December 1st, 2023
8minute read
Iwas a cop in San Diego when the infamous FBI Miami shoot-out occurred.
This contributed to the helter-skelter search for a better police round.
As it always seems too, as goes the FBI, so goes the rest of the LE world.
The HoneyBadger 10mm loading from Black Hills Ammunition gives you a highly capable round for this powerful cartridge. Image: Yamil Sued
But the 10mm lived on.
Most were convinced the .40 offered improved stopping power over the 9mm loads of the time.
The heavier .40 bullets usually penetrated more, hence being more reliable stoppers in the street.
The HoneyBadger line features a wide range of offerings, including (from left to right) the .44 Mag., .44 Spl., .38 Spl., .45 ACP, 10mm, 9mm and .380 ACP. Also offered are .45-70 and .357 Mag. The 10mm is shaped differently to meet OAL requirements for the cartridge. Image: Author
[Be sure to read:10mm vs. .40 Was the FBI Wrong (or Right) About This?]
But all was not rosy.
But where did that leave the 10mm?
Black Hills and Lehigh Bullets are joint patent owners of elements of the capable HoneyBadger loadings. Image: Yamil Sued
Also, new technology enhanced the performance of the 10mm with new bullet and powder developments.
Just as the 9mm gained effectiveness by partnering with new bullet designs, so did the 10mm.
[You may also want to read:10mm vs 9mm Revisiting the Handgun Cartridge Debate.]
The solid-copper fluted design of the HoneyBadger round and the 10mm’s performance make for a potent combination. Image: Yamil Sued
Recoil can be substantial in smaller, lighter guns, and is still snappy even in bigger steel guns.
Dont let the legendary awesome power of the 10mm scare you away.
Some say its the same as a .41 Magnum, but that isnt the case at all.
The 10mm HoneyBadger offers shooters a very powerful round for their favorite autopistol. Image: Yamil Sued
A stout .41 Magnum load (40,000 PSI) can send a 210-gr.
bullet out at close to 1,400 fps.
A higher-end 10mm firing a 180-gr.
Velocities hovered in the 1,560-plus range for both the Ronin (shown) and the XD-M Elite pistols used for testing. Image: Author
bullet can chase 1,200 fps in some loads.
This brings us neatly to the Black Hills Honey Badger 10mm load and the concept behind it.
Ive often said, when you simply cant have a failure in your ammo, carry Black Hills.
The 5″ Ronin delivered consistent, tight groups at 25 yards like this one, measuring about 1 3/8″. Image: Author
Ive toured their facility and their tight-knit crew takes great pride in what they do.
The entire HoneyBadger line is also moving at higher velocities than their heavier competition designs.
Well, we thought there was huge potential.
This photo shows a HoneyBadger penetrating nearly 23″ in ballistic gel. Note the dyed wound channel. The copper bullets retain 100 percent of their weight. Image: Black Hills Ammunition
Over the next few years, we worked with Dave honing the designs for various caliber fluted bullets.
Today, Lehigh and Black Hills are joint patent owners of elements of the design.
Theres no hollow point to fill, causing the bullet to act like an FMJ.
Its extremely reliable in all barriers tested, and penetration and wound cavity is consistent and reliable.
Penetration in calibrated ballistic gel is where things get interesting.
The 10mm load averages 20 of penetration, exhibiting 100 percent weight retention.
To verify velocity, I chronographed just over 100 rounds through two Springfield Armory semi-autos for this article.
I fired about 300 rounds in total, with no issues with either the guns or the ammo.
[Dont miss Paul Carlsonsreview of the Ronin 10mm.]
My Conclusions?
But we have a full-time ballistics lab here at Black Hills, with three techs.
This is a hard-hitting, accurate load, and the lighter bullet weight means its easy to control.
Its also safe to shoot in tube-fed rifles.
And that, friends, should help you sleep soundly at night.
Go to forum thread
Black Hills10mm HoneyBadger
1911Ronin 5"
XD-MElite 4.5" OSPTM
