10mm coming back in style?

Status
Not open for further replies.
bangswitch said:
I don't understand why the gun enthusiast world depends on the FBI's opinion for what makes a good or bad caliber. They had their own reasons for moving away from 10mm, mainly due to the population demographics of their agents and their ability to handle the firearms chambered in it.. Had nothing to do with my own opinion of the caliber, and I've owned a 10mm handgun since 1992.
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong, i have no hate for the Ten. I was just curious about the resurgence. It wasn't meant to detract from the round. I understand the appeal, i just wondered if something major had changed recently to bring it back out in the public mind.

As to the emhasis on the FBI and their opinions and requirements, I suspect that, in the world of defensive shooting, no single end-user entity has expended more time, money, and blood in the quest for the theoretical ideal handgun defensive combination.

For competitive uses, hunting, or other sporting intent, the FBI's opinions carry a lot less weight. Perhaps the resurgence in popularity represents an increased interest in those fields as opposed to simple self-defense?
 
I don't have the long shooting history some of you have, but I've been shooting handguns regularly for 30+ years and handloading for about 15 years, mainly .45 auto, .38/357 and .44 mag for handguns. Just two weeks ago I picked up my first 10mm, a Springfield XDM 5.25". I've been really impressed with it, and it's eaten up all of my experimental handloads without a single hiccup.

This has been a lot of firsts for me, and a lot of opportunity for problems. However, I've shot about 200 rds through it so far, all of them handloads and about 80% have been my own cast bullets, all without a single failure.

I've shot a lot of hot .357 and .44 mag, so the full power 10mm recoil wasn't unusually heavy for me. What really surprised me though was the flexibility of it. From light 165 gr. to hot loaded 200 gr. rounds, I had no problems at all and the gun functioned flawlessly.

With long narrow cartridges like the .357 mag, light charges of fast burning powder in my experience can result in inconsistent ignition, showing up as wide extreme spreads in velocity on the chronograph. While I haven't chronographed my early 10mm loads yet, I haven't seen any evidence of inconsistent ignition in my light loads. The only downside I could say about my heavy loads in 10mm is that the brass gets flung out pretty dramatically.

This is my first experience with the 10mm and I've been very happy so far. This is an extremely flexible and capable cartridge, especially when paired with a handgun with a fully supported chamber. Will it replace my big bore revolvers for defense carry in brown bear country? Probably not, but I can definitely see where it will provide more power than my .45 autos where I might encounter black bear and 2 legged predators. Will it replace my .45 autos for those situations? Too early to tell. It has big shoes to fill in that area.
 
Like many others, just never felt the need to add another caliber, so avoided the .40 and the Ten. If I'm going to shoot it, I'll load for it.
Have to admit a 10 Glock makes a great tradeoff if black bears are a primary consideration; a similarly powerful revo would be a bunch heavier.
In my neck of the woods, a Smith 66 or 640 maggie hide easier than the big Glock, and will handle snakeshot as well; with magnum loads, they'd make a GTFOM round for bears...which really are pretty low risk. And hiding is an issue; a bike trail is near our camp, and really don't want to give the bike-borne yuppies apoplexy seeing an openly carried sidearm.
The slam on the Ten originally was pounding the guns chambered for it. Have the loads been reduced, or are the guns stronger?
Moon
 
The slam on the Ten originally was pounding the guns chambered for it. Have the loads been reduced, or are the guns stronger?

FBI dropped it because agents had trouble making qualifying scores with it due to 1- excessive recoil and 2- Agents with smaller hands had trouble gripping it. If the FBI drops it, im guessing everything else naturally follows suit. Before the FBI dropped it, they had a "reduced 10mm load" (which eventually morphed into the 40 s&w) i find most regular 10mm factory loads to be somewhere in between the light FBI 10mm load (40 S&W power) and the original Norma class loads.

As to beating up guns, not too sure. It does have a higher recoil impulse and higher chamber pressure than 45ACP or 40S&W. Those factors can lead to a gun wearing in fewer rounds...but how significantly, not sure. My 10s take abuse just fine in my opinion. Glock 40 MOS with Alpha Wolf barrel (more fully supported chamber than factory glock barrel) helps reduce bulging of brass, which to me as a handloader is a big deal.
 
I've liked the 10MM since my first, a Bren Ten, back during the short time they were in production. I thought the combination of .400" bullet diameter, weight and velocity and resultant flatter trajectory was pretty neat. I started to load the 10MM back then, and have maintained a 10MM pistol and/or revolver of one kind or another around here in all the years since. It does seem there has been a resurgence of interest in the cartridge in recent years, but I don't pretend to know why...
 
10mm is easy to handload and drives bullets fast enough that most "regular" JHP will expand.
In 1911's 10mm offers an additional round capacity over 45 acp.
Factory loads like the Hornady 155 and 180 XTP would be good choices for SD against human attacker.
10mm.jpg
 
CDW4ME said:
10mm is easy and economical to handload and drives bullets fast enough that most JHP will expand.
In 1911's 10mm offers an additional round capacity over 45 acp.
Factory loads like the Hornady 155 and 180 XTP would be good choices for SD against human attacker.
View attachment 956565
Click to expand...
I agree, 10mm sends projectiles supersonic every time so you get the magnum style boom. They create a more consistent hydrostatic shock cavity every time. They expand hollow points every time, even at longer handgun ranges (50 yds at least)
My handloads are very consistent, very controllable, and create similar energies to full tilt 357 magnums, maybe slightly more than. This is all out of a Glock 40 MOS holding 15+1 if i need them. 10mm is an awesome round. NO, 10MM IS NOT AS POWERFUL AS A 41 MAGNUM. Maybe a full tilt 10mm has similar energy to a lighter end 41 target load.
 
My Glock 40 MOS with an Alphawolf threaded replacement barrel is my hunting/woods carry sidearm. Carry’s well, and 15+1 of 180gr Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claws are nothing to sneeze at. And it is a very versatile handgun to reload for, hoping the resurgence is true as it may mean a few more bullet options.

In my comparisons, I’ve come to the conclusion it is a twin to the 357Mag, whatever a 357 magnum will do a 10mm will do it with a bigger diameter hole. The benefit of the 10mm auto is that a revolver with equal barrel length will be longer and bulkier than a bottom feeder, and will lose some velocity out the cylinder gap. So to wrap up my thoughts in this last paragraph it’s the best (imho) power/capacity/shoot able cartridge in a bottom feeder.
 
Palladan44 said:
I agree, 10mm sends projectiles supersonic every time so you get the magnum style boom. They create a more consistent hydrostatic shock cavity every time. They expand hollow points every time, even at longer handgun ranges (50 yds at least)
My handloads are very consistent, very controllable, and create similar energies to full tilt 357 magnums, maybe slightly more than. This is all out of a Glock 40 MOS holding 15+1 if i need them. 10mm is an awesome round. NO, 10MM IS NOT AS POWERFUL AS A 41 MAGNUM. Maybe a full tilt 10mm has similar energy to a lighter end 41 target load.
Click to expand...
I mostly agree, especially that 10mm doesn't approach .41 Magnum. Much of the comparisons between .357 and 10mm are valid, with considerations. Bullet weights are important in determining the "equality", because the sectional density varies, and that is an indicator of penetration capability, other criteria being more or less equal. This is one area where the comparison to .41 Magnum falls flat.

If you have a .41Magnum shooting a 210 grain bullet, the sectional density of that bullet is 0.178, and it can be loaded to a velocity of around 1400 fps from a 6" barrel. A 10mm shooting a 200 grain bullet has a tiny advantage with a sectional density of 0.179, but a hot load will only get you around 1100 fps from the typical 5" barrel, and then the KE= 1/2MV^2 equation comes into play, and the .41 wins. Maybe the field is equal if you're shooting a .41 snubbie, but not likely will you lose 300 fps by giving up 3 inches of barrel.

The comparison between .357 and 10mm is a similar issue. Does a lower SD bullet at a higher MV, or a higher SD at a lower MV balance out penetration between the two? I prefer the lighter bullet at the higher MV for defense loadings in my 10mm, I use 155 grain bullets, which I can load to around 1400-1450 fps in the 10mm. Those bullets have a SD of 0.138, which is lower than the 158 grain I use in the .357, which I can also load to around 1350 fps for my 6" gun. The .357's 158 has a SD of 0.177, quite a bit better than the equivalent weight in the 10mm's 155, although since it gives up some energy in velocity, they may be fairly equal. Once you go to the 180 grain in a .357, vs. the 200 grain in the 10mm, both SD and velocities are very similar, so again, relative equality.

Of course, this is all theoretical, based on mathematical ballistics, and it probably comes down to placements of your shots on a live target.
 
BreechFace said:
My Glock 40 MOS with an Alphawolf threaded replacement barrel is my hunting/woods carry sidearm. Carry’s well, and 15+1 of 180gr Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claws are nothing to sneeze at. And it is a very versatile handgun to reload for, hoping the resurgence is true as it may mean a few more bullet options.

In my comparisons, I’ve come to the conclusion it is a twin to the 357Mag, whatever a 357 magnum will do a 10mm will do it with a bigger diameter hole. The benefit of the 10mm auto is that a revolver with equal barrel length will be longer and bulkier than a bottom feeder, and will lose some velocity out the cylinder gap. So to wrap up my thoughts in this last paragraph it’s the best (imho) power/capacity/shoot able cartridge in a bottom feeder.
Click to expand...

Alpha wolf barrels are excellent if you are a handloader with the almost "fully supported" chamber, where full power rounds out of the standard glock barrel will bulge the brass on the bottom. Sometimes to the point of rendering the brass. Also can shoot whatever lead or cast bullet out of your Glock without worry. Id pack the Glock 40 MOS 10mm on my hip anywhere on the planet and be comfortable for whatever one could ever need a SIDEARM for.. ok a 500 S&W will be a one shot stopper for many things that a 10mm will not, but i can shoot 3 round bursts with the 10mm for every one shot with a 500. Coincedentally it holds 15(+1) rounds to the 500s 5 rounds. Ammo choice is key also, if youre packing a 10mm for bigger or dangerous game, penetration is just about everything. 200 grain hardcast flatnose bullets behind a compressed load of Blue Dot that go clean through 3, 5 gallon hard pails of water are what I like to carry. All i can say is DO NOT carry hollow points or expanding bullets in Grizzly country in your 10mm. I could speculate you could empty the entire magazine of 15 rounds and make all of them hit where they need to, and still not make a hit to the vitals because the bullets would never make it.
 
bangswitch said:
A 10mm shooting a 200 grain bullet has a tiny advantage with a sectional density of 0.179, but a hot load will only get you around 1100 fps from the typical 5" barrel.
Click to expand...

Only 1,100 with a 200 grain hot load? Not in my experience. With the right combo, one can easily and safely get over 1,200fps and still be under published maximums.
 
The 10mm is definitely enjoying a resurgence. It ain't the bear cartridge that many seem to think but it quite capable for deer-sized game. I've had .38-40's for years and added two 10mm's over the last year or so.


jmr40 said:
...and come closer to 44 mag than a lot of guys are willing to admit. Fire 44 mags from a revolver with the same overall length and you're down to a 3" barrel on the 44. From a 3" barrel 44 mag just isn't nearly as impressive as the published ballistics shown when fired from an 8" barrel.
Click to expand...
You repeat this every time, along with the nonsense about the .45/70 and it's still false. The 10mm gets compared to the .41Mag quite often but folks must be comparing full-tilt 10mm to low end .41Mag. The 10mm simply doesn't have the capacity for anything heavier than 220gr and comes nowhere near heavy loads in the .41Mag. Considering that I get well over 1100fps out of a 355gr in a 4 5/8" .44Mag, I'd say that's WELL beyond what the 10mm will ever be capable of.
 
anothernewb said:
10 is a great round for a handloader. (most of) the commercial offerings aren't that potent. I've bought several, and they barely pump out anymore velocity than a 40. all at the bottom of published data, and several below.

But, using handloads, a person can bring them up to the levels they were originally intended for.

Other than collecting my brass from the other side of the state - love shooting mine.
Click to expand...

100% agree. If i didnt handload it would be a totally different ballgame for me. Paying in some cases double the money for a .40 s&w performance 10mm is pretty hard to justify.
I think if more "full power" 10mm was available from the factory ammo lineup at more affordable prices, it would help things along.
 
CraigC said:
The 10mm is definitely enjoying a resurgence. It ain't the bear cartridge that many seem to think but it quite capable for deer-sized game. I've had .38-40's for years and added two 10mm's over the last year or so.

You repeat this every time, along with the nonsense about the .45/70 and it's still false. The 10mm gets compared to the .41Mag quite often but folks must be comparing full-tilt 10mm to low end .41Mag. The 10mm simply doesn't have the capacity for anything heavier than 220gr and comes nowhere near heavy loads in the .41Mag. Considering that I get well over 1100fps out of a 355gr in a 4 5/8" .44Mag, I'd say that's WELL beyond what the 10mm will ever be capable of.
Click to expand...

I see it all the time, the comparisons of 10mm to 41/44 Mags, its not even close when you compare apples to apples (i.e. full house loads). I love the 10mm but I've got to have a foot down on reality. It's a 357Mag performance in a semi-auto platform, which is why I don't really understand 10mm in a revolver, but there are those that really enjoy them as well. I have full confidence in my Glock 40 for my needs of woods protection. Now if I'm hunting in Alaska which may never happen but who knows, my Ruger Alaskan in 454 Casull gets the nod.

The underlined and bold statement is the 10mm "claim to fame" and where it's worth should be understood. I can cherry pick loads to make 9mm equal 357magnum, or 40 S&W equal 10mm, direct comparisons matter if one wants to find the truth of the matter.
 
My extremely modest 10mm collection, a Stainless Target 2, 1076 and 5" GP 100. I am 45 and have been fascinated by the caliber since I was a kid. Grew up in Miami in the 80's and thought Sonny Crockett's Bren Ten was the greatest police firearm ever. The 10 in my handle "jeff-10" pays homage to round because when I first joined the forums it was basically a dead caliber. After many years of shooting it , I've come to the realization that it makes a better revolver round than pistol although I really wish the worlds least innovative handgun manufacturer Smith and Wesson (Colt is tied) would release a classic series of the 3rd gen steel guns, especially in 10mm and 45ACP.

My belief is that someone will start making a rimmed 10mm at some point.

10mm.JPG
 
Last edited:
I'm a huge 40S&W fan, so it was a natural step up for me to get into the 10mm three years ago with an SR1911. Until recently, I hadn't shot revolvers since I was a kid, but when I found my interest in revolvers rekindled, I skipped the 38/357 and went right for the 44Mag and beyond. But because I liked the 10mm so much, i took a step back and concluded that the M610 was the right choice for me. It shoots both calibers extremely well. And so I too have an interest in the Springfield XDM 5.25" and have read only good things about it like your post Alaskamike. Just picked one up, and sme more 10mm goodness inbound!
Alaskamike said:
Just two weeks ago I picked up my first 10mm, a Springfield XDM 5.25". I've been really impressed with it, and it's eaten up all of my experimental handloads without a single hiccup.
Click to expand...



The M610 solves this issue! o_O
Palladan44 said:
I find handloading 10mm extremely rewarding, and economical. Dont like chasing the brass though!
Click to expand...

Alaskamike said:
The only downside I could say about my heavy loads in 10mm is that the brass gets flung out pretty dramatically.
Click to expand...
 
This resurgence of the 10mm has got me thinking about purchasing one. I have a 45 XDM compact and wish they made it in 10mm. A Glock 29 would be about the same size and a good option. I like smaller handguns for carry. It would be a hiking companion.
I still lean towards revolvers in 41/44 for knockdown. The only advantage I see with a 10mm is capacity.
 
jeff-10 said:
My extremely modest 10mm collection, a Stainless Target 2, 1076 and 5" GP 100. I am 45 and have been fascinated by the caliber since I was a kid. Grew up in Miami in the 80's and thought Sonny Crockett's Bren Ten was the greatest police firearm ever. The 10 in my handle "jeff-10" pays homage to round because when I first joined the forums it was basically a dead caliber. After many years of shooting it , I've come to the realization that it makes a better revolver round than pistol although I really wish the worlds least innovative handgun manufacturer Smith and Wesson (Colt is tied) would release a classic series of the 3rd gen steel guns, especially in 10mm and 45ACP.

My belief is that someone will start making a rimmed 10mm at some point.

View attachment 956898
Click to expand...
If you grew up in Miami in the 80s, then you were right near the event that brought the 10mm to life!
The 1986 Miami Dade shootout, where the FBI determined they were "out gunned" and started using the 10mm not long after.
 
Palladan44 said:
If you grew up in Miami in the 80s, then you were right near the event that brought the 10mm to life!
The 1986 Miami Dade shootout, where the FBI determined they were "out gunned" and started using the 10mm not long after.
Click to expand...

Happened down the street from my uncle's. I remember it well.
 
Not out of style around here.
My son has two... one's a Glock 40(IIRC) and the other is a Ruger 1911.
We reload for them and shoot them pretty much every week. They are among the guns he carries and he carries every day.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Palladan44
  • Locked
Any calibers going a bit "Stale" in your collection?
2 3
Replies
56
Views
2K
sevt_chevelle
S
Zaydok Allen
  • Locked
Is there typically a lag in popularity for a newly introduced cartridge?
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Cannibul
Cannibul
I
  • Locked
FBI wanted 10mm 180gr. @ 980fps only??
2
Replies
29
Views
4K
ihatecars
I
Howland937
  • Locked
Not another .45 vs 10mm thread...
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Rock185
Rock185
beeenbag
  • Locked
10mm platform, which and why?
2 3 4
Replies
97
Views
11K
spraay
spraay
Back
Top