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The Best 10mm Ammo For Self-Defense, Range Training, and More

10mm Ammo

The 10mm cartridge was designed in 1983 by Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Cooper who worked with various agencies and companies including Norma, FBI, and Smith & Wesson. Cooper, a firearms expert, set out to replace the .45 ACP. In doing so, he created a round that has a better transfer of energy and flatter trajectory in a cartridge small enough to be used in a semi-automatic pistol. The 10mm is generally heavier than the 9mm with an average of 135-200 grains. Hollow points are the most common style.

After the 1986 Miami shootout in which two FBI special agents were killed and 5 were wounded, the agency reevaluated their need for a stronger caliber. The 10mm was tested and approved as standard issue for agents. However, during field trials, the ammo was found to have too much recoil for the average agent, so the power had to be reduced. While the introduction of the .40 S&W heralded the end of the 10mm in many circles, it still remains popular today. It is used by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Teams, the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), and other law enforcement agencies. Currently, the 10mm auto is used mainly for hunting, range training, plinking, personal and home defense, and tactical use.

Best 10mm Self-Defense Ammo

Self-defense ammo uses several benchmarks to determine usability and effectiveness. When choosing a handgun ammunition for personal defense, important factors include bullet expansion, maximum penetration, manageable recoil, reliability, and bullet weight. Due to the power of a 10mm round, it is advised to use only hollow point bullets.

The best ammo for self-defense includes:

Federal Ammunition: 180 Grain JHP

Iconic brand Federal Ammunition produces this 10mm round that’s fairly similar to Hornady. The velocity and muzzle energy are only slightly less, and the price is comparable.

Specifications:

  • 1030 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 424 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: 180 Grain Hydra-SHOK JHP

Federal Premium is the company’s top seller, and with good reason. The 180 Grain Hydra-SHOK JHP was introduced in 1989 and has remained at the top of the list by many experts as the best 10mm ammunition on the market. Rigorous testing has ensured that Hydra-SHOK loads perform consistently and accurately.

Specifications:

  • 1030 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 424 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Ammunition: Custom 180 Grain JHP

When it comes to finding the best self-defense 10mm ammo, Hornady stands at the front of the line. This 180 Grain JHP bullet is made for self-defense. It carries maximum power to stop threats as well as offering excellent penetration of the target.

Convenient and easy to reload, this round has been proven to fire clean for hundreds of rounds with zero failure. Additionally, the hollow point and heavier weight provide high impact energy transfer with remarkable expansion. It is also the most affordable on our list.

Specifications:

  • 1180 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 556 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Ammunition: Critical Duty 175 Grain FTX 

This round is noted as being the most reliable ammo on the market. Critical Duty is the first choice by many law enforcement officers and tactical professionals in addition to civilians who seek the best in personal protection.  It has two new features offered by Hornady: A Flex Tip that initiates consistent expansion, and an InterLock band which bonds the jacket and core together to prevent separation.

Specifications:

  • 1160 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 175 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 523 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Winchester Ammo: 175 Grain JHP

Made for Winchester’s Personal Defense line, this Silvertip JHP is an excellent choice for self-defense. The lighter bullet offers less recoil while offering a solid impact.

Specifications:

  • 1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 175 Grain
  • Silvertip Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 649 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Best 10mm Ammo for Hunting

A 10mm cartridge excels as hunting ammunition. The bullets are measured for robustness, maximum expansion, stopping power, and potential range in the field. The round is powerful enough to take down large game, including bear.

The best ammo for hunting includes:

Buffalo Bore: Heavy Outdoorsman 220 grain

When it comes to maximum power, the name Heavy Outdoorsman says it all. The 220 grain bullet is ideal for penetrating hide and bone in large game. While the round is engineered to provide minimum expansion, it still packs a big punch. The muzzle energy will allow the 10mm ammunition to penetrate even the toughest critter at 25 yards, the maximum distance recommended for a semi-auto pistol.

Specifications:

  • 1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 220 Grain Trophy Bonded
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 651 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: 180-grain Trophy Bonded JSP

Federal introduces this new production 10mm round. Its ballistic gel test shows that it offers the power necessary for handgun hunting. Hunting big game requires controlled expansion and deep penetration to be effective. The rounds are loaded into brass casings that are ideal for reloading.

Specifications:

  • 1,275 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain Trophy Bonded
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 650 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Ammunition: 180 Grain XTP

Hornady offers this 180 grain XTP as a multi-purpose pistol ammo. It’s great for self-defense, range training, and handgun hunting. The 180 grain is good for hunting small to medium-sized game. This reliable cartridge has excellent expansion, up to 60% of the original diameter.

Specifications:

  • 1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain XTP
  • Hollow Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 650 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 180 Grain UMC FMJ

Another new production round made by Remington. The 180 grain bullet is good for high volume shots. The ammo is inexpensive and also sought after for range training.

Specifications:

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 529 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sig Sauer: V-Crown 180 Grain JHP

SIG V-Crown ammunition offers maximum stopping power. Its V-shaped main cavity is on top of a deep narrow trail giving maximum expansion, deep penetration, and superior weight retention. Reliability and dependability are optimal.

Specifications:

  • 1,250 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 624 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Underwood Ammo: 150 Grain Xtreme Hunter

Underwood refers to 150 grain Xtreme Hunter (XH) as the ultimate hunting round. It is new production from the popular Xtreme Defender line. The copper body and optimized nose flute helps the lightweight ammo reach maximum penetration. It has an expansion rate of 100% and permanent wound cavity. The 150 grain bullet makes it easier to fire with minimal recoil. It’s an excellent round for reloading.

Specifications:

  • 1,425 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 150 Grain
  • Hollow Point Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 677 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Best 10mm Ammo for Range Training

Federal Ammunition: 180 Grain FMJ

You can never go wrong with Federal Ammo. Slightly more expensive than other brands, this round performs consistently and accurately every time. A great range training ammo.

Specifications:

  • 1,030 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 424 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Prvi Partizan Ammunition: 170 Grain FPJ

Founded in 1928, Prvi Partizan is a Serbian company that supplies ammunition to the country’s law enforcement and military in addition to the general public across Europe and the U.S. Their 10mm cartridge is a flat point jacketed bullet, designed to leave clean holes in your targets. The company specializes in using easily reloadable brass casings which enhances its affordability.

Specifications:

  • 1,115 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 170 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 469 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

PMC Ammunition: 200 Grain FMJ-TC

This round is surprisingly affordable considering the extra weight. Be prepared for it to pack one serious punch!

Specifications:

  • 1,050 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 200 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet – Truncated Cone
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 490 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 180 Grain MC

Coming in at about the same price as the Prvi Partizan round, Remington’s 180 grain 10mm ammunition is ideal for the range, offering traditional Remington accuracy and affordability.

Specifications:

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 529 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Best 10mm Ammo for Plinking

Armscor: 180 Grain FMJ

This reloadable round was created for military and law enforcement. It has become a favorite with hobbyists and competition shooters.

Specifications:

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 529 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

CCI Blazer: 200 Grain FMJ Ammunition

CCI’s 10mm Auto ammunition is a top choice for range training and plinking. The round was created to be a cheaper alternative to more expensive rounds; the aluminum casing keeps the price low. It also means that it can’t be reloaded.

Specifications:

  • 1,050 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 200 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Aluminum Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 490 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: 180 Grain FMJ

Federal makes a 10mm ammunition that’s easy and fun to shoot. The lower muzzle energy reduces the recoil of more powerful rounds while still delivering reliability and accuracy. Stock up for a day in the back yard or at the range.

Specifications:

  • 1,030 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 424 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Magtech: 180 Grain FMJ

Magtech’s answer to the perfect plinking round is their 180 grain auto ammo from the Sport line. The company is known for manufacturing high quality ammunition that offers dependability and precision. It is often the top choice for plinkers and competitors.

Specifications:

  • 1,230 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 605 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 180-grain UMC FMJ

Another new production round made by Remington. The 180 grain bullet is good for high volume shots. The ammo is inexpensive and also sought after for range training.

Specifications:

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 529 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sellier & Bellot: 180 Grain FMJ Ammunition

A 180 grain round is average for 10mm auto ammo. This inexpensive training ammo serves as an excellent plinking round due to its reduced recoil. S&B use a copper jacket to reduce fouling; the sloped body and flat nose increase reliability and smooth feeding.

Specifications:

  • 1,164 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 180 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 543 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Conclusion

While 10mm ammunition has waned in popularity over the last couple decades, it is still a good all-round choice for the hunter, hobbyist, and competitive shooter. When it comes to self-defense, 10mm packs a powerful punch with less chance of collateral damage than other big bore ammo. Buying in bulk makes this load even less expensive, yet the shooter can still count on accuracy, dependability and stopping power.

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