9x21mm IMI

The 9x21mm IMI was developed by Israel Military Industries in the 1980s for countries such as Italy and Mexico that prohibit civilian ownership of military calibres, including 9x19. It is a 9mm Luger case lengthened by 2 mm, loaded to the same overall length and pressure, so it performs identically: a 115 to 124 grain projectile at 1,100 to 1,200 fps.

In Australia it has no legal advantage over 9mm Luger and is rare. It turns up in Italian competition pistols imported from Tanfoglio and Beretta that were built for the domestic Italian IPSC market, and occasionally in collections. Owners of such pistols generally have them rebarrelled to 9x19, which is the simpler fix given the two cartridges share magazines and breech face.

9x21 will not chamber in a 9x19 pistol and 9x19 should not be fired in a 9x21 chamber. Factory ammunition from Fiocchi and Sellier & Bellot exists but is seldom stocked locally; reloaders can form cases and use standard 9mm projectiles and dies with a 9x21 shell holder and seating adjustment.

We can attempt to source 9x21 IMI ammunition and dies to order and can arrange a 9x19 conversion barrel for compatible pistols. Handguns are shipped Australia-wide to your nominated dealer.