The 9×18 Makarov is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 24,100 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 3.750 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 9.45 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 9×18 Makarov with the 9mm Luger on the same basis.
9×18 Makarov ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 90 gr | 990 fps | 196 ft-lb |
| 95 gr | 1,000 fps | 211 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 9×18 Makarov, 90 and 95 grains. The lighter, 90 grains, is listed at 990 fps, which computes to 196 ft-lb. The heavier, 95 grains, is listed at 1,000 fps, which computes to 211 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 9×18 Makarov ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 9×18 Makarov is 3.750 in long and rifled 1 turn in 9.45 in, with a .365 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your handgun: handgun barrels vary widely in length, and a shorter barrel gives lower velocity. The maximum average pressure is 24,100 psi. Fire 9×18 Makarov ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
9×18 Makarov vs 9mm: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 9×18 Makarov | 9mm Luger |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 24,100 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, +P | No +P standard | 38,500 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 3.750 in | 4.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 9.45 in | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .365 in | .3550 in |
| Lightest reference load | 90 gr — 990 fps / 196 ft-lb | 88 gr — 1,500 fps / 440 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 95 gr — 1,000 fps / 211 ft-lb | 95 gr — 1,330 fps / 373 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 95 gr — 1,000 fps / 211 ft-lb | 150 gr — 900 fps / 270 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 9×18 Makarov at 24,100 psi and the 9mm Luger at 35,000 psi, so the 9×18 Makarov runs 10,900 psi lower. At 95 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 9×18 Makarov reference velocity is 1,000 fps (211 ft-lb computed), against 1,330 fps (373 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger. On that row the 9mm Luger carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (3.750 in, 1 turn in 9.45 in for the 9×18 Makarov; 4.000 in, 1 turn in 10.00 in for the 9mm Luger), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 9mm ammo.
9×18 Makarov ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 9×18 Makarov?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 9×18 Makarov at 24,100 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 9×18 Makarov?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 9×18 Makarov is 3.750 in long and rifled 1 turn in 9.45 in. Your own handgun may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 9×18 Makarov?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 90 to 95 grains: 90 and 95.
Is the 9×18 Makarov more powerful than the 9mm Luger?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 95 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 9×18 Makarov reference velocity is 1,000 fps (211 ft-lb computed), against 1,330 fps (373 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger.
What is the effective range of the 9×18 Makarov?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 9×18 Makarov drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 9×18 Makarov ammunition from Brown Bear, Buffalo Bore, Hornady, CCI, Fiocchi and Glaser Blue Safety Slug. Browse the full 9×18 Makarov ammo range.
