This video from Forgotten Weapons delves into the complex world of 9mm pistol cartridges, explaining the origins and distinctions between numerous variations. It covers the ubiquitous 9mm Luger (Parabellum/NATO), along with historical and less common rounds like 9mm Largo, 9mm Browning Long, .380 Auto (9mm Kurz), 9x25 Mauser Export, 9mm Steyr, 9x18mm Ultra, and 9x18mm Makarov. The explanation focuses on their development, dimensional differences, and intended applications, highlighting why seemingly similar designations can represent very different cartridges.
This video explores the "Project Ultra" by Walther from the mid to late 1930s, which aimed to develop a more potent compact pistol cartridge than .32 ACP or .380. Walther created the 9x18mm cartridge (later known as 9mm Police or 9mm Ultra) using a standard .355-inch bullet, balancing ballistic performance between 9x17mm Browning and 9x19mm Parabellum. Initial testing involved a blowback PP pistol, which proved insufficient, leading to the development of a rotating barrel, short recoil system. However, by 1939, wartime production needs overshadowed the project, and it was ultimately dropped, though the cartridge was re-introduced post-war.
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