9 × 19 mm PARABELLUM
Standard NATO pistol and SMG cartridge
The 9 × 19 mm Parabellum is the standard military and police handgun and submachine gun cartridge of NATO and of the great majority of armed forces worldwide. Designed by Georg Luger in 1901, it combines moderate recoil with high magazine capacity, which is why it remains the default chambering for service pistols, personal defence weapons and submachine guns. Steadfast supplies it in ball, training and duty loadings against valid end-user certification.
Full Specifications
Cartridge dimensions
| Designation | 9 × 19 mm Parabellum / 9 mm Luger / 9 mm NATO |
|---|---|
| Case type | Rimless, tapered; headspaces on the case mouth |
| Bullet diameter | 9.01 mm (0.355 in) |
| Neck diameter | 9.65 mm (0.380 in) |
| Base diameter | 9.93 mm (0.391 in) |
| Rim diameter | 9.96 mm (0.392 in), rim thickness 1.27 mm |
| Case length | 19.15 mm (0.754 in) |
| Overall length | 29.69 mm (1.169 in) |
| Case capacity | 0.862 cm³ (13.30 gr H₂O) |
Ballistics
| 115 gr (7.45 g) FMJ | 360 m/s (1,180 ft/s), 481 J |
|---|---|
| 124 gr (8.04 g) FMJ | 410 m/s (1,345 ft/s), 675 J |
| 147 gr (9.53 g) JHP | 297 m/s (975 ft/s), 420 J |
| Test barrel length | 118 mm (4.65 in) |
| Rifling twist | 250 mm (1 in 9.84 in), six grooves |
Standards & pressure
| C.I.P. Pmax | 235.00 MPa (34,084 psi); proof 305.50 MPa |
|---|---|
| SAAMI MAP | 241.32 MPa (35,000 psi) |
| Primer | Berdan or Boxer small pistol |
| NATO status | Standard NATO pistol calibre |
Service context
| Introduced | Designed 1901 by Georg Luger, Germany |
|---|---|
| Effective range | 50 m as issued in service pistols |
| Typical platforms | Service pistols, submachine guns, personal defence weapons |
Dimensional, ballistic and pressure figures are the published C.I.P., NATO and SAAMI reference values for the 9 × 19 mm Parabellum cartridge (reference data). Steadfast production lots are proof tested and certified against the applicable standard. Product imagery is an in-house Steadfast studio visualisation and is indicative only; actual finish, headstamp and lot markings follow the applicable standard and the customer order.
