9x17 mm is a pistol calibre also known in international ballistics literature as .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). With a 17 mm case length, it is shorter and lower-pressure than 9x19 mm Parabellum, which is why it is sometimes informally called the "short nine."
The calibre has been a preferred standard in compact pistol designs since the early 20th century and remains widely used today in pistol models where ease of carry is a priority.
Technical Definition of the 9x17 mm Calibre
The calibre diameter is 9 mm, with a case length of 17 mm. These dimensions are the key difference from 9x19 mm Luger/Parabellum — the two share the same bullet diameter but differ in case length and, as a result, pressure level. A shorter case means a smaller propellant volume.
Catalog Specification
| Product | Diameter | Bullet | Case | Grain | Primer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozkursan 380 ACP Brass Plated | 9x17 mm (.380 ACP) | FMJ Brass | Steel | 100 | Boxer |
This is the only product family cataloged in this calibre: a 100-grain cartridge with an FMJ Brass bullet, a steel case and a Boxer primer, manufactured under the same ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system applied across Ozkursan's pistol cartridge range. Its bullet and case construction follows the same manufacturing approach used across the steel-cased 9x19 mm line.
Comparison with Related Calibres
| Calibre | Product | Case | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9x17 mm (.380 ACP) | Ozkursan 380 ACP | Steel | 100 |
| 7.65x17 mm | Ozkursan 7.65 | Steel | 70 |
| 9x19 mm (Luger) | Ozkursan Luger | Brass-Plated Steel | 124 |
The table shows how the three related calibres differ in grain (bullet weight): 7.65 mm is the lightest, 9x19 mm the heaviest, with 9x17 mm in between.
Case and Bullet Construction
An FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullet is made by fully enclosing a lead core in a metal jacket — a construction shared by nearly every pistol cartridge in the catalog. The steel case reflects the same manufacturing approach used in the 7.65x17 mm and 45 ACP steel-cased lines; for a general comparison of case types, see Cartridge Cases.
The 9x17 mm product also uses a Boxer primer, the same primer standard applied across the entire catalog; see Boxer Primers for the technical detail, and Ammunition Types and Their Characteristics for the general classification of calibre and bullet type.
Where 9x17 mm Is Used
9x17 mm / .380 ACP is used worldwide in compact and sub-compact pistols, favoured in designs where ease of carry is a priority. In Türkiye, supply of ammunition in this calibre is subject to applicable firearms licensing and regulation, available only through the corporate inquiry process.
The full range of related calibres is listed in the Small Arms Ammunition category, alongside 7.65x17 mm and 45 CAL, which serve the same compact-pistol segment; all three are built on FMJ bullets and steel cases, differing mainly in diameter, case length and grain.
Naming and Historical Background
The 9x17 mm calibre is known by several names: "9x17 mm" in the metric system, ".380 ACP" in the American system, and "9 mm Kurz" (German for "short") in Europe — the Turkish "short nine" is a loose translation of this last name, used to distinguish it from 9x19 mm.
The .380 ACP calibre was introduced in the early 20th century and became a standard for the compact-pistol segment; a shorter case allows for a smaller pistol frame, the technical reason the calibre is favoured in easy-to-carry pistol models.
The catalog's grain figure of 100 refers to bullet weight (1 grain ≈ 0.0648 gram, roughly 6.5 grams); this sits above the 70-grain 7.65x17 mm bullet and below the 115-124 grain range of 9x19 mm, reflecting the calibre's mid-segment position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9x17 mm the same calibre as .380 ACP?
Yes — 9x17 mm is the metric name for .380 ACP. The catalog product is labelled with both names: "9x17 mm (.380 ACP)."
Why is 9x17 mm considered a different calibre from 9x19 mm?
The case length differs (17 mm versus 19 mm), which means the two calibres are not interchangeable; each can only be used in a firearm chambered for its exact dimensions.
Are other 9x17 mm products in the catalog?
No — the catalog carries a single product family in this calibre, Ozkursan 380 ACP Brass Plated.
Browse the current 9 mm x 17 pistol ammunition range in the Ozkursan catalogue.
Review product categories, the catalog and corporate inquiry options for current Ozkursan information.
