Sellier & Bellot 10mm 180gr JHP in Clear Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: Delta Elite
Barrel length: 5 inches.
Ammunition: Sellier & Bellot 10mm 180gr JHP.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.
Five shot velocity average: 1061fps
Gel Temperature: 73 degrees.

I have been using S&B primers for some time now and they have always performed well for me. My experience with their ammo, on the other hand, has been limited to some military surplus stuff some time ago. When I came across a discussion on the 10mm forum about this 10mm JHP I became interested, and the price was just under $16 for a box of 50. Until recently no one had any in stock but I was finally able to get some from Target Sports USA.


I got an average five-shot velocity of 1061fps, with a high of 1079fps and a low of 1048. This velocity was much lower than the advertised velocity of 1164fps. It’s not rare for the manufacturer to inflate their velocity numbers but others have obtained numbers closer to the manufacturers claim. I shot another five rounds a few days later and still came up with an average of 1058fps. I also shot another pistol with some known ammo and it’s numbers were right where they were supposed to be.



I wasn’t able to use the chronograph so I don’t have any velocity numbers for the induvial shots.


The first round in the bare gel penetrated to 14.75 inches and it expanded to.67 inches with a recovered weight of 175.6 grains. Round two penetrated to 12.25 inches, expanded to .68 inches and a weight of 176.2 grains.



In the heavy clothed gel the first round penetrated to 16.25 inches, expanded to .64 inches and had a recovered weight of 178.1 grains. The second shot went 16 inches deep and also expanded to .64 inches and a recovered weight of 177.2 grains.

 

[someguy2800]

Looks really good and unbelievable price. A little light on penetration for hunting.

 

[paulsj]

It's basically .40 S&W load affectionately known as 10mm short & weak.

 

[357 Terms]

Yep, those velocities are slightly above .40 numbers for the 180grn load.
Good defensive round, that expansion and penetration is impressive.
Seems like the 10mm really lacks a good choice in HP bullet design, while the bullets for the .40 are plentiful, and effective.

 

[Riomouse911]

That'll put a hurt on whoever wants to hurt you.

I've only shot S&B FMJ's in various handgun calibers and some of their rifle rounds at targets, never in a defense/hunting scenario. Glad to see that their defense-oriented JHP's seem to work well during your tests.

Thanks again for posting!

 

[JR24]

Nice test.

It's too bad so few ammo makers load a 10mm worth its name.

Numbers like that and I'll just take a .40, or more likely a 9mm.

 

[JONWILL]

Typical standard 10mm factory loads. I found the Sig Elite Performance 180 grain gets close to 1250 out of my Delta. Run about a buck a round but works well.

I normally load my own because of the weak factory stuff. I use Blue Dot and get around 1300 with a 180 grain XTP

 

[Zaydok Allen]

So 40 S&W Long, not 10mm.

 

[Tinman357]

Now that's funny. 40 long.

 

[BigBore44]

The 10mm, unfortunately, is just like the 8mm Mauser. Factory loadings are so anemic that it causes people to question the price vs performance. The 10mm would really take off if ammunition companies would bump up the performance closer to its potential. I know the Mauser is anemic because some of the older actions can’t handle the pressures. I just don’t know if that’s the same case with the 10mm. So I’ll just continue to load for mine. The S&B bullets performed (expanded) well.

 

[5pins]

The 10mm was introduced in the 80's so the only reason to water them down is because the FBI wanted them that way, not because the guns can't handle them.

 

[pblanc]

About 100 fps greater velocity than Federal .40 S&W 180 grain HST, but with less expansion and less penetration. I think I'll stick with .40 S&W.

Nice price, though.

 

[Iggy]

I use to carry a 10mm. 180 Golden Sabers loaded to around 1250. Very effective round.

Shot an antelope that had been hit by a car. Bullet entered the back of the head from about 25 feet. Blew both eyes out of the sockets and kept on going.

Have put down injured cattle with a bullet to the brain from in front.. They fall over backwards from the impact.

Dropped a coyote in his tracks at 80 yards.

It's good enough for me.

 

[Deus Machina]

About 100 fps greater velocity than Federal .40 S&W 180 grain HST, but with less expansion and less penetration. I think I'll stick with .40 S&W.

Well, that's not a fair comparison. Compare it to 180gr S&B JHP if you want that.
HST outperforms most stuff in the market; it's more a testament to its performance that .40 will work better than a 10mm JHP.
Of course, if you stick to .40 because that's what you have, it's already enough, it's easier to feed, or you just like it, that's perfectly legitimate. No one's going to say it won't do its job.