9x18 MAK bore size and other questions?

[Yodogsandman]

Ranch Dog bullets made by NOE have Ranch Dog quickload files available at the NOE site.

[Grmps]

Thanks Yodogsandman

[Boolseye]

Pick up his Mak mold if you get a chance. Works very well.

[JeffG]

I have that mold. It works just fine on my P64. On the P83, the feed ramp is not as long as on the P64 so it wasn’t feeding well at all with that FP. I ended up taking the gun to a smith and he worked on the ramp some which has worked ok. I think I had issue with Hornady HP’s on it too. It needs a RP.

[9.3X62AL]

East German Makarov here, bought c. 1992. Slugged throat is a few tenths over .364", I size at .365" and it shoots VERY well to 1100 FPS. 100 grain RCBS limited-run mould from about the time I bought the pistol.

[Boolseye]

I would love to add a p64 to my collection.

[9.3X62AL]

For those not acquainted with the Makarov pistols or the cartridge, it was at first a bit surprising to those of us familiar with the usual run of pocket blowback 380 ACP pistols. The pistol bucks a bit when running full-value loadings. At this level, the system is close to the upper mechanical limits of blowback-operation. I would not get creative with load intensity. As it is, the recoil spring is pretty darn stalwart. The best description of the Makarov I could give would be "A Walther PP on steroids".

My example has been utterly reliable, factory ammo or reloads--cast bullets or jacketed, to include several hollow-point designs. After a year of running this pistol and seeing its reliability, I sold off my 380 ACPs and got entirely out of the caliber. I cannot recall a stoppage ever occurring with any load in this pistol.

[Grmps]

Really liking 2.3 gr BE, You don't have to chase the brass and it's a fun load to shoot. Not liking sorting brass 9x18 from 9x19 even with the black stripe they are hard to see. Got nickel coated now and will use that day to day, the regular brass will sit, loaded on the shelf, waiting for a rainy day or when I run out of loaded nickel.

[Boolseye]

For those not acquainted with the Makarov pistols or the cartridge, it was at first a bit surprising to those of us familiar with the usual run of pocket blowback 380 ACP pistols. The pistol bucks a bit when running full-value loadings. At this level, the system is close to the upper mechanical limits of blowback-operation. I would not get creative with load intensity. As it is, the recoil spring is pretty darn stalwart. The best description of the Makarov I could give would be "A Walther PP on steroids".

My example has been utterly reliable, factory ammo or reloads--cast bullets or jacketed, to include several hollow-point designs. After a year of running this pistol and seeing its reliability, I sold off my 380 ACPs and got entirely out of the caliber. I cannot recall a stoppage ever occurring with any load in this pistol.

+1. My Bulgarian specimen is one of the most accurate and reliable pistols I own in any caliber.

[brewer12345]

+1. My Bulgarian specimen is one of the most accurate and reliable pistols I own in any caliber.

Mine too. I just wish the sights were a little easier to see. Only downside to one as a carry piece is the weight.