The 9 mm Luger calibre
The 9 mm Luger was first produced in 1902. To-day, it is the most widely used calibre in the 9 mm range for hand guns. Although it was initially intended for the German semi-automatic Luger pistol, this cartridge has been very widely developed, now making it the most widespread calibre for hand guns worldwide. It measures 9x19 mm; the CIP reference for this calibre is 9 mm Luger, but it is also known as 9 mm Parabellum, 9 mm Para and 9x19 mm Parabellum. In 1904, the 9 mm Parabellum ammunition was chosen as the official cartridge by the Imperial German Navy and it soon became standard in the German army from 1908 onwards when the standard Luger P08 pistol was adopted. In particular, the 9x19 mm is the standard NATO hand gun ammunition; it is officially used by all European armies and has also been used by the United States since 1985. Winchester was one of the precursors for loading with the 9 mm Luger calibre, for which it has gained very considerable experience. At present, three loads are offered for this powerful cartridge with bullets adapted for military and also civilian needs: FMJ 7.45 grammes / 363 m/s; FMJ 8.04 grammes / 347 m/s; and FMJ-FN 9.53 grammes / 302 m/s.
