About 10mm Auto

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about 10mm Auto today. This cartridge developed a cult following after its introduction and is becoming more mainstream as time passes. Our goal today is to provide a brief overview of 10mm Auto while delving into traits, features, use cases, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about 10mm Auto.

What is 10mm Auto?

The 10mm Auto, often referred to as 10mm, is a potent handgun cartridge that was introduced in 1983. Design and development of the cartridge was conducted by Col. Jeff Cooper of Gunsite fame and FFV Norma AB (now known as Norma Precision) of Sweden. Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc. also played a role in the development of the cartridge as they were working with Col. Cooper on their Bren Ten handgun. The result of this collaboration was a semi-automatic pistol cartridge which provided the performance of a magnum handgun cartridge.

When compared to standard, non-specialty .357 Magnum loadings, the 10mm Auto is capable of producing higher energies. Specialty 10mm Auto loadings are on par with specialty, high performance .357 Magnum loadings. The cartridge is often compared to the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP as they are common semi-automatic cartridges of the time. The 10mm Auto essentially has high velocities, like 9mm Luger, and larger, heavier projectiles, like .45 ACP, providing shooters with a versatile and capable round. The 10mm Auto will notably have a stout and snappy recoil impulse which is accompanied by flat trajectories.

The cartridge has seen a wide range of use among armed professionals and citizens since its introduction. Adoption of the round by law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, led to the development more 10mm handguns and subguns in the caliber. Notably, handguns from Glock and Smith & Wesson in 10mm Auto saw use by these personnel. Additionally, Heckler & Koch developed MP5/10 subguns for use by law enforcement personnel. Recreational shooters, match shooters, hunters, and concealed carriers have also adopted and employed 10mm Auto firearms on the civilian side of things.

.40 Cal Predecessor

The 10mm Auto played a major role in the development and introduction of the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. The .40 Smith & Wesson was borne from the desire to recreate a lightened 10mm Auto loading which could be used in midsized service handguns. Generally, firearms chambered in 10mm and .45 ACP are larger and thicker than those chambered in calibers such as 9mm Luger. The desire to downsize the 10mm Auto ultimately led to the introduction of the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge in 1990.

Is 10mm Auto Good for Defense?

The high velocity nature of 10mm Auto loadings paired with its large and heavy projectiles make it well-suited to defensive use cases. This holds especially true when specialty defensive loadings are utilized. These types of loadings are designed to facilitate high velocities, adequate penetration on target, and effective hollow point expansion upon impact. These features allow for a high degree of kinetic energy transfer and effect on target, making 10mm Auto a potent cartridge for self-defense. All in all, the round’s natural traits paired with optimized loadings from companies such as Hornady and Federal make it well-suited for defensive use.

Is 10mm Auto Good for the Outdoors?

If we take the 10mm’s prowess as a self-defense cartridge into account, one will also find that it is well-suited for the great outdoors. Many end users employ 10mm Auto firearms in handgun hunting and wilderness protection roles due to its potency. Simply put, everything that makes the 10mm Auto optimal for self-defense allows it to perform well in these roles. With the right loadings and at the right distance, one will find that 10mm Auto is suitable for dispatching deer-size game. Notably, the 10mm Auto is one of the only loadings of its type which is legal for hunting white-tailed deer in multiple states. Additionally, handguns in the caliber are often used as a sidearm to accompany one in the wilderness to defend against wildlife and other threats. Simply put, the 10mm Auto is well-suited for those who need a potent cartridge in the great outdoors.

How Available is 10mm Auto Ammunition?

Presently, a number of ammunition manufacturers produce 10mm Auto ammo. These companies hail from a variety of countries across the globe and produce ammo for commercial and professional use. These loadings range from standard-faire range ammunition to specialty loadings developed for use cases such as self-defense and hunting use. Companies such as PMC, Magtech, Sellier & Bellot, Hornady, Federal, and Barnes are among the providers of 10mm Auto ammunition.

10mm Auto ammunition may not be as plentiful as ammunition for 9mm Luger or .45 ACP, but it is certainly available. One will generally find 10mm Auto ammo at most places where ammunition is sold. If one elects to shop for ammo online, one will find that there are more options to consider. If you buy ammunition online, you are not bound by what is in stock locally, allowing buyers to browse more options. This can be especially handy when trying to find specific loadings for desired use cases. All in all, one will have no issue finding 10mm Auto ammo if they are after it.

How Available are Firearms in 10mm Auto?

Prospective firearm purchasers will find that 10mm Auto is well-supported in by the industry. Numerous handguns and PCCs are available in the cartridge and are available from many companies. These companies include Glock, Smith & Wesson, Colt, B&T, Springfield Armory, and Sig Sauer to name a few. These firearms are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and configurations, providing shooters with a variety of options when selecting a firearm. Additionally, some old production models, such as old Smith & Wesson and Colt semi-automatic handguns, can be found on the secondhand market. In short, one will have no problem finding a 10mm Auto chambered firearm if they are after one.

Relationship With .40 Smith & Wesson

While 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson are different rounds, some examples of interchangeability exist between them. Like the relationship between .357 Magnum and .38 Special, it is possible for a firearm rated for the hotter, higher pressure loading to accept compatible loadings of a lighter caliber. For example, a .357 Magnum firearm will accept .38 Special ammunition while a .38 Special firearm is incompatible with .357 Magnum ammo. This type of relationship is also true with 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson.

Currently, one can find examples of firearms which are rated from the manufacturer to shoot both 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson. A notable example of such a firearm comes in the form of the Smith & Wesson Model 610 revolver. This double action revolver uses Moon Clips to facilitate reliable function with rimless, semi-automatic cartridges such as 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson. The manufacturer specifically states that the revolver is intended for use with both of these calibers.

Of course, some caveats exist. Certain 10mm Auto firearms, due to differing tolerances and designs may not be ideal choices to shoot .40 Smith & Wesson out of. Most, if not all, 10mm Auto firearms will handle the firing of a .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. An issue can come in the form of reliability as 10mm Auto firearms may have heavier recoil assemblies than what is needed for .40 Smith & Wesson use. Generally speaking, one should only shoot “other” calibers in a firearm if the firearm is rated for their use by the manufacturer. Simply put, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.

Conclusion

All in all, the 10mm Auto cartridge has persisted in common use for decades. Shooters of all types continue to employ the cartridge for a variety of use cases such as recreation, self-defense, and hunting purposes. We here at True Shot Ammo have a wide range of 10mm Auto ammo for sale and are here to help you get stocked up. Whether you are after 10mm Auto ammunition or wanting to buy ammo of a different type, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.

Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.

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Tyler Elsberry

Tyler Elsberry is an author for True Shot Ammo, boasting over a decade of experience in the firearms industry. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable asset to the True Shot team. Tyler's deep understanding of firearms, coupled with his passion for the ammunition industry, allows him to provide insightful and practical guidance to enthusiasts and professionals alike. His writings often reflect his commitment to delivering accurate, up-to-date information on the latest trends, products, and advancements in the field. Tyler's ability to convey complex technical details in an accessible manner has earned him a loyal following among readers seeking reliable advice and information in the world of firearms and ammunition.