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10mm Ammo
About 10mm Ammo
Created by Lt Colonel Jeff Cooper in 1983, 10mm ammo was initially designed to be an improvement over the 45 ACP and eventually be its replacement as the ideal combat pistol.
With a cartridge short enough to use in a semi-automatic pistol, 10mm ammo is available in both full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point (HP) variations.
Common Names for 10mm Rounds
Since its initial release over 35+ years ago, 10mm ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
• 10mm | • 10mm Ammo | • 10mm Caliber |
• 10mm Automatic | • 10mm Auto | • 10mm Lite |
• 10mm FBI |
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 10mm ammo has come a long way and gained its fair share of popularity over the years and why it's available in the lineup of every major American ammo manufacturer.
10mm Ammo Benefits
Although typically more expensive than other mainstream calibers like 45ACP, when it comes to price per round, 10mm ammunition can vary according to availability.
With its growing popularity amongst firearm enthusiasts nationwide, 10mm ammunition can easily be found and purchased online and throughout most gun shops.
Standard 10mm ammunition measures 10.17mm (.400 inch) and sits in a rimless, straight-walled casing .992 inches long. Together, they measure 1.250 inches, according to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI).
With its flatter trajectory, 10mm rounds can transfer their energy to a target more accurately and at a greater range than the 45 Auto.
What Guns Shoot 10mm?
Glock | Smith & Wesson | SIG SAUER | Springfield Armory | Rock Island |
Glock 20 | M&P 10 2.0 | P220 Legion | XD-M | TAC Ultra |
Glock 40 | Model 610 | P220 Emperor | XD-M Elite | TAC Ultra FS |
P320 XTen | XD-M Elite Compact | TAC Ultra MS | ||
1911 10mm |
10mm Ammo FAQ
What is 10mm ammo used for?
10mm ammo is a powerful pistol round commonly used by law enforcement personnel and some armed forces members worldwide.
Over the years, 10mm ammunition has become a popular choice for personal protection, home defense, and is even used as a hunting handgun (or backup firearm for big game) by some firearm owners.
What are the different types of 10mm Ammo?
Like most handgun ammunition, 10mm ammo is available in a variety of configurations.
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) are the most popular styles available for sale on the market and are made by all the major manufacturers.
What is the best 10mm ammo for self-defense?
Although 10mm ammo is powerful enough to stop a threat, certain types like FMJ (full metal jacket) rounds can easily over-penetrate targets.
To help reduce this risk, many owners opt for JHP (jacketed hollow points), which expand more on impact, slowing the bullet.
In addition, 10mm ammo specialty rounds, such as Hornady Critical Duty or Speer Gold Dot, offer precision ballistics and top performance for any situation.
Does 10mm Ammo have a lot of recoil?
To the unknowing firearm owner, 10mm ammo is often considered a similar substitution for 9mm, but firing a 10mm handgun can be a drastic experience.
Unlike 9mm ammunition that produces a quick but firm shove, 10mm ammo gives you all its recoil at once, with a much sharper, more intense feeling against the hands.
What grain is best for 10mm Ammo?
Depending on your desired use, there are many great options when purchasing 10mm ammo. Available in 180-grain FMJ, Magtech Sport 10mm auto ammo is perfect for throwing some practice rounds downrange.
If you're searching for personal defense, the 200-grain JHP with skived jacket by Federal Personal Defense is a reliable round made with high-quality components.