9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police) Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police): At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Pistol |
| Primer Type | Small Pistol |
| Used For | Law Enforcement, Self-Defense |
| Case Design | Rimless, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1972 |
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police): At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Compact size suitable for concealed carry
- ✔ Lower recoil compared to larger calibers
- ✔ Designed specifically for law enforcement use
- ✔ Good balance of power and controllability
- ✔ Higher capacity in compact firearms compared to larger calibers
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police): A Comprehensive Overview
The 9x18mm Ultra, also known as 9mm Police, is a pistol cartridge developed in Germany during the 1970s. It was designed as a more powerful alternative to the 9x18mm Makarov while still being suitable for use in compact pistols. The cartridge offers improved ballistic performance over the 9x18mm Makarov, making it an attractive option for law enforcement agencies seeking a balance between power and controllability.
History and Development
The 9x18mm Ultra was developed by Walther Arms in collaboration with the German police in the early 1970s. The goal was to create a cartridge that would provide better stopping power than the 9x18mm Makarov while still being suitable for use in compact, easily concealable pistols. Walther introduced the cartridge alongside their Walther PP Super pistol in 1972.
The 9x18mm Ultra uses a case that is slightly longer than the 9x18mm Makarov, allowing for increased powder capacity and higher pressures. This results in higher muzzle velocities and improved terminal ballistics compared to the Makarov round. The bullet diameter is 9.02mm, which is slightly larger than that of the 9x19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger).
Despite its improved performance, the 9x18mm Ultra did not achieve widespread adoption. It was primarily used by some German police forces and found limited commercial success. The cartridge faced competition from established rounds like the 9x19mm Parabellum and newer developments such as the .40 S&W, which ultimately limited its market penetration.
Production of firearms chambered for the 9x18mm Ultra has been discontinued, and the cartridge is now considered obsolete. However, it remains an interesting example of cartridge development aimed at meeting specific law enforcement requirements.
Technical Specifications
The 9x18mm Ultra cartridge has the following specifications: - Bullet diameter: 9.02mm (0.355 in) - Case length: 18.0mm (0.709 in) - Overall length: 24.8mm (0.976 in) - Rim diameter: 9.65mm (0.380 in) - Case type: Rimless, straight - Maximum pressure: 235 MPa (34,100 psi)
Timeline of 9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police):
9x18mm Ultra Performance
The 9x18mm Ultra offers improved performance over the 9x18mm Makarov while maintaining compatibility with compact pistol designs. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,050-1,115 fps (8.0g/124gr bullet) Higher velocity than 9x18mm Makarov |
| Muzzle Energy | 270-305 ft-lbs Improved energy transfer compared to 9x18mm Makarov |
| Effective Range | 50 meters Suitable for typical law enforcement engagement distances |
| Recoil | Moderate Manageable in compact pistols while offering improved terminal performance |
| Penetration | 12-14 inches in ballistic gelatin Provides adequate penetration for law enforcement use |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police) loads.
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for 9x18mm Ultra ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities for this cartridge.
| Application | Effective Range (meters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement | 0-50 | Designed for close-quarters engagements in urban environments |
| Self-Defense | 0-25 | Effective for personal protection scenarios |
| Target Shooting | 0-75 | Suitable for short to medium range target practice |
Note: The 9x18mm Ultra, also known as 9mm Police, was developed specifically for law enforcement use. It offers improved performance over the 9x18mm Makarov while still being suitable for compact pistols. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for 9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police)
The 9x18mm Ultra cartridge was designed with specific applications in mind, primarily focused on law enforcement use:
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police) Caliber Comparisons
The 9x18mm Ultra, also known as 9mm Police, is a unique cartridge with specific characteristics. To understand its place in the handgun world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of 9x18mm Ultra with other pistol cartridges. (Based on a 2 lb pistol)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 9x18mm Ultra with other pistol cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of 9x18mm Ultra with other pistol cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of 9x18mm Ultra with other pistol cartridges over distance.
9x18mm Ultra (9mm Police) Sectional Density
The 9x18mm Ultra, also known as 9mm Police, is a pistol cartridge developed in Germany. This table compares the sectional density of different bullet weights for this cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| 9x18mm Ultra | 93 | 0.133 |
| 9x18mm Ultra | 100 | 0.143 |
| 9x18mm Ultra | 115 | 0.164 |
Note: The 9x18mm Ultra cartridge is less common than other 9mm variants. It was designed for law enforcement use but saw limited adoption. The sectional density values provided are based on the bullet diameter of 0.355 inches (9.02mm) for this cartridge.