 9x18mm ‘PM’ (Makarov) pistols and the fact that the common .380 automatic cartridge not only looks very much like the Makarov cartridge but can readily be fired in the ‘PM’ pistol gives rise to a possible ammunition mixup. The 9mm Makarov is not a true 9mm, rather it is nominally 9.3mm (.365 caliber). Since the .380 bullet is approximately 0.010 inches undersize in 9x18mm pistols, this results in partial engagement by the rifling and reduced muzzle velocity. These events lead to reduced terminal ballistic performance, recovered bullets with atypical rifling engravings and fired cartridge cases showing obvious bloating.