Today I loaded up some 9x18 Makarov ammo for the first time. The last time I had my CZ-82 to the range I managed to retrieve 32 of 50 cases, so I only loaded an even 30 today.
My main goal was to get a load that will reliably cycle in the CZ but have less recoil than the factory loads. So, I put this ammo together with a starting load of 3.6 grains of Accurate No.2, a 95 grain plated round nose bullet from MidwayUSA, and Aguila No.1-1/2 primers.
According to Accurate's data this should get about 900 FPS at the muzzle, in contrast to factory FMJ which pushes a 95 grain bullet to about 1050 FPS.
Because the CZ is a straight blowback, unlocked breech design, recoil is snappy with factory ammo. If this load works it should be a little more pleasant to shoot for plinking.
After I got my dies setup, including the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die, I loaded 5 dummies to ensure they cycled manually in the CZ. I then pulled the bullets so I could load the cases since my supply is low. You can see in one pic a pulled bullet and one unloaded bullet.
Since 9x18 Makarov is so close in size to .380 Auto (AKA 9x17) and 9mm Luger (AKA 9x19) I put some blue Dykem layout fluid on the case heads to help me sort the brass after firing.
I should hopefully get to try these out in the next week and will post a follow up.
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