10mm vs. 9x23 Winchester

[MagnumDweeb]

Now I've thought long and hard about doing a project on converting a TT-33 to 9x23 Winchester, and yes I know some folks have had a measure of success doing it with the Witness Steel 38 Supers but I'm thinking of the TT-33 in particular.

In particular because on 10mmtalk a lot of folks have complaints about using the stouter 10mm loads in their witnesses and the frames and slides cracking because of it. So the 9x23 might be far too much for the Witness Steel models, if anyone has had some success then please share.

The TT-33 Romanian as is present for relatively cheap sale on the market, is made by those old fashion sturdy steel steel that made the communist production of small arms quite impressive. While there are folks on the forumns saying that the TT-33 will stand up to almost nuclear strength loads of the 9x23, again it is only talk. There isn't any video or proof as far as I can find.

Ideally the TT-33 9x23 would offer loads in 120+ grain that would be on par with all loads fired from a .357 Magnum with a 4" barrell lenght. If you go to brassfetcher though you will find that the deepest penetration is only 11.5 inches which does not meet the FBI standard 12 inch test. The ammunition is also rare and essentially expensive in compare to its .357 counterpart, but you do get that 8+1 capacity.

But there is the 10mm, far more tested for the mainstream consumption by the public. The 10mm is probably more notable in the Glock 20 where doubletap loads have been used with quite a great deal of success without damaging the gun. All guns wear out after a time but the 10mm in Glock or say Dan Wesson seem to be getting quite the lifespan using loads in the 1200fps-1400fps. The TT-33 would be a newcomer if used with 9x23Win and thus maybe not the best alternative but running the math it could be done for around $400 and you would still have the 7.62x25 caliber at your utility, and if you ordered the extra 9mm barrel you didn't convert you'd have the 9mm caliber available.

I'm not a fan of the 9mm and sold my only one to cousin when she got her CCW permit, but I have a ton of 9mm brass sitting in containers waiting to be reloaded, so maybe the TT-33 might make a nice 9mm shooter but I don't think it will stand up to the measure of the 10mm Glock 20 well enough not to make that extra two hundred dollar investment.

Again though maybe I'm wrong and there are folks who love the 9x23Win caliber and are enjoying it immensely, if you please share.

 

[sqlbullet]

I have heard no complaints of cracked frames at 10mmtalk in Witness guns. The talk of cracked slides has all been with the new model 'rounded' profile slide.

However, on the topic, I would select 10mm and get a conversion barrel for 9X25 Dillon. Handloads lists a 115 grain bullet at 1500 fps in a 'max' 9X23 load. Double Tap offers a 115 grain Gold Dot at 1800 fps in the 9X25. Lone Wolf has 9X25 barrels for the Glock. A 38 Super barrel for a Witness can be reamed for about $50 bucks or so.

 

[KBintheSLC]

In particular because on 10mmtalk a lot of folks have complaints about using the stouter 10mm loads in their witnesses and the frames and slides cracking because of it.

That is an unfortunate possibility with the cast-metal frame of the EAA. I don't have any experience with the 9x23, but I do own a Glock 20. I considered the Witness since it is a beautiful piece, but mixing pot-metal with 10mm scares me. The Glock 20 eats a steady diet of 200g 1250 fps loadings with no problems so far. Glocks are less expensive, and hold 15+1 as well.

Anyway, I don't mean to switch the focus onto the G20, but I can't comment on the 9x23. Best of luck.

 

[mpmarty]

Glocks are less expensive? Where do you buy a G20 for under $400?
My three witness 10mms have been digesting 1200 fps loads of 200gr bullets and 1600 fps loads of 135gr Noslers for years. No cracks, no problems. I do keep them properly sprung with wolf replacement springs every three thousand rounds.

 

[Mastiff]

I have converted a Romanian to the 9x23 Winchester. It would have cost me about $40.00, if I didn't have the pieces available. It just took a Norinco 9mm Tok barrel reamed out to chamber the round and a 9mm barrel bushing, both of which I had for my Norinco 213.
I get 357 Magnum power in an autoloader. I reload, so the price of the brass isn't a big deal. 9x23 brass from Winchester is very strong, you can reload your brass almost forever (I'm on my 9th reload, still no problems with the brass). I'm real happy with the pistol.