Is the 10mm really any better than .45ACP?

[gwalchmai]

I hear a lot about 10mm, and I know it's fast and all, but that's really a pretty skinny bullet. Is it really better than a .45, or is it mostly hype?






Thanks.

[1911austin]

I hear a lot about 10mm, and I know it's fast and all, but that's really a pretty skinny bullet. Is it really better than a .45, or is it mostly hype?

Thanks.

Define “better” :popcorn::bunny:

[Ebb27]

It is capable of higher velocities and energy levels than the .45acp.

Is .357 magnum better than .38 special?

Granted the .45 has a larger starting diameter but if you're using hollow-points then the bullet expansion will quickly negate this advantage. Though it's not as vital with modern HP designs this higher velocity was highly beneficial for reliable expansion with most of the early HP designs.

For your average SD situation with modern state-of-the-art HPs probably not and the .45 may well be the better choice, but if range or penetration is an issue then the 10mm is "better" say when hiking or camping.

[SKYWLKR]

But if it is in a Glock just shoot 45 super or 450SMC...

1450 FPS with 165 gns
1350 with 185
1150-1200 with 230

[freakshow10mm]

I can get those same velocities in 10mm which has better sectional density.

.400 vs .451 isn't that much of a difference in bullet diameter. It might matter some, but that importance cannot be quantified.

I shoot and carry both the 10mm and .45 Auto so I like both of them. My 10mm is waiting on a new slide and barrel, so my G30 is my EDC right now.

Bottom line, if I was in a gunfight and someone handed me a gun that was either a .45 or 10mm, I wouldn't bat an eye at either choice. For economy, stick to one caliber. If money isn't an issue, adding another can be feasible.

[glock20c10mm]

Define “better” :popcorn::bunny:
Yea, the definition of "better" would help an aweful lot! At this point all I could post is why they're both better than the other.

[JadeRaven]

I'm so used to leading my targets with the .45acp that if I switched to a 10mm I'd be shooting one to two seconds ahead of my targets, depending on how fast they're running.

[Glolt20-91]

.45auto = 100% dead

10mm = 120% dead

9mm = 150% dead, especially with ++++P++++ 115gr JHPs. :rofl:

Bob :cowboy:

[Alaskapopo]

I hear a lot about 10mm, and I know it's fast and all, but that's really a pretty skinny bullet. Is it really better than a .45, or is it mostly hype?






Thanks.
I prefer the 45 as it expands to larger diameters with less recoil. The 10mm has more energy but you pay for it with more recoil. The best 45 loads expand to almost an inch while penetrating 12 to 14 inches. The best 10mm loads can also expand close to an inch and go a bit deeper but (there is always a but) they have quite a bit more recoil. Basically the 45 is the ultimate balance of stopping power and controlability in a fighting pistol (1911)
Pat

[crazymoose]

I hear a lot about 10mm, and I know it's fast and all, but that's really a pretty skinny bullet. Is it really better than a .45, or is it mostly hype?


It's better if you need the kind of penetration that it can give- if you plan on shooting at people in cars, behind cover, etc., and all you'll have is a handgun. For most home defence, concealed carry, and cop work, it's probably a bit much, but I think it's a perfectly good choice for experienced and/or strong shooters.


The real key is to obsess over your shooting skill and not your caliber choice. The 10mm is my favorite caliber, but I use a 9x19 most of the time and have no qualms about it.

[Bubbala]

Also noteworthy is that within the same platform, say a 1911, you get an increase of one round in mag capacity with the 10mm. That just might be the round that gets the job done.

[Alaskapopo]

Also noteworthy is that within the same platform, say a 1911, you get an increase of one round in mag capacity with the 10mm. That just might be the round that gets the job done.

Really I have yet to see 9 round 10 mm mags for the 1911. All I have seen are 8 rounders just like the 45. In double stack mags they do go up to 15 vs 13 in Glocks.
Pat

[Bubbala]

Really I have yet to see 9 round 10 mm mags for the 1911. All I have seen are 8 rounders just like the 45. In double stack mags they do go up to 15 vs 13 in Glocks.
Pat


Chip McCormick makes 9 round 10mm mags for 1911's. I own several.

[Alaskapopo]

Chip McCormick makes 9 round 10mm mags for 1911's. I own several.

Whoops I guess I was wrong.
Pat

[freakshow10mm]

Yes, I think CMC and maybe Metalform offer 9rd 10mm mags. I use 8rd Metalform mags in my 10mm 1911.

[Washington,D.C.]

My 10mm Colt Deta Elite works with standard Colt 45 ACP magazines.

[D-GLOCK17]

I would rather have a 10mm than a .45acp if I came across a bear. I would say that for the two legged critters, there shouldn't be much difference.

[weybug]

The real key is to obsess over your shooting skill and not your caliber choice.

Exactly.

I would much rather face a mall-ninja type with a 12mm magnum hand howitzer than a stable fella who trains with his little .380 every week.

The tool is important; the user is paramount.

[Preußen]

.45auto = 100% dead

10mm = 120% dead

9mm = 150% dead, especially with ++++P++++ 115gr JHPs. :rofl:

Bob :cowboy:
LoL :supergrin:


9mm= 50% dead


.45= 100% dead

10mm with double tap ammo= http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4686/nukeaniho4.gif

[uz2bUSMC]

LoL :supergrin:


9mm= 50% dead


.45= 100% dead

10mm with double tap ammo= http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4686/nukeaniho4.gif


At least you know!


Ok, as a test of willpower, I'm going to try and stay outta this thread...

[AZ_Quailhunter]

I think so.

[Punkkin]

20mm is better.

[Ebb27]

20mm is better.


True, but they're tough to conceal in the available platforms and the recoil is a bit on the fierce side.


:supergrin:

[MOHAA Player]

Yes but no if you convert your G21 to 45super:wavey:
http://www.acecustom45s.com/gunsmith.htm

[freakshow10mm]

That is silly. Get a KKM barrel in .45 Auto, a Wolff guide rod and 20# spring. Use stock everything else.

Ace Custom 45s is in business to make money. They are charging $400 for a barrel, rod, spring, mag spring, and a stupid grip plug.

Anyone who buys that is a freaking moron. Use an aftermarket barrel for better case head support and a heavier recoil spring. That's it. I shoot 45 Super in my G30 with a #21 spring, Wolff guide rod, and a KKM .45 Auto barrel. Less than $200 for everything and I've shot thousands of Super in my G30.

[SubSolar]

www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi_10mm_notes.pdf

Since the .45 tested so well, why not adopt it instead of a new gun/caliber?

• First, the 10mm tested better, albeit marginally better, than the .45
and we were committed to adopt the best round. Nevertheless, the
10mm has far superior accuracy, allows for slightly higher capacity
than similar sized .45 weapons, is a new cartridge with room for further
improvement whereas the .45 has been around for 80 years and is as
good as it is ever going to be, and the recoil of the 10mm is softer than
that of a comparably sized .45

• Second, related answer is that even had the FBI adopted the .45, a new
weapon would have still been required. In 1987 we determined that
there was no current weapon with all the features in one package that
we desired. Regardless of caliber, the FBI would still have specified
and procured a new weapon.

• Third, the difference between the two is marginal and had the Director
said “go with the .45”, we would have done so gladly. However, based
on the results of the testing, we would not recommend the 9mm for
adoption as the FBI issued round.

[MOHAA Player]

That is silly. Get a KKM barrel in .45 Auto, a Wolff guide rod and 20# spring. Use stock everything else.

Ace Custom 45s is in business to make money. They are charging $400 for a barrel, rod, spring, mag spring, and a stupid grip plug.

Anyone who buys that is a freaking moron. Use an aftermarket barrel for better case head support and a heavier recoil spring. That's it. I shoot 45 Super in my G30 with a #21 spring, Wolff guide rod, and a KKM .45 Auto barrel. Less than $200 for everything and I've shot thousands of Super in my G30.

I never had or shot 45 super,but everyone says the KKM barrel is the best one to go with for a 45 super set up(Best chamber support)I read many of the stats for the super and do plan on putting one together one day.

[freakshow10mm]

I bought a KKM for shooting lead and love it. I also have a KKM for the 10mm conversion barrel.

KKM is also making me one off's for some requests I had. They will always get my business. They are top notch barrels. Cry once. Then enjoy quality.

[glockman23]

If by "better" you mean more stopping power I would say YES. 10mm can create hydrostatic shock in human sized targets. More foot pounds of power than a .357 magnum:wow:

[M. Hall]

Either one is fine for self-defense IMHO, training with said gun it the primary concern. All things being equal, go
with the one you shoot the best, consistently and reliably.

I've had a bunch of G21's and 30's, and they all shot pretty well.....but a buddy of mine has one that is like a damn
laser....on the same token, I've had many G20's and 29's, and none of them would touch one that I let go a long
time ago (kicks self). My current EDC is a full-house Colt Delta-Elite, with a Bar-Sto barrel, and it still won't
group like that old G20 (1st gen)....that thing would put a full magazine through one ragged hole at 25 yards..:wow:

I actually work better with the recoil "impulse" from 10mm than with .45, so that's why I carry it...