September 30th, 2019
4minute read
Im having another caliber crisis.
Over the years, Ive ventured into cartridge odysseys that include unusual chamberings like .357 Sig and300 Blackout.
More recently, Im kind of developing a thing for 10mm.
There are definitely some benefits.
Thats the mid-weight of the .45 ACP bullet family and the mid-velocity range of 9mm.
How Powerful Is a 10mm Auto?
Many stand in awe of the 10mm, likely because it has a simple, yet badass name.
Then theres the fact that the FBI moved to it (sort of) for a time.
Its hard to argue with credentials like that.
Kinetic energy is easy we all know foot-pounds as a standard measure of oomph.
And you might think of momentum as the ability for one object to move another.
The more weight the mover object has, the more powerful it is.
They dont move all that fast, but few of us would want to be hit with one.
So, what does all this mean?
Here are the important learnings.
The 10mm mostly tops the charts for rational handgun power levels.
If youre a foot-pounds junkie, 10mm thumps 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
The 10mm and .357 Magnum are similar from a kinetic energy perspective.
Frankly,the Federal 10mm HST load is impressive.
For personal protection, it is tough to beat.
Capacity of a 10mm Pistol
Theres nothing to write home about here.
Normal capacity for a 10mm is virtually identical to that of a .40 S&W.
Thats because the case diameter is the same, although the 10mm cartridges are longer.
But What About 10mm Recoil?
I think the real recoil penalty (or lack thereof) is what makes the 10mm interesting.
The Bottom Line
Heres my take.
Go to forum thread
1911Range Officer Elite Operator
