Reloading the 9x18 Makarov Cartridge - Load Data for Unique powder


Bullet Type Speer 95 grain Gold Dot JHP
Case Starline
Primer Winchester WSP
Cartridge Overall Length 24.4 mm

Powder Charge (gr) MV (ft/s) Std Dev (ft/s) ME (ft-lbs) Comments
3.6 651 48.0 89 Weak and smoky
3.8 712 43.7 107 Weak and smoky
4.2 901 49.5 171 Getting better, but still smoky and bad consistency.

General Comments:
Another starter load adapted from .380 data. It needs to be worked up. The East German Makarov will cycle it, but the stiff Russian will not.

I find Unique to be a dirty powder. I hope this subsides with heavier loads.

Latest tests still show relatively high standard deviation. Considering the tests with HS6 powder, it might be interesting to decouple the powder/bullet issue and try Unique with the Sierra bullets. Smokiness was not quite as bad, although it's still unnerving to see smoke coming out of the rear of the slide.


[Introduction] [Getting Started] [The Reloading Process] [Load Data] [References]  [Feedback]


[Top of Makarov Loading Manual]