.45 ACP vrs 10mm Auto

[lumberjack]

I just started giving the 45ACP some thought, and currently have a G29.

Lets hear yalls thoughts on the performance and weaknesses of both.

I perfer objective views, but will listen to any educated view from a fanatic..

BTW I am also postin in the 10mm Ring.

Carl

[TWS G26]

I bought a G29 exactly a year ago today but traded it back in May. I now carry a G30 most of the time, which was my first ever .45 after owning guns for over 18 years.

Of course, the 29 and 30 are the same size so they conceal in a similar manner. But they in no way shoot the same. My practice loads with the G29 were the GA Arms 180gr Gold Dots, and several varieties of DoubleTap Ammo, including 155 and 180 gr Gold Dots and Golden Sabers. I found these loads relatively easy to shoot, and even range sessions of 100-200 rds. were not too uncomfortable. I guess what eventually drove me away from the 10mm were two things....limited availability of quality ammo, and my ability to shoot effectively in self-defense situations vs. target shooting.

Ordering online was pretty much the only option for finding quality 10mm ammo in bulk at a decent price. Local gun shops at best would stock El Dorado and possibly Speer, but the cost for rounds was too high given my propensity to shoot often and in quantities. I looked at how much I was spending on GA Arms and DoubleTap, and after several months, that added up to well over $1500. Given the number of rounds I was shooting, it was a situation spiraling out of control. Reloading wasn't an option for me given time and travel constraints. From a defense round perspective, the 10mm is excellent, but maybe a little too much. The best ammo from a 9mm, .45 and others is adequate for the task.

Shooting the G29 accurately while standing, even at various distances, was not difficult. When moving under cover, etc., it was somewhat more challenging....so much, that I never really quite got the knack of it. One-handed shooting wasn't happening for me. I started using rounds that were not as hot, but that defeated the purpose of the 10mm in the first place. I dropped the G29 for a few months and went back to my G19, which I can shoot extremely well. But I missed the heavier bullets, which caused me to take a hard look at the .45, the only major caliber remaining that I had never truly researched or owned.

The .45 gives me pretty much everything I've been looking for all these years....heavy rounds that penetrate, low recoil, concealability in the G30, accuracy, and ammo that can be purchased anywhere. I'm getting quality practice and carry ammo for just over half the cost.

I have nothing against the 10mm and believe that the GA Arms and DoubleTap product lines in that caliber are very good quality rounds. The 10mm was a fun and educational experiment, but I'm very confident in my choice of carrying a .45 . Bullet technology has improved to the point that the slower, heavier rounds at least have an opportunity to expand. The 10mm obviously packs a significant amount of energy vs. the .45, but I'm willing to accept the trade-off in what I have in the .45 looking at the total package.

Good luck with your evaluation.

[lumberjack]

Actually the Ranger T load in my G29 is coming out at 1266FPS (180 grains *640fpe!!).


I am still unclear as to how the .45 is that much bigger (hole wise) than the .40 or 10mm. Its only .05". If you double diameter, the area quadrouples. So with an 1/8 of an increase the gained isnt that great.

[BuffaloBo]

There is NO comparing the aged 45acp to the mighty 10mm!
:soap:

[White Buffalo]

I do not require a pissing contest based on hypothetical situations where the use of ballistic over analysis would come into play. The .45acp has been around for about 100 yrs and many a-holes have met their maker due to it's exsistance. I can fire my 21 better than any other pistol I have ever owned. Is it the most powerful? No. Is it the biggest? No. Are the bullets the fastest? No. However, if one needs these things to make themselves feel more manly, then maybe it isn't the round for you. Me, my ***** size is just fine, and I can assuredly kill a man with a .45, possibly more effective than any other round out there regardless of the situation that I may find myself in.

:)

[Harlequin]

Let's see, slightly smaller, faster, harder to control, harder to find, more expensive bullet over a slightly bigger, slower, easier to control, easier to find, much less expensive bullet. Both bullets will penetrate and expand. Looks to me like the .45 wins it all around. Guess 100 years of technology pays off!

[scott mcdonald]

10mm is fun to shoot but the g-30 rocks best 45 there is
i reload so the 10mm dosent cost as much to shoot.but shoot what
fits you best.i like the 45 round over all i shoot 9mm also
but i carry a g-30 if you go with a 30 your holster's from
your g-29 will work.rember shot placement is what counts.
good luck.but the 30 is an easy gun to shoot.also price of rounds
less bigger bullet.you can buy g-21 mags and add a spacer
for a longer grip.the 20 mags will work in your 29 also.

[MtnBiker]

I'm sure you're aware this is almost a religious topic with some people, but that may be why you posted it.

I've had a S&W 1006 for over 10 years. I've had a G 30 for almost 5 years. I like them both.

I got the 10 mm for home defense, range shooting and to carry as back up when hog hunting.

I got the .45 for concealed carry and it ended up being my primary choice for home defense. I was surprised to find it has become my first choice for the shooting range too.

If I lived in the country and wanted a carry gun that would provide personal protection along with allowing me to take the occasional shot at a coyote, I'd definitely opt for a 10 mm. Probably not the 1006 though, it's just too bulky and heavy.

I live in the suburbs. I haven't had time or opportunity to hog hunt for years. For me the .45 is a more useful cartridge. I find it slightly more accurate in my hands and more fun to shoot.

I'm actually thinking of selling my 1006. I've decided that I want my pistols to be concealable and that one just isn't. I've considered replacing it with a 10 mm Glock, but instead I think I'll just wait to see if I miss shooting 10mm.

I think the 10 mm is an enthusiasts cartridge. I personally like it, but it is more than I really need in most cases.

[LDHunter]

I got crucified on the 10 ring for suggesting that the 45 was as good as a 10mm for defense.

Don't get me wrong... I'm a 10mm fanatic but my Glock 36 is quite simply the best combination of gun and cartridge I've ever run across for CCW and my G21 is my favorite home defense and target gun and I think my 10mm is a bit much for home defense.

My G20 is my hunting sidearm and my SHTF gun.

They all have thier place but for defense... Make mine a 45.

$bob$