reloading question for 9x18 Makarov

[guzzijohn]

I recently found a 95% Bulgarian Mak at a pawn shop for $115. Could not pass it up. My understanding is that the 9mm Mak bullet is several thousands of an inch bigger than a regular 9mm. Has anyone tried using regular 9mm bullets in a reload? If so, is feeding reliable and what effect did it have on accuracy?
Glider John

[Tracer]

Have two MAKs a Bulgarian and an East German.  A standard 9mm bullet wouldn't fit very well as they are .355" compared to a 9mm MAK bullet is .364".  Probably would fire but accuracy?  Never tried it as Speer, Hornady, and Sierra make bullets for this cartridge in the correct diameter.  Never tried standard 9mm  parabellum bullets in mine. 

[bscman]

I'm not sure why?
the .364 "9mm mak" bullets are pretty easily found these days...maybe not as cheap, but by no means hard to find anymore. Casting molds are available as well.

Standard 9mm brass can be used in reloading, however...which will save you a pretty penny.
A few things to look for.
The cases WILL need trimming, which (depending on your equipment) can be time consuming. Each case needs to be trimmed approx 1mm.
Beyond that, the 9mm makarov bullets (again, larger diameter) will cause the brass to swell to an extent an initial loading. After being fired once in the Makarov chamber (fire forming) you'll be good to go until the brass is worn out.

It is important that you MARK THE BRASS in some way....
1. so you can keep track of what has/has not been trimmed--and what belongs to what gun
2. but also so fellow shooters at the range that may accidentally collect your brass can realize something is different from their standard 9mm stuff.

For $115 you got a Sweet deal! These firearms are VERY accurate thanks to their fixed barrels. If you treasure the accuracy and the firearm itself, don't try shooting .380/9mm bullets through it.
ENJOY!

[guzzijohn]

Thank you all for your opinions. That was my guess that it probably was not a great idea. I have bought several boxes of ammo so hope to have brass from that except the pistol really kicks the brass out making them hard to find.
John

[bscman]

The last time I priced brass, it was cheaper to get S&B ammo locally, then just save the brass.
9x19 is cheap/easy to find...so if you have a trimmer, and a lot of free time, it's an option.

It might be a good idea to replace your recoil spring...a worn spring can cause damage to the frame, and also cause brass to eject further than normal. WOLFF makes stiffer-than-stock springs.
I buy mine from makarov.com. It helps control recoil (less harsh) and the brass won't eject quite as far.

ENjoy! I love these little handguns.

[AH-1]

I cast and size my bullets .365 and they shoot better than any factory mak ammo I have tried .
pic is of reformed 9mm luger brass and my cast 95 gr lrn.
pete