10mm Auto: My final answer

My previous thread was closed (I am assuming) because it took a serious detour. I just wanted to follow up and let you all know I settled on Underwood Ammo’s 180 grain loading of Hornady’s XTP bullet. This is the only full power 10mm I could find that was loaded with a bullet actually designed for the higher velocity this cartdridge is capable of. The velocity ranges are provided by Hornady here…

http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/catalog/2009/19-22_bullets_handgun.pdf

Doubletap might provide the same round, but I could not find where they specifically call out the Hornady XTP bullet.

Double Tap is using Nosler now instead of Hornady.

wow, the 180gr has a remarkably versatile range of velocity usefulness.

I would have thought the 200 would have been better at slightly higher velocities but I guess the range it has makes perfect sense.

Underwood gets remarkable customer reports and accuracy claims are right on target with field reports. decent pricing as well.

I’d say you made a very sound choice.

I ended up getting a Glock 20SF gen 3. I am going to start reloading for it. I am looking at some 200 grain FMJ’s for woods use and some 180 and 200 grain JHP’s.
Pat

Aren’t XTP’s known for insane penetration, or at 10mm velocity will they open up larger?

The XTP is not a great self defense bullet for humans because it has moderate expansion and it does not always expand after heavy cloth. But for hunting larger game its moderate expansion and deep penetration is a good thing. For personal defense with a 10mm I would want a 180 grain JHP going about 1100 fps that was designed for that velocity. But honestly for personal defense I prefer my Glock 17.
Pat

Does anyone know if Nosler or Barnes publishes velocity ranges for their bullets like Hornady? I found that Hornady pdf extremely useful.

Yep, that pretty much describes the now discontinued Federal load, that the FBI (if I recall correctly) used to replace the too-hot Norma ammunition.

A good 180 grain JHP in .40/10mm at transonic speeds describes, accurately, the best current offerings in .40. There is no evidence that the hotter 10mm offers any terminal advantages over the .40. On the contrary, the terminal ballistic testing results I have seen indicate the hotter 10mm has only disadvantages.

Oh well, those who disagree will continue to disagree, regardless.

I think barnes will tell you that info if you email them or something.

I’d like to see more of those spec sheets from hornady actually. I couldnt find them by browsing the site.

I kinda got a hankerin to see what that 125gr will do at 10mm velocity.

The time I want more power is for critters.
Pat

Would you happen to have links to this terminal performance testing of the hotter 10mm?

I carry Buffalo Bore 21C/20, 10mm, 220 GR, Hard Cast, Flat Nose in my G-20 when in bear country to back up a big bore long gun and while its no were near a good .454 or .480 loading in a revolver its a platform I have total expertize with and can fire well under stress.

Are you using the stock barrel or an aftermarket one?
Pat

Stock,

This is some hard cast bullets and I only shoot a limited amount and clean. All my practice loads are FMJ less 20 grains at the same velocity and have the same point of impact.

How does your brass look. I reload for everything and was considering getting a Storm Lake barrel for the 10mm for hot loads and a heavier recoil spring.
Pat

I thought it was closer to 975?

That Hornady pdf is junk. Its easy to claim your product “performs” at those velocities when you don’t define what performance is exactly. Only one way to really know. Someone has to do some gel testing & post pics.

Pat, call the guys at KKM. they are great to talk to and make a dern good product from what I hear. the customer service is very good.

Swatdude:
did you find any of those PDF’s for their rifle bullets? thats a good resource for expansion ranges.

edit:
found that PDF. it’s a couple pages from thier catalog which is well worth looking up IMO.

FBI 10mm Lite is 180gr Sierra JHP bullet at 980fps. Basically, slightly less powerful than the current FBI .40S&W load of 180gr at 1030fps.

That’s what I had thought, not 1100 fps.