9×18 vs 9×19 – Makarov versus Luger

There have been surplus Makarov pistols on sale in the US for many years.  Initially they were often converted to shoot the more available (but less  powerful) 380 cartridge.  9X18 ammunition is now easier to find in the US, making conversions unnecessary.

"A 9x18mm cartridge is 18.10mm long; the 9x19mm's (9mm Parabellum) casing is 19.15mm long. The 9 itself represents bullet diameter, but this too is not totally exact. The 9x18mm has a 9.27mm diameter bullet; the 9x19mm has a 9.01mm diameter bullet.

Handloaders can use the same primer, propellant, and shell holder for either. Their brass are not interchangeable, however. The 9x18mm's case is 1.05mm shorter, so it will not headspace correctly in a handgun chambered for 9x19mm (and vice versa). Furthermore, the 9x19mm's bullet is not compatible with the 9x18mm's wider bore, and the 9x19mm's substantially higher chamber pressure would also destroy a blowback-operated 9x18mm firearm like the Makarov pistols.

The 9x18mm was designed for an economical blowback pistol, where the recoil spring alone holds the breech closed. This type of operation can only accommodate so powerful a round, and indeed the 9x18mm is the upper limit of what a blowback action can accommodate."

People have successfully trimmed 9mm Parabellum brass (9X19) to reload as 9X18 (search Internet for videos, etc.).

https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/lodge/9x18-vs-9x19-makarov-versus-luger/

Smith & Wesson Model 645 .45 ACP Handgun

"The third generation of the Smith & Wesson Model 645 double-action semiautomatic pistol, chambered in .45 ACP, was a hit with law enforcement in the late 1980s."

"This new second-generation of semiautomatics was meant to replace the 4500 series of guns, and it came with major improvements. Constructed entirely of stainless steel with a low-luster, bead-blasted finish, the Model 645 was perfect for the sportsman or for law enforcement duties.
That was back in 1985, and partnered with the Model 745—a single-action version with a carbon blue slide engineered as an IPSC competition gun—they were instant hits ...
Still looking for ways to improve the gun, in 1988 the company introduced a third generation of double- action semiautomatics, complete with new serial numbers. The gun shown here is one of those.
The company built the new generation with ergonomics in mind by machining a slimmer grip frame complemented by a new wraparound rubber grip rather than the two-piece one on previous models. Additionally, you could choose between a straight or a curved backstrap."

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/smith-wesson-model-645-45-acp/473215

How Federal Made the .31-Caliber .30 Super Carry Cartridge

"For almost two years, Federal discreetly worked to create the all-new .31-caliber .30 Super Carry self-defense cartridge."

"Despite its moniker, the .30 Super Carry is not .30 caliber. The bullet diameter is 0.312 inch, the same as the .32 H&R Magnum, the .327 Federal Magnum, and other ".32-caliber" handgun cartridges."

" The new .30 SC case is essentially the .32 ACP case lengthened from 0.680 inch to 0.828 inch, with about the same diameter. The .32 ACP is slightly semi-rimmed, but the new .30 SC is rimless. The .30 SC uses 100- or 115-grain jacketed bullets loaded to much higher pressures than the other pistol rounds, and that allows it to produce very impressive ballistics."

" The average muzzle energy of the three .30 SC loads shown in the ballistics comparison chart is 340 ft-lbs, not much different than the 9mm's average of 347 ft-lbs for 124- and 147-grain bullets and substantially more than that of the .380 ACP."

" As expected, the velocities were somewhat lower in the Shield EZ's shorter 3.7-inch barrel, about 10 percent less with the CCI Blazer and 14 percent less with the Gold Dot. Interestingly, velocity (and hence, muzzle energy) with the Federal HST load was only 1 percent slower. Obviously, this load is optimized for short-barreled defense pistols."

" In a small, flat, and compact pistol like the Shield EZ, it ought to be a perfect fit for everyday carry. And as popular as full-size Model 1911s chambered for 9mm Luger are these days, I think the .30 SC has a bright future for Model 1911 aficionados."

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/federal-31caliber-30-super-carry-cartridge/473560

Mazda Miata vs. Toyota GR86

https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a42190850/mazda-miata-vs-toyota-gr86/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=dda_fb_rt_d_i_a42190850

Cheapest 300-HP Cars You Can Buy: Good Power, Smaller Price

https://www.motortrend.com/features/cheapest-300-hp-cars/

Cool Cars We Bought for $5K Apiece: What're they worth now? - Hagerty Media

https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/valuation/cool-cars-we-bought-for-5k-apiece-whatre-they-worth-now/

Handloading Lead-Free Frangible Bullets For Pistols

" Handloading frangible bullets requires special attention. Their hard, brittle nature means you must take extra care to avoid damaging the bullet during the loading process. The critical step is crimping. If too much crimp is applied, the bullets can crack or break off. In some instances, the damage is obvious and the tip of the bullet will simply fall off."

" It's not difficult to get the crimp right, but it does require close attention. Some frangible bullets have a rebated nose designed to accept a slight taper crimp when seated to a proper overall length. Other frangible bullet designs lack the rebated nose, and can tolerate no crimp whatsoever. Care must be taken to only remove the flare from the case mouth when running the round through the crimp die. Even the slightest crimp can crack these bullets."

" Frangible bullets are long for their weight, because they are not as dense as lead. This means when they're seated to the same overall length as a lead bullet of the same weight, they reduce the internal space in the case. This raises pressure in handgun cartridges so the powder charge for frangible bullets must be reduced to keep pressures safe"

" Frangible bullets are about the same price as better jacketed bullets. If you shoot steel targets, these are the ideal bullets, and their extra margin of safety easily justifies their cost. They're also the choice for the environmentally conscious shooter, and of course, any range or location where lead is not allowed."

https://americanhandgunner.com/gear/handloading-lead-free-frangible-bullets-for-pistols/