Best 10mm defense ammo

[Andrew Wiggin]

An article I wrote regarding a few of the better options for 10mm defense ammo. As always, I'd love to hear whatever criticism you're willing to offer.

10 mm auto is an extremely versatile cartridge that is quickly gaining in popularity. It offers the energy of .357 magnum in a rimless auto cartridge, which brings with it the benefits of faster reloads and higher capacity than you can get in a revolver. Some uninformed brutes of questionable lineage might claim that it is “too much” for defense, but those same buffoons are not likely to argue that the .40 S&W or .357 mag are “too much” (my apologies if you are a buffoon who understands that 10 mm isn’t voodoo magic). See, 10 mm is capable of remarkable power for an auto pistol, but it doesn’t have to be loaded to the bleeding edge of SAAMI specs. Even at full power, it doesn’t necessarily penetrate more than other pistol cartridges when it is loaded with the right bullet. If you carry a 10 mm for defense, you are clearly a wise person of noble lineage and you already know that. You may be interested in which loads for the 10 mm are best suited for defense, though, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.

The rest is here if you're interested.

[RickB]

Strictly for use against two-legged varmints, I'd go with one of the "FBI Lite" loadings. I don't think you get enough in return, when you use full-power ammo (exactly what the FBI discovered).
A modern 180@1000 would be my choice.

[Andrew Wiggin]

I think you're absolutely right. I *want* more "powerful" ammo, but I know it's unlikely to make any substantive difference.

[DA/SA Fan]

I don't know of a commercial ammo that will do what I think is best for 10mm but I intend to hand load when I get my ten. I really don't see the point of using 40 S&W loads in a 10mm. Norma spec or even the nuclear option with a 200 grain hollow point that holds together at those velocities would be what I consider a self defense 10mm. I'll try different bullets and maybe even home cast. Ideally I'll find the right lead alloy for a hollow point that stays in one piece and mushrooms nicely I have no problem with large diameter exit wounds leaking chunks of vital organs. If you want a 40, get a 40. Otherwise go big or go home.

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Hornady critical duty 175gr would be my choice. I would want to be sure they expanded.

[10mm4ever]

While technically not full power loads, I'd still choose the Winchester STHP for the 10mm. I conducted some informal tests from my 1st G20 back in 1990 and they were impressive to say the least! If youre sticking with anything warmer than 'FBI spec' in 10mm for defense against humans, look at HP designs that start expanding quickly.....at least for summertime.

[Ruger480]

I have Underwood 165 grain HPs loaded in my EAA Witness for SD.

[Brian48]

I've always considered the Winchester 175gr Silvertip to be a great all around load in my Delta Elite.

[Mystro]

Any of the better 155 grain will be fine. For that matter you can get a 40S&W by Hornady Critical Defense 165gr with 500lbs and it tested very well on the FBI test. And that's a over the counter round.
I primary use my 10mm for hunting.

[Quincunx]

I tend to be a boring stick-in-the-mud, but +1 for the 175 gr Silvertips.

[Andrew Wiggin]

Most of the 155 gr loads that I tested did not meet the minimum penetration standard. The Silvertip did perform well. Here's the link to the test, if you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_at-gHYVmk

[JERRYS.]

a full powered 165gr. would be my choice for an all 'round load. for general defense against human attackers I really like the full powered 135gr. loads. for woods carry the full powered 200gr. loads.

Underwood makes the preferred ammo for this caliber in my opinion.

[Andrew Wiggin]

Every 135 gr bullet that I've tested failed to meet the minimum penetration standard. Almost every 155 gr bullet did too.

[RickB]

Were the 135s being driven at 1400+ fps? I wonder how they'd do if driven at 1200?