Kyle LewisSellier & Bellot 9mm Luger: A History and Product Insight
Introduction
Sellier & Bellot, a name synonymous with quality ammunition, boasts a rich history that dates back to 1825. Founded by a German businessman with French origins, Louis Sellier, the company has grown from producing percussion caps for infantry to becoming a major global supplier of small-caliber ammunition. This blog delves into the fascinating history of Sellier & Bellot, particularly focusing on their 9mm ammunition, one of the most popular calibers in the world today.
Historical Overview
Louis Sellier, a royalist who fled France during the French Revolution, started the company in Prague after a request from the Austrian Emperor Francis I for percussion caps to supply his infantry. He was soon joined by Jean Maria Nicolaus Bellot, and together they set the foundation for what would become a leading ammunition manufacturer. By 1837, production had peaked at over 156 million percussion caps that were exported worldwide and that is where the company's roots began.
Expansion and Innovation
The company saw significant growth and innovation over the decades. In 1870, they began producing centerfire cartridges, with the introduction of Flobert’s rimfire and Lefaucheux's pin-primer cartridges introducing the first centerfire cartridges to begin production. A groundbreaking development at the time. This would propel the company forward on the international front, and as it did, the company solidified its reputation as a quality ammunition components manufacturer. Following Sellier's death in 1872, the company continued to thrive under the management of his heirs and Czech entrepreneur Martin Hala who helped the company to scale in size and production.The first trademark for Sellier & Bellot was listed in Prague in 1893. In 1895, hunting cartridge cases and hunting cartridges were brought into the production program. This was the flow of the company until the world went to war in July of 1914.
World Wars and Beyond
During World War I, Sellier & Bellot focused on producing rifle and handgun cartridges for the military. The Steyr 9mm cartridge was introduced during this period and with its popularity and demand, the company began their focus of production on the Steyr 9mm. Due to the increasing demand for it, this began the expansion into different calibers for the war effort. Post-war, the company became the main supplier of ammunition for the newly founded Czechoslovakia. They expanded into the Asian and South American markets, necessitating the opening of another factory in Prussia in 1929, to help meet the increasing demand for their products.
Modern Era
In 1945, Sellier & Bellot was nationalized, and by 1992, it was listed as a joint-stock company. The company achieved ISO 9000 status in 1998 where it would become a well known and sought after choice in the industry. It was later acquired by Brazilian company C.B.C. in 2009. The company thrived for another 14 years, until it again changed parent companies. In 2023, it became part of COLT CZ Group, continuing its legacy of producing high-quality ammunition under the same trademark that it had been under from the start. Now with an internationally known powerhouse in the industry, it offers a chance for even better R&D procedures for improvements to ensure that the ammunition lives up to its name and reputation. This will solidify the future of the brand that has gained a positive reputation from its inception.
Sellier & Bellot 9mm Ammunition
The 9mm Luger ammunition by Sellier & Bellot is renowned for its reliability and affordability. Their extensive R&D efforts have resulted in a product that is favored by professional shooters, sport shooters, and hunters worldwide. The most commonly used is the 124 gr option for all around use in 9mm for competitive shooting and recreational shooting market. The highlights included in this blog will focus on the 124 gr but the company has many different weights and purpose built ammunition in the 9mm caliber. They are just as reliable and well known for meeting or exceeding performance standards.
Specifications of Sellier & Bellot 124 gr 9mm FMJ:
Bullet Diameter: .355”
Weight: 124 Grain
Muzzle Velocity: 1181 FPS (may vary with barrel length)
Muzzle Energy: 382 Ft. Lbs. (may vary with barrel length)
Case Length: .754”
Overall Length: 1.169”
Max Pressure (SAAMI): 35000 PSI
Sellier & Bellot 9mm 124 Gr
$15.50
at Pro Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
Performance and Usage
Sellier & Bellot 9mm FMJ ammunition is perfect for practice, recreational shooting, and competitive shooting sports. With a muzzle velocity of 1181 FPS and muzzle energy of 382 Ft. Lbs. (124 Grain), it offers excellent performance for range sessions. It is comparable to JHP that is often used for self-defense, making it a versatile choice for various shooting scenarios and range training with the same weight that could be used for your EDC, or your favorite competition platform. No matter what you use it for, Sellier & Bellot ammunition brings the reliability and performance the company was based on from its beginnings.
Conclusion
Although it has had some instances of being bought and sold throughout its history, the mission for the brand is the same. Plus the efforts for them to be bought and brought in by bigger companies, shows the idea of quality standards upheld by the name that those companies want aligned with theirs in the industry. Sellier & Bellot's legacy of producing high-quality ammunition is evident in their 9mm Luger rounds just as it is across the board on the numerous calibers they offer. Carrying on a tradition that founded the company and helped it to gain recognition worldwide. Whether you are a professional shooter, a hunter, or someone who enjoys recreational shooting, Sellier & Bellot offers reliable and affordable options that have been tested and trusted through the years. If you’re looking to experience the quality of Sellier & Bellot ammunition, consider the brand for your next range session. Its historical roots, coupled with its performance and reliability, make it a standout choice for shooters worldwide. We have some options for you here at Pro Armory ranging from 32 ACP up to .357 Magnum for handguns. Including some rifle cartridges ranging from 300 BLK to 7.62x54 R.
Sellier & Bellot 9mm 124 Gr Case
$309.99
at Pro Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing