10mm Auto Basics

rfwobbly · Jan 17, 2020

I want/need to do some 10mmAuto load experiments, and looking for help with those more experienced in the with the cartridge basics.

Background: I'm currently loading about 10 other pistol and revolver cartridges on a Dillon 650 and have been an active handgun loader since the early 80's. I have my own test range and chrono. I have new StarLine brass and numerous primer brands and about 25 pistol powders on hand. I'm mainly interested in accuracy and target shooting, but related info is also important to fill in the missing background. I want to get the full context of loading 10mm.

Here are my questions:
• In 9x19 Luger one can very loosely categorize 115gr for "flat and fast", 124gr for general target work, and 147gr for SD and reduced recoil. Does that generally hold true across 10mm using 155gr, 170gr and 200gr ?
• Does any one primer seem to to better ?
• What are the ultimate accuracy powders for 10mm ?
• What are the ultimate accuracy bullet weights for 10mm ?

Allow me to say thank you for any input you can contribute.

Rule3 · Jan 17, 2020

All I can say is I use Longshot and 180 gr FMJ RN bullets
Perhaps compare more to the 40 SW than a 9mm.

Paul Toms · Jan 17, 2020

The folks over at the 10mm forum ( http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/ ) have a lot of experience to share.

Regarding accuracy, most have determined that 10.4 of Blue Dot and a 180 bullet is very accurate. I found it at slightly less (10.2 from memory)

When I started loading up some 200 grain bullets with Power pistol, I found them to be softer shooting than my usual load of Longshot & a 180 bullet.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the 10mm!

ATLDave · Jan 17, 2020

rfwobbly said:
In 9x19 Luger one can very loosely categorize 115gr for "flat and fast", 124gr for general target work, and 147gr for SD and reduced recoil. Does that generally hold true across 10mm using 155gr, 170gr and 200gr ?

I think the 10mm is more like a revolver cartridge in terms of the vast bullet weight spread it can handle. For instance, 220 (not 200) is the real "heavy bullet" weight that is still well within standard. And the light end is really at 135 for maximum speed. There are multiple factory offerings in both of those weights. It's not like the 9mm with only 3-4 "real" bullet weights.

What you will discover is that the round can be a lot of different things. As for which powder and bullet weight will give you "ultimate accuracy," you'll have to figure out what your particular gun likes. Maybe because relatively few "cheap" 10mm guns have ever been made, there's usually no difficulty getting at least good accuracy. It's a very easy cartridge to load well in my experience. Or maybe I'm just not accurate enough (and lack a ransom rest) to be able to tell "pretty accurate" from "really accurate."

rfwobbly · Jan 17, 2020

Good info, guys. Thanks. More thoughts tonight as I walked....
• Seems like 38Spcl does well with any DEWC, if you can get it traveling around 750fps. Are there little "universally understood" tips like that for 10 ?

• I did study 40 for awhile but was not in love with that particular gun, so it went away. 155gr to 165gr seemed like the accuracy bullet weight in 40. Still apply ?

• Generally, leading concerns need to be carefully considered above ~1000 fps (bullet fit, etc). Since even moderate 10's are faster, I assume this rule also applies. (I have no revolver experience with the big bores is why I ask.)

• I'm shooting from a 5" 1911 single-stack Government model

ATLDave · Jan 17, 2020

I have mostly used 180s, 200s, and 220s. 220s were a little iffy on accuracy past 30-40 yards. Nothing that makes me think 155s or 165s would tend to be more accurate on average.

I always use jacketed, plated, or coated. No leading.

WestKentucky · Jan 17, 2020

I used 180gr truncated cones and aa7 which worked out to be a great combo. It was good enough that I didn’t bother experimenting. I didn’t have that pistol for long though.

Lennyjoe · Jan 17, 2020

I’m currently working up loads for a Rock Island 1911 in 10MM with Blue Dot and 180FMJ and 200 gr XTP’s. So far the 200Gr XTP shows more promise with 9.4. grains of powder with a WLP primer. Will try AA9 next then 800X last. I had great results with 800X in a G20 with aftermarket barrel and 200 gr XTP’s in the past so I’m interested in seeing how it does in the 1911.

FWIW I’m ordering a G20 SF next weekend under the Blue Label program...

rfwobbly · Jan 18, 2020

All very good feedback. Thanks.

GaryL · Jan 18, 2020

I've been using 7.2gr of Herco behind a 180 gr plated RMR bullet. It's the most accurate semi-auto I own.

Why Herco? I found some for a good price and decided to give it a try. When that runs out I might try something else, but I have a few used targets saved to compare against anything new.

1-12 INF (M) · Jan 18, 2020

I have had good luck Blue Dot. Also Bullseye and 231.

sparkyv · Jan 18, 2020

Paul Toms said:
The folks over at the 10mm forum ( http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/ ) have a lot of experience to share.

Regarding accuracy, most have determined that 10.4 of Blue Dot and a 180 bullet is very accurate.

Indeed! Blue Dot is my go-to for 10mm accuracy. 10.4gr to a little above 11gr works great for 180 grainers. One of the most simple and forgiving calibers to load, IMO.

10mm Auto Basics

rfwobbly

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Rule3

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Paul Toms

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ATLDave

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rfwobbly

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ATLDave

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WestKentucky

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Lennyjoe

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rfwobbly

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GaryL

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1-12 INF (M)

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sparkyv

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