Loading 10mm down to .40 performance

[dandean316]

Can you load 10mm down to .40 performance?

I am in a trade right now for a nice 10mm Colt Delta Elite. Thing is, it is for my P16 - my only .40 caliber. I know you can't fire a .40 in a 10mm auto, but for just simply plinking, can I load the 10 way down?

All comments are appreciated.

 

[Black Snowman]

May require a spring change to cycle reliably but down-loading the 10mm is what inspired the .40 S&W in the first place. I'm in the process of buying a Delta Elite from a fellow THR member but I plan on loading full power loads for it since I already have my Glock 24P to cover the fast and accurate arena. The Delta will be my powerful and portable handgun.

When loading down a signifigant ammount your powder choices are likely to be differant than the top choice for velocity on the list. Someone with more experiance in loading down the 10mm can give you better advice. I also know some people have gotten .40 barrels and had some success.

 

[DamnedDirtyApe]

I reload and shoot an array of 10mm/40 bullet weights, 155, 180, 200 grainers for my 10mm Glock's range shooting.

Most of them are in the 950-1150 fps range - 40 cal territory - and cycle and shoot just fine, with no need for spring changes.

You CAN shoot standard 40 & W out of a Glock 10mm with no problems at all. I don't see why they wouldn't work just as well from a Delta Elite.

 

[Black Snowman]

I'd be concerned about headspacing issues shooting .40 from a 10 barrel. I know it's come up before. It creates a risk that is slight but that most agree is not nessisary, especially if you're reloading anyway. The Delta Elites come with a stock spring weight much higher than the Glocks (23 lbs vs 16-18 lbs). This spring is generally considered too heavy even for the 10mm.

Here is the link I stole from the sig of a fellow THR member and I believe it's his page: http://www.geocities.com/mr_motorhead/10tech.html

Lost of good info on the 10mm and the Delta Elite in particular.

 

[Cal4D4]

Shot alot of ~850fps, Clays powered 180 gr bullet loads in 10mm cases. Functioned 22# spring in G20 well. A little less doesn't.

 

[Kamicosmos]

Not trying to be a jerk here, but if you want to shoot lite 10mm loads....

why'd you trade a .40 for a 10mm?

 

[dandean316]

but if you want to shoot lite 10mm loads....why'd you trade a .40 for a 10mm?

The Colt I am looking at is $1300. I'd have to trade in the .40 to afford it. I guess I look at is the same way as the .38/.357. Why buy a .38 when you can get the .357 and either load down to the .38 levels, or simply shoot .38's?

Shooting at .40 levels would be nice for a long day at the range. But a hot 10mm would be nice for hunting.

Yeah, it'd make more sense to get the Colt in ADDITION to the P16, but $ is an issue.

 

[Black Snowman]

Wow, $1300? Makes the one I'm getting for $550 plus shipping look like an even better deal. Hope you're getting some great stuff with it

 

[JNewell]

As far as "why" goes, why not, at least if it's cheaper. I bought a .40 Short & Weak barrel for about $90. At the price difference between 10mm factory ammo and what I pay for .40 range ammo, this will amortize very quickly. As far as handloading goes, I have done it off and on for many years, but right now finding time is tough, so unless I have to load it myself I'll buy factory ammo.

However, I like being able to shoot full-house ammo in the 10mm when I choose. The versatility is part of the 10mm magic.

 

[NordicG3K]

Why not buy an extra barrel and heavier recoil spring and then shoot both 10mm & .40 S&W out of your Para?

 

[WESHOOT2]

W231 and 200g bullets............

 

[Publicola]

Damned Dirty Ape,
You CAN shoot .308 Winchester out of a .30-06 Springfield, but damned if I'd recommend it.

The .40 S&W is too short to safely chamber in a 10mm. You might wanna check out this link:

http://www.thegunzone.com/10v40.html

Now there was a company that made a dual extractor system for the 10mm that would allow you to shoot .40 S&W safely, but barring that I wouldn't stuff .40 S&W into anything that doesn't have ".40 S&W" on the barrel.

The only other exception is the S&W Model 610. It's a 10mm revolver that uses half moon clip to headspace the rimless case. So since the headspace is firmly controlled by the clips, then shooting .40 S&W is exactly like shooting .38 Special in a .357 magnum revolver.