10mm is it dead?

I gotta wade in on this... I've had numerous 10mm guns, including 4 Bren Tens, Colt Delta, S&W 1006, 610 and an AR carbine in 10. I've also been shooting them since 1985, more as a "fun" gun rather than a serious competition gun. That's not to say it isn't a serious comp gun, just I haven't used it for such.

I've been handloading 10mm since before there was any published loading data. So that included some loads that sent a 165gr Sierra HP at 1660fps, right down to some real managable 180s at 700fps.

No 10mm/40 cal, will be a "tack driver" at 50yds similar to a well tuned PPC or bullseye gun. The calibre/bullet has not 'yet' been able to have been tested or manufactured to that type of performance.

Having said that, it is the same analogy as a comparing a bench rest rifle/rail gun accuracy to an AR package. Both have their place, and both have different roles to play, and play their roles well when needed.

Will the majority of 10mm guns be sufficient for "game" day, ie. production class, or IDPA? You bet. Can you do a lot with the 10mm calibre, probably more versitile than any other calibre.

It is a hoot and will always have a spot in my "arsenal".:D
 
I recently had a chance to try RL1's Glock 20 (10mm). I liked the way it felt but I was underwhelmed by the factory loads... they were not much more if any than my 180gr .40S&W loads at 175pf.

I was able to control the pistol even in rapid fire mode. I would have like to have tried a hotter load, even RL1 who tried my XD40 tactical noted that it felt almost the same.

I am sure that the hotter loads would produce good numbers in the velocity and Ft/LB regimes. The availability of 10mm ammunition is not that of other major calibers carried... some stores stock them but most you would have to order in.

I do not know if 10mm is dead but I am sure its taking a nap somewhere.
 
If you don't reload 10mm is not worth it IMO; factory 10mm ammo is pretty light but $$$, might as well get a .40...

One day I want to get a 10mm myself (I reload), maybe Kimber 1911 or a Tanfoglio (sp?) :)
 
If we were permitted to carry in the woods here in lieberal land, I would possibly choose to carry a 10mm of some type. Handloaded, this caliber is quite stout. Its not a .44 or even a .41 but I think it would make a nice choice to deter any would be woods baddies short of a grizz. I like the idea of 10 rounds of 200 grain XTP's @ just over 1200 fps on tap for outback or overnight fishing trips in the spring, specially when I have my 6 year old with me. The 10 is fun to tinker with and is suited for handloaders more so than non handloaders. You can load em up hot, a 200 grain @1200fps+, a 135@ 1650fps+ or load em soft for plinking. I picked up a Smith 1006 last year. Fun to play with at the range.
Is a 10 the ideal choice for ipsc? Not in my opinion.
Is a 10 the ideal choice for combat/self defence? Not in my opinion.
Is a 10 a fun peice to play with at the range? Hell ya if u handload.
I would love to try a sub gun in 10mm. First thought is that would be the ticket for sub gun caliber. I know guys down south who are loading for their thompson center's and other firearms with medium length barrels are getting some amazing velocities out of the 10 with these length barrels.
HK did or does offer the MP5 in 10mm. I'd love to try one of those sweeties.
Anyway to sum up, if u don't already handload or don't plan to I probly wouldn't recommend a 10 to ya. Stick to the standards ie: 9mm, .40, and .45
 
I shot RL1's Glock in 10 mm and man was it nice. It just had power. The last few shots were a ##### to get into the factory Glock mag though. It was fun to shoot, and it was pretty manageable. The price on the box of ammo sorta scared me away from wanting one though.
 
AG said:
If we were permitted to carry in the woods here in lieberal land, I would possibly choose to carry a 10mm of some type. Handloaded, this caliber is quite stout. Its not a .44 or even a .41 but I think it would make a nice choice to deter any would be woods baddies short of a grizz. I like the idea of 10 rounds of 200 grain XTP's @ just over 1200 fps on tap for outback or overnight fishing trips in the spring, specially when I have my 6 year old with me. The 10 is fun to tinker with and is suited for handloaders more so than non handloaders. You can load em up hot, a 200 grain @1200fps+, a 135@ 1650fps+ or load em soft for plinking. I picked up a Smith 1006 last year. Fun to play with at the range.
Is a 10 the ideal choice for ipsc? Not in my opinion.
Is a 10 the ideal choice for combat/self defence? Not in my opinion.
Is a 10 a fun peice to play with at the range? Hell ya if u handload.
I would love to try a sub gun in 10mm. First thought is that would be the ticket for sub gun caliber. I know guys down south who are loading for their thompson center's and other firearms with medium length barrels are getting some amazing velocities out of the 10 with these length barrels.
HK did or does offer the MP5 in 10mm. I'd love to try one of those sweeties.
Anyway to sum up, if u don't already handload or don't plan to I probly wouldn't recommend a 10 to ya. Stick to the standards ie: 9mm, .40, and .45
Click to expand...


The MP5/10 was the first attempt by HK to manufacture the MP5 in a more powerful caliber than 9mm. 10mm Auto, also called the Centimeter, is one hot caliber. At the time of the request for this new caliber, the FBI was hot on this cartridge, since the .40 Smith & Wesson had not yet been invented. It was the FBI that provided the substantial financial motivation for HK to retool for the more powerful caliber. FBI has about 1,400 of these MP5s in inventory, but aside from them, the 10mm MP5 has been eclipsed by the sale of the much more popular MP5/40.

UPDATE: These guns are now discontinued, but will be supported with parts and service. The advent of the UMP has supplanted the market for these guns, and it will be available at least in .40 caliber in addition to .45 but probably not 10mm, due to the direction of the market away from this caliber.


Taken from http://www.hkpro.com/MP5-10.htm
 
hmm, thanks for the information guys.

The wheel is already in motion though, my order has been placed for a brand spanking new Glock20:D (merry christmas to me!)

Between the Glock 22 and the Glock 20, the 20 just has more appeal to me.

I did not choose this firearm for praticality of use, competition or self-defense(zombies!). I have my Glock 17 to fill those requirements. I wanted a unique and exotic handgun that I could have some fun with. I have found a good source of decently priced 10mm factory rounds that should keep me happy for awhile here.

I do not reload yet, but this is something that I might engage in the near future. Right now with all my exspenese, I feel I am better off buying more guns :D and reloading stuffs a few years down the road. On the bright side of this, at least I will have lots of 10mm brass to reload!

Once again though, thanks for all the information guys
 
Question to those 10mm users, even better if you have a Glock20.

I have been reading up on the round, and it is recommended that I use a heavier recoil spring.

I am not too sure about this, because I am probally one of the few people that prefers to leave their firearms stock. The only two aftermarket parts on my G17 would be the sights and the grip.

Also, some other 10mm owners told me I should be changing my recoil spring every 1000 rounds? To me this seems a little excessive. Then again, this will be my first autoloading big bore pistol, so I do not know if this information is relevant at all. Personally, I have not changed any parts in my G17 (and I am comming up on around 10k rounds or so) and I have yet to have a problem.
 
I use a 21# spring with the 10mm KKM barrel in my Glock 21. I love the 10mm and I would really like a 10mm barrel for my G30. Regards, Richard :D

This is my evil G30:
fa1d3343.jpg
 
I have a G20 and the mod's that I have done are a 5" KKM barrel, extended slide release, Wolff 22lbs recoil spring and guide rod.

I am licenced for remote area carry but usually only carry my 10mm's if I'm jumping in and out of the truck alot or during the cooler month's when the big bears are sleeping for the winter. I prefer to carry my 45 Colt's 330gr hard cast @ 1300fps or my SRH 454Casull 360gr hard casts @ 1520fps when the bears are out to play.

I have been reloading for the 10mm since 1987 and have come up with some totally impressive loads now. I have only ever bought one box of 50 factory 10mm loads and still have about 35 of them left.

I have 3 10mm's my favorite handgun of all time is my Colt Delta Elite which once I get it reblued again because the blueing job that I had done to it earlier this year is the worst I've ever seen will finally be finished after 18 years of owning it. Then my G20 and a 18.5" barrel for my T/C Contender carbine.

Cam
 
10mm is far from dead , in fact I think a few gun companies have reintroduced them in the last year or 2 due to demand. I had a S&W 1006 for a time but didn't use it much and found it a bit on the wild side as far as muzzle flip goes . I much prefer 9mm , 40 S&W and .45 as well as .357 in a revolver unless it's one of cal.jeffery's who is a member of my club and likes to trick me with...."here try this S&W .357 2" snubby" with "hot" loads.......:eek:
 
Nitehawk55 I had to laugh at your comment on the 2" snubby with hot loads....:D

It was a good to start the morning with a laugh instead of stressed out over fighting this proposed handgun ban so much lately.

My next suggestion on a G20 is you can buy after market barrels in 40 s&w or 357 sig if you want. I also have a Advantage Arms 22lr conversion kit that I bought off e-bay for it, excellent, fun, accurate, conversion kit. I am also looking for another one for my son right now. Gunnar @ Armco had one at an excellent price but someone grabbed it before I could.

Cam
 
Is it necessary for me to upgrade the spring right out of the box though? I honestly do not like changing anything on my glocks (I figure that if they are so damn reliable out of the factory, why mess with it?). A few owners have told me that the #17 spring cannot handle any of the heavier rounds, and I will damage my pistol.

Is there any truth to this? I will be only shooting factory rounds in the beginning here, maybe start reloading in June.
 
No you do not have to change anything if you are just going to be shooting standard production 10mm ammo. Except that Glock's due to the polygonal style of rifling that they use recommend that you do not fire cast lead bullets.

Once you start to reload or purchase the really top ammo from Double Tap or Cor-Bon ammo companies you will want a heavier recoil spring and uncaptured guide rod.

The next step if you want to be able to shoot cast bullets or start experiencing Glock smilies (which is bulging of the brass case in the unsupported area of the chamber due to high pressure) is to replace the barrel to an after market one.

Now you've started and you're hooked so you will have trouble not adding a few more little personal touches to your gun.:D

Cam
 
This is part of a range report I filed. It is my opinion and it is shared by my shooting buddy, 44SpecialDave. Regards, Richard :D

"The last handgun Dave and I shot was the Glock 21 with the 10mm KKM barrel and 21# spring. I am sorry to report that Dave and I each had one malfunction while shooting 35 rounds through the G21. The G21 is still going through reliability testing with the KKM barrel. I am sure Dave and I were guilty of limp wristing the pistol but both occurrences were easily cleared. This pistol groups well and recoils lightly for a heavy hitter. My mind sees the G21 with 10mm barrel as a great deer/hog gun. Lastly, Dave is a revolver guy but he finds the Glock trigger easy to adapt to."
 
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One of the problems when installing a 10mm barrel in a G21 is that the slide is lighter than a G20 slide due to more metal being removed from the slide.

Try moving up a little more in your recoil spring weight to slow the slide down a bit more and you may find yourself having better reliability.

I am using a 22 lbs spring in my G20 so would recommend trying a 23 lbs spring in the G21.

Cam
 
Camp Cook, I am using a 21# spring instead of the factory 17# with my 10mm KKM barrel. I just do not have enough rounds through mine for it to be expected to be 100% but just give me a little time and I will. Regards, Richard :D
 
I understand that you are using a 21# spring and if you look closer at my post I have a G20 which has a heavier slide than a G21. I am with a heavier slide than yours using a 1# heavier recoil spring than you are.

That is why I suggested using an even heavier spring than you are already using, you need to slow the slide down even more resulting in possibly better functioning.

Another example is my Colt Delta Elite 10mm has an even lighter slide weight than your G21 and I am using a 24# recoil spring in it to slow the slide down enough for better reliability.

Cam
 
Camp Cook said:
I understand that you are using a 21# spring and if you look closer at my post I have a G20 which has a heavier slide than a G21. I am with a heavier slide than yours using a 1# heavier recoil spring than you are.

That is why I suggested using an even heavier spring than you are already using, you need to slow the slide down even more resulting in possibly better functioning.

Another example is my Colt Delta Elite 10mm has an even lighter slide weight than your G21 and I am using a 24# recoil spring in it to slow the slide down enough for better reliability.

Cam
Click to expand...

Good information, I am going to pick up a heavier spring just for the heck of it.
 
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