Latest Loads: The Dependable 10 mm Auto

by
posted on October 3, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
10auto.jpg

The .40 S&W has a reputation as a fight-stopper and competition-capable cartridge; however, there are circumstances that simply call for downrange performance above what it can deliver, such as big-game hunting and defense against large predators. A solid choice is found in the .40 S&W’s predecessor, the 10 mm Auto. The recipe below clearly illustrates why. When propelling the Hornady 180-gr. eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) jacketed-hollow-point (JHP) bullet to 1236 f.p.s., energy at the muzzle is a hulking 611 ft.-lbs. Even at 75 yds. it retains 458 ft.-lbs. of energy, and, with a 50-yd. zero, only drops 1.8" at that distance. Talk about a hard-hitting, flat-shooting pistol! Lastly, regardless of whether you’re engaging a threat in close quarters or a distant deer with your cherished 10 mm Auto, you can be confident of the 180-gr. XTP JHP performing; in fact, few handgun bullets are as dependable—reliable, consistent expansion and deep penetration are hallmarks of the design.

Additional Reading:
Nine Lives of the 10 mm Auto
Field Notes: 10 mm Auto
Wiley Clapp: What's All This 10 mm Business?

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.