Some “dead” cartridges seem to live on, like the 10mm. Let’s focus on the 10mm handgun.
The 10mm has been used for more than 20 years. Although its demise has been predicted repeatedly, it has never happened. It is still a favorite weapon for SWAT and hunting.
It is roughly the ballistic equivalent to the.41 Magnum revolver cartridge. This cartridge has enjoyed a loyal following since its inception. Although popularity has fluctuated, it has never lost its appeal. It actually continues to rise.
There are many handguns available today. Once scarce, commercial ammunition is now widely available in many loads from major manufacturers. It is one of the most versatile handgun ammunitions available. This is why it’s still in use. But what role does it actually play?
10mm Handgun Versatility
The strength of the 10mm is its ability to wear any hat that a handgun round can.
It’s loaded with light-to-mid-weight bullets (125-135 grains), it makes a great self-defense round. It is controlled expansion ammunition of 125 grains that delivers powerful energy and devastating wound channels. Even at high speeds, many at over 1,500 feet per second, the recoil is still very light.
You will get more energy and penetration if you move to the 150-160 grain load, especially with media that has a slight increase of recoil.
Doubletap Ammunition and Buffalo Bore make some of the finest 10mm self-defense ammunition and duty ammunition that you can buy.
Barnes produces a great 155-grain XPB in their VOR-TX range that performs exceptionally even at lower speeds. It is ideal for older 1911 pistols.
Hornady also does the same thing with its Critical Duty Line. It uses a 175-grain bullet at 1,150 feet per second from a 5-inch barrel.
The 10mm semi-auto hunting cartridge is the best on the market if you’re looking to hunt. For larger game, you can achieve impressive penetration with hard-cast bullets ranging from 200- to 230 grains.
The 10mm can do it all: Home, self-defense, hunting, duty or offduty.
Multiple Platforms
The 10mm will perform well in semi-automatic pistols, revolvers and submachine guns if you load it correctly.
The FBI Hostage Rescue Team used HK MP5/10s that were chambered in 10mm for years. It is the most powerful subgun cartridge ever made. It has a low recoil, which allows for solid control and pinpoint accuracy.
I used one years ago and put 20 rounds in it at 50 yards from a kneeling place. It easily penetrates many barriers due to its 8.85-inch barrel.
Modern pistol caliber carbines are beginning to be built in this caliber, and they can be quite impressive.
Colt’s Delta Elite platform is the most popular for the 10mm. It is followed closely by the Glock 20, Glock 29 and the most recent Glock 40 with a 6-inch barrel. My personal carry Delta Elite receives a steady diet consisting of 155-180-grain loads at 1,200-1.500 fps.
Alaskan agencies use Glock 20s as their primary pistol. As my duty weapon, I had one for many years.
Glock’s 40 MOS permits the use of an RDS. It is ideal for hunting hogs and other game animals. It was made by Tanfoglio for many years and became a very popular competition pistol.
Many manufacturers produce new 1911s in this caliber, including the TRP from Springfield Armory.
The light loads are a benefit to early Colt Delta Elites, but modern 1911s can handle heavier loads and more quickly. My personal carry Delta Elite receives a steady diet consisting of 155-to 180-grain loads at 1,200-1.500 fps. It has been receiving this treatment for years without any problems. The number of custom 1911s chambered with this caliber seems to increase every year.
10mm Revolvers
This caliber is best suited for revolvers.
Smith and Wesson’s Model 610 is still very popular, with an impressive price to match. It’s also now available with a 6-1/2″ barrel.
The Ruger Super Redhawk is one of the most impressive 10mm revolvers that I have ever seen. It is a superb hunting handgun that is smooth, strong, and built to Ruger standards. You need a reliable backup in the backcountry? This could be the right gun for you. This double-action revolver packs an impressive punch and is ready to take on bear country.
Bottom Line on 10mm handguns
Where do 10mm handguns go? It can be found almost anywhere.
It doesn’t seem to work well in compacts. Although there are a few commander-sized handguns, recoil can be quite intense.
There is a 10mm cartridge that will fit almost everything else. This cartridge is ideal for concealed carry, home and vehicle defenses, duty, tactical teams, hunting, and any other purpose you may need it to bring. Few cartridges can be taken from the holster into the field without a magazine swap.
Is it for everyone? It is not for everyone. It’s not the monster that many people make it out to resemble. Every person I have ever introduced this caliber has immediately said, “Oh, it isn’t that bad.”
Give it a shot. You’ll be amazed.
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