Sean Smith
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 4,925
What will the cartridge do that cant be done by what exists already? Nothing.
It is very simple. What autoloader cartridge matches magnum revolver ballistics and can still be chambered in a gun of practical size?
There is exactly ONE practical answer to this question: 10mm Auto.
.357 Sig is too weak by about 200 foot-pounds, and ballistics fall off like a rock if you want bullets heavier than wee 125 grainers.
Some calibers that amount to wildcats are in the running... 9x23 and 9x25, .400 Cor-Bon and .45 Super. But those make 10mm look like .22LR when it comes to ammo availability. .460 Rowland is great, but without an external comp it will pound most autoloaders to bits. Ditto .40 Super.
All of the above are great calibers, and if you handload for them may be very practical for you. But 10mm ammo can be had as cheap as $160/1,000+S/H.
http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm#ee
.45 ACP? At 100 yards many 10mm loads have more kinetic energy than .45 ACP +P loads have at the muzzle. Compare the bullet drop you get from 850-950 ft/sec to bullet drop from 1,200-1,400 ft/sec and it is apparent why 10mm is orders of magnitude better for hunting or shooting at longer distances than .45 ACP. GI hardball is about 370 ft-lbs, by the way.
For self-defense, this isn't an issue... 180gr @ 1,330 ft/sec is probably a bit much for that, and with more reasonable loads most calibers are more or less a wash. But handguns aren't only for self defense against people.
As for revolvers, .357 Magnum or .41 Magnum are probably better choices for most people than 10mm, although the advantages (moonclips, cheap .40 S&W bulk factory ammo for plinking) have been noted.