10mm…The Best mm?
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Is 10mm Worth the Hype?
The 10mm cartridge has generated a buzz in the shooting community, with some shooters declaring it the next big thing in handguns. In today’s post, we’ll examine what makes the 10mm such a highly regarded round—and whether it truly lives up to the hype.
A Brief History of 10mm
To start, let’s understand what the 10mm is and where it comes from. Legendary pistol shooter and firearms designer Jeff Cooper developed the 10mm Auto in the early 1980s as a compromise between the stopping power of the .45 ACP and the speed and accuracy of the 9mm.
The FBI adopted it after the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, needing a round with more punch than the 9mm or .38 Special. But the 10mm’s recoil proved too much for many agents, which led to the creation of a reduced-power version. That ultimately evolved into the .40 S&W, and the 10mm faded into semi-obscurity for a while.
Until recently.
The 10mm Resurgence
Today, 10mm is back—and stronger than ever. Shooters looking for power, performance, and versatility are driving its resurgence. Gun manufacturers have taken notice too, with Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, and Smith & Wesson offering modern 10mm handguns in a variety of sizes and configurations. You can now find 10mm pistols that are optics-ready, suppressor-compatible, or even compact enough for concealed carry.
What Makes 10mm So Desirable?
1. Stopping Power
One of 10mm’s biggest selling points is its raw power. A typical 10mm load generates approximately 400 to over 700 foot-pounds of energy, depending on the load. For comparison, the average 9mm sits around 300–350 foot-pounds. That kind of energy translates to deeper penetration and more kinetic energy on impact—especially valuable in self-defense or when facing large game in the wild.
2. Accuracy and Velocity
Thanks to its high velocity, the 10mm has a flatter trajectory than many other handgun rounds. This makes it easier to stay on target at distance, and its performance is consistent with less variation in velocity, further boosting accuracy.
3. Versatility
10mm can be loaded with a wide variety of bullet types—from light hollow points for self-defense to heavy hard-cast loads for hunting or woods carry. Some platforms even allow for caliber conversions between 10mm and .45 ACP, giving shooters more flexibility with a single firearm.
This makes it a great do-it-all round—capable of handling self-defense, hunting, target shooting, and even bear country carry.
Are There Any Downsides?
Of course, the 10mm isn’t without its drawbacks.
- Recoil: The full-power 10mm loads kick noticeably harder than 9mm or .40 S&W. It’s manageable with practice, but might not be ideal for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
- Ammo Cost: While ammo availability is better than ever, 10mm is still pricier per round than 9mm.
- Gun Size and Weight: Most 10mm pistols are built on larger frames to handle the pressure and recoil, which can make them heavier and bulkier for everyday carry.
Is 10mm Worth It?
So…is 10mm worth the hype? That depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a handgun round that delivers serious stopping power, impressive accuracy, and the versatility to handle everything from home defense to hog hunting—then yes, 10mm is absolutely worth considering. It’s a cartridge that bridges the gap between standard handgun calibers and magnum revolvers, all while offering semi-auto capacity and performance.
But if you prioritize light recoil, budget-friendly ammo, and compact carry options, you might be better served with a more traditional round like 9mm.
Final Thoughts
The 10mm Auto is no longer just a cult favorite—it’s now a serious contender in the modern handgun world. With increasing support from manufacturers, better ammo choices, and growing popularity, it’s clear that 10mm isn’t just a trend. It’s here to stay.
Whether it deserves a spot in your safe comes down to your personal needs, but one thing’s for sure—the 10mm lives up to its legacy and is absolutely worth a second look.