Finest 10mm Ammo of 2023, Examined and Reviewed

First designed in 1983, the enchantment of 10mm ammo fluctuated in its almost 40-year lifespan; nonetheless, it is perhaps at peak recognition proper now. Whether or not you’re all for looking, protection, or goal capturing, you’ll want the great 10mm ammo to get essentially the most out of your handgun. I’ve used my 10mm for all these use instances and examined a pile of ammo over time. I’ve been looking and frequenting bear nation in Alaska for 20 years, and began out carrying large, heavy revolvers. I’ve switched to carrying a 10mm in recent times, and as a final resort, it has the aptitude of being an efficient possibility for a number of functions. Listed here are my picks for the very best 10mm ammo choices that you simply would possibly really have the ability to discover in inventory. 

Finest for Bear Protection 

Finest for Apply

Finest for Self Protection 

Finest for Searching

Why the 10mm Auto Is a Nice Cartridge

A preferred opinion is that the 10mm Auto is a succesful cartridge for bear and different wildlife protection. That opinion isn’t primarily based on the 10mm’s energy—it’s definitely much less highly effective than a bushel of up to date revolver cartridges—however somewhat as a result of it brings a gorgeous steadiness between energy and ease of use.

Cartridges just like the .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and even .500 S&W have lengthy been touted as bear medication, however they current some vital challenges to the shooter. Capturing handguns nicely requires a lot of observe, and large revolvers typically aren’t a lot enjoyable to shoot. In addition they are usually heavy, cumbersome, and annoying to hold within the area. Even ammunition worth and availability play a job, and 10mm is mostly cheaper and extra available than most massive revolver ammo.

Learn Subsequent: 9mm vs 10mm: Which Handgun Cartridge is Superior?

Pistols chambered in 10mm nonetheless have sharp recoil, however they’re typically extra serviceable to all kinds of customers. Some 10mm pistols are snug and compact sufficient to hold every day—in addition to a backcountry protection gun. Many massive revolver cartridges lose vital velocity when barrel lengths are shortened—on account of slower-burning powders—however amongst all of the 10mm masses listed, the distinction in velocity from an prolonged 5-inch barrel and a compact 3.8-inch barrel averaged solely 100 fps.

The number of 10mm handguns and 10mm ammo is ever-increasing, and the cartridge is appropriate for greater than backcountry protection, but additionally some big-game looking and on a regular basis carry. One key to creating the 10mm work on your meant utility is to pick applicable ammunition. Choosing the fallacious 10mm ammo on your meant use will vastly diminish its effectiveness.

Issues to Think about Earlier than Shopping for 10mm Ammo

The important thing to deciding on the best 10mm ammo for you is to know your utility. 

• Will it’s ammo for observe? 
• Are you searching for bear protection ammo? Black bears or grizzlies? 
• Are you going to be looking whitetails? 
• Will you employ your 10mm for on a regular basis carry and residential protection? 
• Can your handgun shoot forged lead bullets? 

These questions are necessary ones to kind out, and they’ll decide what kind and a great deal of 10mm ammo are finest for you.

Many 10mm ammo choices provides you with comparable outcomes, and generally the ammo you choose will rely upon availability or simply private choice. If you happen to hold your meant goal in thoughts, you possibly can’t go fallacious with something on this checklist. 

For instance, for those who’re searching for grizzly protection ammo, you don’t need private protection hole factors. For animal protection, search for bullets which are non-expanding or minimally increasing and provide good penetration. For looking, search for bullets that can broaden and provides good penetration. For EDC or private protection in opposition to dangerous guys, give attention to quickly increasing hole factors which are designed for restricted penetration. After all, some choices provide you with some overlap and are extra versatile of their use. 

Learn Subsequent: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP 10mm w/Hex Dragonfly Evaluation

Lead Bullets

Among the hottest backcountry protection choices for 10mm ammo make the most of forged lead bullets due to their skill to penetrate with minimal growth. If you happen to search the web, you’ll see a plethora of opinions and knowledge relating to capturing these lead bullets in your handgun—a few of it true, most of it false. 

You may shoot lead bullets in just about any fashionable 10mm handgun, and it gained’t blow up. Some barrels—like OEM Glock barrels—do are inclined to accumulate lead fouling way more quickly than others. In idea, it might probably finally trigger strain points for those who change forwards and backwards between jacketed and forged bullets, however you shouldn’t be alarmed. Merely be sure to clear the lead fouling out of your barrel after capturing forged bullets.

Finest 10mm Ammo for Bear Protection: Opinions & Suggestions

Key Options

• 115-grain Lehigh Protection Excessive Protection bullet
• Velocity: 1600fps (5-inch barrel)
• Monolithic building, doesn’t broaden or deform
• Screwdriver-like fluting creates dramatic wound cavity
• Much less recoil than heavier bullets

Execs

• Low Recoil
• Good penetration, even by obstacles
• Wonderful wound cavity

Cons

• Much less total penetration than onerous forged bullets

The event of monolithic bullets comprised of copper alloys has modified the sport in a number of significant methods. Lehigh Protection has been at this process for various years, and their Excessive Penetrator and Excessive Protection handgun bullets have begun to see widespread use, and Black Hills Ammo has used them in lots of calibers of their Honey Badger line. Now, they’re providing it in 10mm, with a 115-grain Excessive Protection bullet. Different producers have loaded the 140- and 150-grain excessive protection bullets, and I’ve handloaded them for years. The selection to go together with 115-grain bullets appeared unusual to me, till I talked to Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills Ammo, and he confirmed me images from their gel exams.

What issues greater than how a lot vitality or mass a bullet has, is what it does to its goal. We want bear protection rounds to penetrate nicely, and our non-expanding bullet decisions have typically restricted terminal efficiency. Loaded at 1,600 ft per second, nonetheless, the Black Hills 115-grain Honey Badger 10mm ammo produces a barely bigger and longer wound cavity in calibrated ballistic gel than a .44 Magnum capturing 240-grain JHPs. They penetrate roughly 20 inches with a brief wound cavity diameter of 5 inches. Though .44 Magazine. onerous forged bullets will penetrate deeper, they won’t create this type of tissue disruption. 

The Black Hills Honey Badger provides you with roughly 1,600 ft per second out of a 5-inch barrel, but it surely’s about 1575 ft per second out of an ordinary Glock G20 4.6-inch barrel. Contemplating the low recoil and dramatic efficiency, this is without doubt one of the finest choices for backcountry protection 10mm ammo.

Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman 10mm 220-grain Onerous Solid FN

Key Options

• 220-grain onerous forged bullet
• Velocity: 1200 fps
• Vitality: 703 foot-pounds

Execs

• Heavy bullet weight
• Wonderful penetration 
• Good high quality management

Cons

• Heavy recoil
• Elevated fouling

Buffalo Bore makes the very best hard-cast 10mm ammo; it units the usual to which all others are in contrast. The Heavy Outdoorsman squeezes essentially the most velocity out of the heaviest bullet accessible for 10mm and is protected to shoot in any fashionable 10mm pistol. After all with that distinctive efficiency comes distinctive recoil. 

The hard-cast lead bullets gained’t broaden, and also you gained’t see hollowpoint-like terminal efficiency. This load is designed for one factor—penetration. In a bear defensive scenario, you most likely gained’t have the ability to choose a broadside shot, you want bullets that may penetrate skulls and different bones. The Heavy Outdoorsman 10mm load is claimed to realize over 3 ft of penetration by gentle tissue.

Learn Subsequent: Finest Bear Protection Handguns

Underwood Ammo 10mm Auto 140-grain Xtreme Penetrator

Key Options

• 140-grain monolithic copper bullet
• Velocity: 1500 fps
• Vitality: 700 foot-pounds

Execs

• Nice penetration
• Decreased recoil in comparison with heavier forged bullets
• Bigger wound channel than forged bullets
• Shoots clear

Cons

• Much less dramatic terminal efficiency than increasing bullets

Utilizing monolithic copper bullets made by Lehigh Protection, Underwood is one other firm that produces ammunition loaded to the highest finish of efficiency whereas remaining inside SAAMI specs for protected pressures.

The machined copper bullets are strong, however characteristic flutes lower from the purpose. The flutes cut back the floor space on the level and enhance penetration however create cavitation and a wound channel extra like an increasing bullet than these made by strong forged bullets.

The lighter copper bullets permit for larger velocities with much less recoil and muzzle vitality that equals or exceeds many lead-bullet masses. You would possibly see barely much less penetration total than with hard-cast masses, but it surely’s nonetheless distinctive.

Grizzly Cartridge Firm 10mm 200-grain Onerous Solid

Key Options

• Bullet: 220-grain Onerous-Solid
• Velocity: 1200 fps
• Vitality: 703 foot-pounds

Execs

• Heavy 220-grain forged bullet will get nice penetration
• High quality Star-Line brass and different elements
• Aggressive worth

Cons

• Lead fouling in bore
• Velocity could not match marketed

The 220-grain Onerous Solid 10mm ammo from Grizzly Cartridge Firm follows the favored recipe for animal protection—heavy-for-caliber bullets at larger velocity. Though heavy-recoiling, these bullets penetrate by heavy conceal and bone.

As marketed, the speed and vitality match up with different shut rivals, however the velocity I measured averaged 1135 feet-per-second out of a 5-inch barrel—barely slower than marketed. Velocity will differ barely from gun to gun, and it’s a sufficiently small distinction that I wouldn’t pay it a lot thoughts.

Key Options

• Bullet: 200-grain hard-cast lead
• Velocity: 1041
• Vitality: 481 foot-pounds

Execs

• Good penetration
• Barely much less recoil than 220-grain masses
• Often cheaper than comparable choices

Cons

• Lead fouling in barrel
• Smaller wound cavity than increasing bullets

The 200-grain “Bear-Load” from HSM is a straightforward hard-cast lead bullet that gives nice penetration by bone and conceal. It typically retails cheaper than another frequent hard-cast choices, however makes use of premium Star-Line brass.

HSM advertises muzzle velocity at 1041 fps, however I measured it at about 1160 fps from a 5-inch barrel and 1090 fps from a 3.8-inch barrel. Precise muzzle vitality may even be barely larger than marketed with these velocities. It’s a easy load however a superb possibility for the backcountry.

Federal Premium Strong Core Syntech 10mm 200-grain

Key Options

• 200-grain Syntech-coated lead bullet
• Velocity: 1200 fps
• Vitality: 639 foot-pounds

Execs

• Nickel-plated instances for dependable feeding
• Onerous Lead core for wonderful penetration
• Syntech coating reduces lead fouling

Cons

• Terminal efficiency not as dramatic as increasing bullets

Some of the frequent complaints about hard-cast lead bullets is that they have a tendency to foul barrels—particularly in Glocks. Along with leaving gentle lead fouling in your barrel, forged lead bullets are usually smokey when capturing. This ammunition solves each these issues by coating a tough lead core with Federal’s Syntech coating.

The 200-grain lead bullets don’t push strain boundaries, however at 1200 fps, they nonetheless provide nice penetration and manageable recoil. Nickel-plated instances help with dependable feeding, and this premium ammo will work whenever you want it to. You’ll get an excessive amount of penetration for it to be an amazing EDC load, but it surely’s a superb possibility within the woods.

Learn Subsequent: Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 10mm 4-Inch Evaluation

Finest 10mm Ammo for Apply: Opinions & Suggestions

CCI Blazer Brass-case 10mm Auto 180-grain FMJ FN

Key Options

• Bullet: 180-grain full steel jacket flat nostril
• Velocity: 1200 fps
• Vitality: 576 foot-pounds

Execs

• Cheaper than premium protection masses
• Bullet weight and velocity present lifelike recoil and observe
• May very well be utilized in animal-defense functions

Cons

• Not specialised for any defensive utility

Blazer Brass 10mm ammo is the very best 10mm ammo for the vary. It options reloadable brass that accepts small-pistol primers—some producers are doing this somewhat than utilizing massive pistol primers. The bullet is a straightforward 180-grain full steel jacket that gained’t broaden and isn’t a lot good for looking.

That is primarily observe ammo bought in 50-round packing containers and is extra inexpensive than premium masses—usually bought in packing containers of 20. In a pinch, it could possibly be thrust into animal-defense functions, but it surely’s not the most suitable choice.

Remington UMC 10mm Auto 180-grain FMJ

Key Options

• Bullet: 180-grain Full Metallic Jacket
• Velocity: 1150 fps
• Vitality: 529 foot-pounds

Execs

• Competitively priced and cheap availability
• Much less recoil than heavy protection masses
• Reloadable nickel-plated instances

Cons

• Solely very best for observe and goal capturing

Remington UMC ammo has lengthy been a staple for vary and observe pistol ammo, and underneath new possession, they’re again in enterprise. This straightforward load options nickel-plated, reloadable, large-primer instances, in addition to a bronze-colored full-metal-jacket bullet.

This load’s velocity (and recoil) is a bit of beneath another goal masses, but it surely’s nonetheless a 10mm, and can assist shooters construct their expertise at a extra inexpensive charge. Since coming underneath new possession, Remington ammo has been cranking out ammo full velocity and It’s been attending to the cabinets in lots of areas.

Key Options

• 125-grain copper spun strong bullet
• Velocity: 1,600 fps (4.6-inch barrel)
• Monolithic building, doesn’t broaden or deform
• Designed to tumble after impression
• Low recoil 

Execs

• Low Recoil
• Nice penetration, even on onerous obstacles
• Good wound cavity

Cons

• Mild bullet doesn’t penetrate so far as onerous forged

The draw back of utilizing heavy, deep-penetrating strong bullets is that they sacrifice terminal efficiency. Lighter monolithic bullets pushed at excessive velocity can penetrate bone and produce bigger wound cavities, and Fort Scott Munitions has a singular tackle it with their 125-grain TUI (tumble upon impression) load. It contains a “strong copper spun” bullet that attracts to some extent on the entrance. As expressed within the title, the projectile is designed to create its wound cavity by tumbling after impression.

The 125-grain bullet exits the muzzle at 1600 ft per second—blistering velocity for the 10mm. Velocity averaged 1,607 ft per second out of my Glock G20. Though tumbling will definitely shorten total penetration, this load strikes a superb steadiness between penetration and the massive wound channel it creates. I fired the Fort Scott Munitions 125-grain TUI by a check jig consisting of doubled-up 2×4’s, 3 inches thick, adopted by 4 gallon water jugs. The bullets constantly drove a straight path by the boards then tumbled by all 4 jugs. That’s adequate for me.

Finest 10mm Ammo for Self Protection: Opinions & Suggestions

Hornady Important Responsibility 10mm Auto 175-grain FlexLock

Key Options

• Bullet: 175-grain FlexLock
• Velocity: 1160 fps
• Vitality: 523 foot-pounds

Execs

• Fast, managed growth
• FlexLock tip prevents clogging
• Interlock band aids with weight retention
• Low-flash propellant for low-light conditions

Cons

• Penetration traits not very best for animal protection

Quite a few legislation enforcement businesses use Hornady’s Important Responsibility line, and in 10mm, it’s a confirmed performer in FBI ballistics testing. Velocity and vitality aren’t exceptionally excessive, however uncooked penetration isn’t the objective for common defensive ammo. Nickel-plated instances help in clean feeding, and the FlexLock tip aids in constant growth, even after passing by quite a lot of normal obstacles.

One of the best 10mm ammo for self-defense expands reliably whereas sustaining its weight with out extreme penetration. It wouldn’t be a nasty possibility for looking deer-sized sport or smaller, particularly with cautious shot choice. It’s not an amazing possibility for bear protection or for giant sport.

Winchester Defender 10mm Auto 180-grain Bonded JHP

Key Options

• Bullet: 180-grain Bonded Jacketed Hole Level
• Velocity: 1240
• Vitality: 614 foot-pounds

Execs

• Fast growth as much as 1.5x authentic diameter
• Excessive weight retention
• Low flash
• Nice for EDC and looking mild sport

Cons

• Much less penetration than non-expanding bullets

This defensive load from Winchester options nickel-plated instances and a jacketed hollowpoint that’s bonded for optimum weight retention. The cup of the hole level is open, however the bullet jacket’s edges are scored for uniform growth.

This 10mm ammo makes use of low-flash powder for potential low-light defensive conditions and produces a superb steadiness of velocity and recoil. It’s primarily meant for EDC-type functions, however it might make an acceptable looking bullet on lighter sport.

Sig Sauer Elite Efficiency 10mm Auto 180-grain V-Crown JHP

Key Options

• Bullet: 180-grain V-Crown JHP
• Velocity: 1250 fps
• Vitality: 624 foot-pounds

Execs

• Fast, dramatic, uniform growth
• Optimum penetration for EDC functions
• Premium elements for reliability
• Decreased recoil from heavier bullets

Cons

•  Not optimum for animal protection functions

Sig’s V-Crown JHP masses are one of many high EDC-type masses generally, and this providing brings it to the 10mm auto platform. Like many different 10mm masses, it’s a 180-grain Jacketed hole level, however the V-Crown is thought for its dependable flower-petal-like growth.

Velocity and vitality ranges are on-par with most full-power 180-grain masses, and the ammunition features nicely in compact handguns. It will work for some light-game looking functions akin to whitetail deer, however this ammunition is designed for growth and restricted penetration.

Federal Premium 10mm Auto 200-grain HST JHP

Key Options

• Bullet: 200-grain HST Jacketed Hollowpoint
• Velocity: 1130 fps
• Vitality: 567 foot-pounds

Execs

• Constant, speedy growth
• Good barrier penetration with restricted total penetration
• Heavier than most defensive bullets

Cons

• Heavier recoil than different EDC masses

The HST is without doubt one of the hottest service and private protection bullets in the marketplace. It offers speedy, dramatic growth, with excessive weight retention and good preliminary barrier penetration. In 10mm, it’s an amazing possibility for on a regular basis carry. The 200-grain HST is heavier than most 10mm defensive hole level masses and is designed to ship most vitality switch with out over-penetration.

Like another 10mm ammo, this load makes use of nickel-plated brass that makes use of small primers, and high quality of elements is great. Velocities are constant, and I measured them as averaging barely larger than marketed. Recoil is critical, however hey, it’s a 10mm. This load would work in looking functions for whitetail-sized sport, however don’t anticipate tons of penetration.

Finest 10mm Ammo for Searching: Opinions & Suggestions

Hornady Handgun Hunter 10mm Auto 135-grain Monoflex

Key Options

• Bullet: 135-grain Monoflex monolithic copper hole level
• Velocity: 1315 fps
• Vitality: 518 foot-pounds

Execs

• Lead free
• Excessive velocity with decrease recoil
• Fast growth with good penetration
• Good for each looking and EDC functions

Cons

• Fast growth not nice for animal protection utility
• Lighter bullet won’t penetrate as nicely on less-ideal shot angles

This lead-free 10mm ammo contains a traditional-looking hole level that’s crammed with the proprietary Monoflex materials. This gentle rubbery materials helps stop the hole level from clogging, and—when compressed upon impression—aids with speedy, uniform growth of the bullet.

Since there’s no jacket to separate, the bullet retains almost all its weight. This aids in penetration, however though the speedy growth makes for nice terminal efficiency, total penetration shall be restricted.

The efficiency traits and building make it an amazing possibility for looking—particularly the place lead-free is a requirement—and the diminished recoil additionally makes this an interesting on a regular basis carry possibility.

Hornady Customized 10mm Auto 180-grain XTP

Key Options

• Bullet 180-grain XTP JHP
• Velocity: 1275 fps
• Vitality: 650 foot-pounds

Execs

• Fast preliminary growth, however good penetration
• Constant velocities
• Nice all-around bullet

Cons

• May over-penetrate in EDC functions

The XTP is a well-established bullet, and an amazing looking possibility for 10mm ammo. The jacketed hole level has a smaller-diameter opening than different factors, however the segmented jacket offers fairly constant growth to some extent.

The XTPs don’t divulge heart’s contents to the diameter that another hole level bullets will, however in flip, they penetrate very well for a hole level. Their penetration is perhaps greater than very best for an EDC load, but it surely’s not what you’ll see in a heavier strong bullet. It will be an acceptable bullet for animal protection for those who don’t have grizzly bears in thoughts.

DoubleTap Ammunition 200-grain Managed Enlargement JHP

Key Options

• Bullet: 200 grain customized jacketed hole level
• Velocity: 1195 fps
• Vitality: 634 foot-pounds

Execs

• Higher penetration than many different hole factors
• Bigger wound cavity
• Over 1200 fps in 5-inch barrels
• Good defensive and general-purpose load

Cons

• Penetration is greater than very best for EDC functions
• Not appropriate for grizzly bears

DoubleTap Ammunition is thought for producing high quality, high-performance handgun masses, and this 10mm ammo is without doubt one of the finest choices for looking on the market. Their customized 200-grain JHP controlled-expansion bullet expands to 0.74 inches, almost doubling in diameter. It’s designed to penetrate 20 inches and defeat heavy conceal and bone. The elevated penetration relative to another hole factors make this a possible—and even favorable—load for protection and common use whenever you gained’t be coping with grizzly bears. They would definitely work for EDC functions as nicely, however with an elevated threat of over penetration. DoubleTap masses with tight tolerances and a spotlight to element, and this is without doubt one of the finest looking choices accessible in a manufacturing unit load.

Key Options

• 200-grain semi-jacketed hollowpoint
• Velocity: 1,175 ft per second (4.6-inch barrel)
• Managed growth
• Full 10mm energy

Execs

• Managed growth
• Good penetration for hollowpoint
• Good looking and protection bullet

Cons

• Comfortable level would possibly restrict penetration by bone

Winchester’s new Huge Bore line consists of this 200-grain possibility for the 10mm. It’s a full-power load that pushes a 200-grain semi-jacketed hole level at 1,175 ft per second out of a standard-sized pistol. It is a nice possibility for looking and bear protection as a result of the restricted growth on the bullet creates trauma however nonetheless penetrates deeply. Winchester’s testing confirmed it to penetrate over 30 inches of ballistic gel. The semi-jacketed bullet has a lead level, and the hole level is shallow, in contrast to private protection masses. The lead tip of the bullet is designed to broaden solely barely, to create cavitation and a much bigger wound channel than strong hard-cast bullets.  

Though it seemingly gained’t penetrate bone in addition to onerous forged or different strong bullets, The Huge Bore load is a good all-around possibility that can nonetheless punch by a bear’s cranium with little fuss. It will make an amazing looking bullet for deer, hogs, or different medium-sized sport as nicely.

Learn Subsequent: Finest 9mm Ammo

FAQs

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Learn Subsequent: The 4 Guidelines of Gun Security

Remaining Ideas

Crucial a part of selecting the right 10mm ammo is to bear in mind your meant utility and the constraints of the caliber. Most individuals shall be trying to make use of it primarily for animal protection (and it’s a good selection) however keep in mind, it’s not magic, and it might probably’t do every part. Among the many most necessary issues is to purchase a lot of observe ammo and shoot typically.

Finest for Bear Protection 

Finest for Apply

Finest for Self Protection 

Finest for Searching