The options when choosing a self-defense caliber are vast, and debates can be heated. One caliber often at the center of these discussions is the 10mm Auto. Known for its power and versatility, the 10mm has a loyal following and a somewhat controversial reputation.
Critics argue it’s too powerful for self-defense, while enthusiasts praise its stopping power and adaptability. But what’s the truth? Is the 10mm a good self-defense round or just a relic of the 1980s hype?
To answer this question, we’ll dive into the ballistics, real-world performance and use cases for the 10mm. And let’s not forget, if it was good enough for Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice, then it must be good for self-defense…right? Let’s unpack whether this caliber deserves a place in your concealed carry or home defense arsenal.
The 10mm Auto: A Brief History and Its Evolution
The 10mm Auto cartridge was developed in the early 1980s and was initially designed to be the ultimate law enforcement round. The idea was to create a cartridge that could outperform the 9mm and .45 ACP in stopping power and penetration while offering manageable recoil. Its rise to fame came when the FBI adopted it after the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, only to abandon it later due to its perceived excessive recoil.
But despite its rocky start, the 10mm never truly faded into obscurity. Enthusiasts and manufacturers kept the caliber alive, resulting in a resurgence in popularity over the last decade. Modern advancements in firearm and ammunition technology have refined the 10mm, making it more accessible and controllable for shooters of all levels. Today, it’s often seen as a powerful and versatile option for those seeking more oomph in their self-defense arsenal.
The appeal of the 10mm lies in its versatility. It can deliver impressive energy and penetration, making it suitable for personal defense and for hunting medium to large game. This dual-purpose capability has led many to consider it a viable option for urban and wilderness self-defense scenarios. But is this all just hype, or does the 10mm offer an edge over other calibers when your life is on the line?
Why the 10mm Might Be Perfect for Self-Defense
Let’s explore why the 10mm could be your ideal self-defense caliber.
Power and Penetration: A Double-Edged Sword?
One of the most compelling arguments in favor of the 10mm Auto is its power. With energy levels comparable to those of a .357 Magnum, the 10mm delivers a significant punch. This makes it capable of stopping threats effectively with fewer shots. The cartridge is known for its deep penetration, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with attackers behind cover or when thick clothing is involved.
However, this power can also be seen as a downside. Critics argue that the 10mm’s over-penetration poses a risk in self-defense situations, potentially endangering bystanders. It’s a valid concern but can also be mitigated with proper ammunition selection. Modern self-defense rounds are designed to expand and transfer energy effectively, reducing over-penetration risk while maximizing stopping power.
Recoil Management: Not as Bad as It Seems
Another common criticism of the 10mm is its recoil. Detractors claim that it’s too difficult to control, especially for those not accustomed to shooting high-powered handguns. While the recoil is more pronounced than a 9mm or even a .45 ACP, it’s far from unmanageable. Proper training and practice can significantly reduce the perceived recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.
Modern firearms chambered in 10mm often come with features designed to mitigate recoil, such as improved ergonomics, heavier frames and compensators. For those willing to invest time in training, the perceived recoil is a small trade-off for the added power and versatility the 10mm offers.
One of the 10mm’s unique selling points is its versatility. Unlike many other handgun calibers, it is capable of handling both urban and wilderness defense scenarios. Its power makes it effective against human threats and dangerous wildlife like bears or wild boars. For those who want a single handgun for personal defense and outdoor use, the 10mm is an attractive option.
A Caliber for All Seasons
The 10mm’s versatility doesn’t end with just self-defense and hunting. It’s a caliber at home in a concealed carry setup or a full-sized home defense handgun. The wide range of ammunition available, from lightweight frangible rounds to heavy-hitting hard-cast bullets, allows you to tailor your loadout to the specific situation you’re preparing for.
Ammunition Selection: The Key to Maximizing the 10mm’s Potential
One of the most significant advantages is the variety of 10mm ammunition, allowing shooters to customize their setup based on their needs. Unlike other calibers with limited options, the 10mm offers a broad spectrum of choices, ranging from light, low-recoil target rounds to heavy, high-velocity hunting loads. This flexibility is a game-changer for those who want a single firearm that can handle multiple roles.
Choosing the right ammunition is crucial for self-defense to balance stopping power with safety. Hollow point rounds like the Federal HST or Hornady Critical Duty are popular choices because they are designed to expand upon impact, reducing the risk of over-penetration while maximizing energy transfer to the target. This makes them ideal for defensive use in urban environments where collateral damage is a concern.
For those venturing into the wilderness, heavier loads like the Underwood 200-grain hard-cast offer the penetration needed to stop larger threats, such as bears or wild boars. This makes the 10mm a highly versatile option, capable of switching roles with just a change of ammunition.
Real-World Applications: Law Enforcement and Beyond
The 10mm’s capabilities have not gone unnoticed by law enforcement and specialized units. While the FBI initially abandoned the caliber due to its perceived recoil, many agencies and special operations units have adopted it for its stopping power and penetration capabilities. It’s particularly favored in areas where officers may face threats behind cover or where deep penetration is necessary.
The 10mm has found a home outside law enforcement with outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. Its power and versatility make it a preferred choice for those who want a sidearm capable of handling two- and four-legged threats. Whether for backcountry hiking or as a secondary firearm during a hunt, the 10mm has proven its worth in various demanding situations.
But What About Concealed Carry?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the 10mm is whether it’s suitable for concealed carry. Many believe the caliber’s power and recoil make it a poor choice for this application, but modern advancements in firearm design challenge this notion. Compact and subcompact 10mm handguns are now available, offering improved ergonomics and recoil management that make concealed carry more feasible.
For those prioritizing power and versatility over a lighter, lower-recoil option like the 9mm, the 10mm offers an intriguing alternative. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a highly effective self-defense tool for those willing to invest their time in training and practice.
Bottomline: Is the 10mm a Good Self-Defense Round?
So, is the 10mm a good self-defense round? The answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats. The 10mm Auto offers a unique power, versatility and performance combination that few other calibers can match. Its ability to deliver high energy and deep penetration makes it an excellent choice for stopping threats in an urban setting or the wilderness.
However, it’s not without its challenges. The recoil can be more pronounced than that of popular self-defense calibers, and over-penetration risk requires careful ammunition selection. But for those willing to practice and choose the right ammo, the 10mm can be an incredibly effective self-defense tool.
Modern advancements in firearm technology have made the 10mm more accessible and manageable than ever. With the right firearm and training, it can be a powerful and reliable option for those looking for a caliber that can handle self-defense and more demanding roles. After all, if it was good enough for Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice, there must be something special about it.
In the end, whether the 10mm is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and comfort level. But for those who appreciate its power and versatility, the 10mm is more than just a relic of the 1980s—it’s a formidable contender in the modern self-defense landscape.
Check out more 10mm ammunition choices at Ammo To Go, the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG.
Can you afford to pay for the ammo so you can regularly train?
Can you handle the recoil for accurate follow up shots?
And can you CC this gun during the day?
K frame?
L frame?
N frame?
Revolver or semi auto. Over 35 oz in weight.
My 9mm ruger p89 is 39 oz. loaded.
Honestly i love the thump thump thump of my 10mm. Its much more comfortable to me than the snap snap snap of my 40sw
.40S&W = Short & Weak! 😁
Being limited to .22LR, I find calibre wars most interesting. Now, my experience is not comparable to anyone using higher calibres, so comments are restricted to musing about “what could go wrong”.
To date, I have not read/seen any examples of .22LR overpenetrating bodies, or barriers. However, the “average” gun owner is probably not likely to never miss the target. What is the real danger of overpenetration? Do such bullets carry sufficient velocity to actually do much damage; actually lethal?
My uninformed opinion is that .357 and 10mm would go through my home walls, the next door neighbor’s walls, and into a third house/apartment. Would that be the case with 9mm, .32, 30 Super, 5.7?
Sam. I live in an very built up area. Lots of neighbors. Lots of ways for a stray to cause all sorts of bad news.
I keep a 12 bore with the first load up as birdshot. Hits hard at house ranges but little chance of getting an innocent with it.
Cruious about “spread”. Do you see a wide dispersion with targets at home defense distances, or more like softball size?
Not really. At reasonable indoor ranges the pattern can hit the size of a softball. Sometimes less. Any stray pellets are very unlikely to make it through walls.
Depending on what load I use it is one ounce plus of lead shot in a group that is not large at all. If he keeps fighting after that i have buck shot for the follow up.
Any shotgun shell, 12, 16, 20, .410 has a decent throw weight at in home ranges.
My old man lived in rural KY until 6 days before he died. The only gun he had was a single shot .410. I offered to hook him up with something else and he just said no.
Thanx. My understanding was that one shot from a 12ga would completely destroy an interior wall, including the attacker.
Birdshot probably won’t go through the bad guy. If you miss it will tear a hole in the wall. But it won’t go as far as a 9mm or other common pistol round.
And it rapidly loses steam. Less threat to others that way.
I’m in the bay area in CA. Way too crowded.
Bird shot widely demonstrated as useless for defensive use. Unless a rooster is attacking you.
Bullshit, Nword.
Hey, people been killed by roosters. Just sayin’…
I’m becoming more and more enamored with the .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum for home defense and CC. The H&R for home and the .327 for out and about.
Hey @LazrBeam, I’ve been carrying and using both calibers for years. SP101 with a 4 inch barrel and a GP100 with a 5 inch barrel. The Federal 100 grain JSP rounds out of that SP101 blows holes in a treated 4×4 pine post like a 30 Carbine went through it. And they make 120 and 130 rounds for it. Highly recommended, and it seems like you’re doing your own research, so I’ll stop there.
Can speak for 9mm going through as much if not more than 10mm/40sw/45acp depending on loadings. 32 no idea but a miss is always a hazard without a brick wall involved re home defense.
Truth. Bullets go through walls. Walls are made of powdered gypsum trapped between two sheets of paper. A .22 will easily go through a wall, unless you hit a stud. All service calibers will easily penetrate many walls.
Don’t miss.
At least we use gypsum. In some countries, the walls are just the paper. WITHOUT the gypsum!
“All service calibers will easily penetrate many walls…Don’t miss.”
Kinda implies that shooting beyond bad breath distance might be all too risky, but the caution is to be respected.
A new “I want to be a gun owner” should go and rent a 10mm first. You should rent several different calibers as well. And try wadcutter ammo in the revolvers if available. That ammo is more pleasant to shoot.
One of my prized possessions is a Smith and Wesson 1006. I bought it used from a gun dealer that had acquired it from the FBI. While the FBI pioneered the 10mm round, they quickly discovered that their agents were to limp wristed to control the recoil. What do you expect from the heirs of the infamously crossdressing Gay Edgar Hoover.
OR the DEI copchicks the feds/etc insist on hiring. Its not about the recoil its about unqualified personnel.
If it’s good enough for Sonny Crockett, then it’s good enough for me.
Fun fact: Crockett’s Bren Ten was close to (or the same) as the sound of Dirty Harry’s gun. Google the diner shootout. Sounds like the same sample to me. I remember reading an article (probably 40 years ago) saying that they used a specific sound for Crockett’s gun…and it wasn’t the sound of a Bren Ten.
I would imagine most of us here have a collection of firearms in several different calibers.
The 10mm is a great choice in semi autos for those who need to penetrate sheet steel or windshields and the 357sig is also.If someone is building a collection its worth considering.
In reality 10mm and 357sig loaded with modern JHPs are no more effective on bad guys than 40SW or 9mm.If think wandering around in Grizzly territory with a 10mm is not a good idea for that you need 300 grains at 1000fps minimum.
The 10 has been used to kill bears. But if I lived where the big bears were I think I’d like a .44 mag as my edc. Hard cast lead bullets.
10mm? It is one of those f around and find out rounds. My G20 is a little large for grocery cc, around the homestead conceals nice in a baggy overall pocket.
Love me some g20
G40 long slide with Leupy delta point.
Aw man i agree. I didn’t realize the g40 existed until after i got the g20. Would’ve sprung for the big daddy had I known
If you are gen 4 just buy the g40 slide or g41 and appropriate barrels. Lot of ways to make things work there.
Or under the bib?
10mm IS on my radar. I recently strict reverse curled 145×6 at 70 so recoil is not a problem. $ is so 10 may have to wait. I’m ok for the coming apocalypse🙄
No matter what you do 10 is going to be more expensive than 9 or 380 or 40sw. Either you will spend more for to spec ammo or you will get into reloading to produce what you want (hopefully not just 10mm). With that said lots of great options and some promising oddballs.
I believe that 10mm Auto is an excellent cartridge with the flexibility that the author of this article stated.
I would add one caveat, though. Carrying 10mm Auto for woods defense against wild hogs and bears requires some stout loads at the highest possible muzzle velocities–which requires a heavy handgun and long barrel. Of course concealed carry for defense against humans doesn’t require so much oomph as the author put it. Thus for concealed carry, a smaller and lighter pistol with “watered down” loads is the order of the day in virtually all cases.
Looking at my last paragraph, it becomes apparent that you would need two pistols (each with their own unique cartridge loadings and bullets) to cover your everyday concealed carry application and woods scenarios. At that point you might as well purchase any handgun/caliber that you want for concealed carry and any handgun/caliber that you want for woods defense.
I think the really significant advantage of 10mm Auto is when you acquire a small and light pistol with watered down loads for everyday concealed carry and then a second pistol with a long barrel and significant weight for woods defense AND HOME DEFENSE.
Of course a large and heavy pistol for home defense would require a third ammunition choice to take full advantage of the cartridge and muzzle velocity without risking overpenetration. (In a woods defense roll you would carry heavy-for-caliber hardcast lead bullets and in the home defense roll you would carry lighter hollowpoints.)
In other words, if you are person who spends time in the woods, your woods defense pistol platform is also an excellent home defense platform as long as you choose proper loadings/bullets.
I have been thinking long and hard about 10mm Auto for woods defense and hunting white-tailed deer at relatively close ranges. The problem is that I already have a very nice pistol chambered in .40 S&W for everyday concealed carry plus I already have a large revolver in .357 Magnum as well as a large revolver in .44 Magnum for woods defense and hunting.
Thus far, I have not been able to bring myself to replace my large .357 Magnum nor .44 Magnum revolvers with a 10mm Auto platform. I could maybe consider abandoning .357 Magnum but I just cannot bring myself to relegate my .44 Magnum to safe-queen status. That large .44 Magnum revolver is so darn potent for white-tailed deer as well as wild hogs and large bears.
“I have been thinking long and hard about 10mm Auto for woods defense and hunting white-tailed deer at relatively close ranges.”
In the end, shouldn’t one be embarrassed to weild anything less than .500?
Eh not exactly a huge guy so I get by with 475 Linebaugh
“Eh not exactly a huge guy so I get by with 475 Linebaugh”
Eh, lightweight calibres are for pretenders; .500 for real men.
Uncommon, maybe back up a bit and add a query to your flow chart. Revolver or autoloader? If the answer is mostly revolver, then that branch is already populated. Your 357 and 44 revolvers have this covered (unless they’re snubbies, a topic for another day). If adding an autoloader to your toolkit makes sense, then 10mm is an obvious choice. So maybe let the answer to that question inform your decision.
Of course, 10mm isn’t the only choice. Two grand will get you a Deagle, that will shoot the same 357 or 44 ammo you already have, which can be a benefit. Or bump up to 50AE if you want to sling lead thumbs. A 10mm pistol can be a third to half of that cost. Even less expensive, if you already have one, would be to convert your 45acp to Super or Rowland. A couple springs (and maybe a firing pin stop if a 1911 platform) and most 45s can be Superized up to 10mm power. A new barrel with comp, plus maybe the Super springs and FPS, can safely bump some of them up to 460 Rowland with 44 mag power. These options cost less up front than buying another firearm, but you won’t find the ammo at Walmart like you will 10mm.
As much as I enjoy caliber collection and learning more in reloading this is the most practical approach and evaluation of what may work thus far.
Options. This is a great country. I hope all y’all vote, so we can protect it.
BTW SAFE, if some pilgrim ever calls you a wuss for not packing a 50, I’d love to see the look in his eyes as you fit the end of his pointy nose into the muzzle of that hogleg.
“BTW SAFE, if some pilgrim ever calls you a wuss for not packing a 50….”
Every calibre below “50” carries with it a dispute over effectiveness at eliminating threats. Haven’t seen any comments that “50” isn’t the only true man-stopper, or lacks performance/effectiveness against human attackers. Incomparison, all the other calibres amount to, “Fall down, please”. One can make judgements from there.
,40 Corbon is not to be sneezed at as a conversion, if you own a milspec 1911 in 45, and if you reload.
RSh-12
🥰
The size of 10mm makes double stack pistols too large for some people’s hands. Also, Glocks before the dual recoil spring assembly (new in Gen 4) had brutal recoil of the round and the slide. The Glock 40 has such a heavy slide that recoil is tame. The 29 is a bit much to handle. RIA makes wonderful 1911s in 10mm where the single stack easily fits in your hand. However, the fast slide yeets your brass into the next county.
If you are capable of carrying it, and shooting it accurately, it is more capable than 9mm.
Meh, turn it up all the way to 11mm.
SIG SAUER Set to Unveil Huge Ammunition Plant Expansion in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
h ttps://www.shootingnewsweekly.com/ammunition/sig-sauer-set-to-unveil-huge-ammunition-plant-expansion-in-jacksonville-arkansas/
If they keep up their load quality that is great news for 10mm
Expert Panel Analysis of Supreme Court Arguments in Garland v. VanDerStok.
“As promised SNW commentator and legal wiz LKB convened an all-star expert panel last night. The topic was yesterday’s oral arguments in the Supreme Court in the matter of Garland v. VanDerStock. That’s the case challenging the ATF’s unilateral redefinition of what constitutes a firearm under the narrowly-worded language of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Joining LKB were Independent Institute fellow Steven Halbrook, California Rifle & Pistol Association President Chuck Michel and NRA-ILA Director of Constitutional Studies Joseph Greenlee. These are three legal minds who have been working in the pro-2A space for decades and whose views on the matter at hand before the Court actually mean something.
This video will not only give you 33 well worthwhile minutes of analysis of the VanDerStok arguments, but the participants also look into their crystal balls to anticipate what other significant Second Amendment cases are headed the Supreme Court’s way in the near future. Enjoy.”
h ttps://www.shootingnewsweekly.com/law/expert-panel-analysis-of-supreme-court-arguments-in-garland-v-vanderstok/
Everyone (except maybe in Blue jurisdictions) in this country enjoys the freedom to choose whatever combination of firearm and ammo from the nearly infinite variety that is readily available to us. All it takes is money. Enjoy and preserve that freedom. Protect it from those who would take it from you. Live long and prosper. 🙂
“While the recoil is more pronounced than a 9mm or even a .45 ACP, it’s far from unmanageable. Proper training and practice can significantly reduce the perceived recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.”
Google Translate: Yeah, it kicks like a bitch. Deal with it.
10mm kicks stoutly, yes. If you want the power, you have to pay the price in recoil.
Referencing the article’s question, yes, 10mm is an outstanding choice for personal defense — provided the shooter can manage the recoil. It’s not outrageous recoil, but it is more than all the other common defense rounds, because 10mm is more powerful than all the other defense rounds.
10mm was created to be the ultimate manstopper in a semiautomatic: power, penetration, large bullet size, expanded bullets, and manageable recoil, all optimized to create the best we can get in a handgun. IF someone can handle the 10mm, then it is a great choice, and I could argue it’s the best choice.
BUT: the recoil is not a joke. In terms of recoil, for a comparably-sized and comparably-constructed gun, 10mm > .45 > .40 > 9mm. 10mm is a comparable load to .357 magnum from a normal-sized revolver (not an Airweight!) If someone finds .357 too much for them, they may find 10mm too much for them.
On the other hand, if someone is capable of handling the recoil and can shoot the 10mm well, then they may find satisfaction in knowing that their 10mm semi-auto basically carries 16 rounds of the equivalent of .357 Magnum. That’s a hell of a lot of power in the palm of one’s hand.
You keep using the word stopping power.
I thought we were beyond that, guess not.
Stopping power isn’t a thing, stop using it.
Bullshit.
“Stopping power”, as commonly understood, is indeed bullshit. As busybeef said, it’s not a thing.
But it could be, if the proper caveats are employed. For example:
Common usage Q: which has more stopping power, a .22 to the chest or a 10mm to the leg?
A: You’re an idiot, stop asking dumb questions.
Intelligent Q: If I shot someone dead center in their heart, which would have more stopping power: a .22lr FMJ, or a 10mm JHP? A: the 10mm JHP would destroy much more tissue, leading to much quicker blood pressure drop, and stopping the fight sooner than the .22LR would; in this case the 10mm would have more “stopping power”.
Shot for shot, a 10mm or .45 will always do more damage than a 9mm or smaller bullet will. But a 9mm to the heart beats a .45 to the butt all day long. Pistols absolutely suck as far as “stopping power” goes; if you want something approaching “stopping power” you need a real rifle (.308 or above).
1) If your first shot with a 22 is more accurate than your first shot with a 10mm, you need training.
2) A heart shot with a 10mm will STOP a living organism faster than a heart shot with a 22 to a similar organism. That is because 10mms have more STOPPING POWER.
Physics is a thing. Serious question – WTF are y’all trying to sell with this inane argument. A world record grizzly was killed by a woman not 5′ tall, with a single shot 22 loaded with longs. The record stood for many years. Does this prove anything about hunting bears?
I heard that Kamala owns a G20.
Seriously, I have a fondness for the 10mm. However, it is out of balance for a concealed carry option. The recoil makes follow-up shots slower for most shooters. For lumberjacks and diesel mechanics it is probably okay.
I put 50 rounds through a Colt Delta Elite a long time ago and it is now on my future acquisition list.
“The recoil makes follow-up shots slower for most shooters.”
Absolutely. Even though I am a bit of a fanatic for 10mm, there’s no question I shoot a 9mm quicker and with tighter groups than the 10mm. I’m sure that’s true for everyone except maybe Jerry Miculek.
I imagine a 10MM with Liberty Civil Defense 60 grain rounds would be a good defense round. 2300 FPS, no overpenetration.
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