# 10mm vs. 40 S&W: Which Cartridge Is Better? **URL:** \ **Category:** Public Shooting Range\ **Tags:** 10mm, 40sw\ **Created:** [September 5, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834 "2024-09-05T19:17:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ammodotcom](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/ammodotcom/32/1880_2.png) [@Ammodotcom](https://sixguns.com/u/Ammodotcom)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/1 "2024-09-05T19:17:59Z")
![10mm-vs-40-hero](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/3/38da7a4673e0eef40cfb65453cdab7738095f5e1.jpeg) When we compare the two cartridges on paper, the 10mm should blow the 40 S&W out of the water. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper designed the 10mm to exhibit better external ballistics than the 45 ACP, and the 40 Smith & Wesson was intentionally designed by weakening the 10mm. But there might be better choices than the 10mm for you for various reasons. We’ll compare these two cartridges based on their recoil, trajectory, accuracy, stopping power, effectiveness in self-defense, cost and availability, and reloading potential. Continue reading to discover if the 10mm Auto is supreme – or if you should use a 40 Smith & Wesson instead! ## 10mm vs. 40 The 10mm was created to exhibit better terminal ballistics (i.e. penetration and expansion) than the 9mm Luger, as well as better external ballistics (i.e. effective range and muzzle velocity) than the 45 Automatic Colt Pistol. The 40 S&W is a reduced power load based on the 10mm. It was developed in 1990 by Smith & Wesson and Winchester as a rimless, centerfire handgun cartridge to meet the FBI’s requirements for an effective defense round. How do these two cartridges compare? Let’s begin with their specs. ### Cartridge Specs Since the 40 S&W was developed from the 10mm Auto, we should expect many similarities and a few significant differences in terms of the cartridges’ specifications. These two rounds’ bullet diameter, neck diameter, and base diameter are virtually identical to the naked eye (the 40 S&W base diameter is 0.001” narrower than the 10mm, and the neck diameter of the 40 is 0.009” narrower than the 10mm). ![cartridge specs 10mm vs. .40](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/0/0c356e9b002f995ed4dbf914adbbf112b4060930.png) The [.40 cal’s](https://ammo.com/handgun/40-cal-ammo) shorter case also means it is slightly shorter overall and has a lower case capacity than the 10mm, leading to a lower maximum pressure. While these two rounds are visually distinct, they can be easily confused at the range. If you’re firing both cartridges during the same range day, keep them separate to prevent a catastrophe. Let’s see how the visual differences equate to real-world performance. ### Recoil Bullet weight, firearm weight, muzzle velocity, and propellant weight determine how much recoil a cartridge generates. There is never an apples-to-apples comparison between any cartridge or caliber. That said, we can provide a general idea of how much felt recoil to expect while firing these rounds. The average 10mm Auto 180 grain load has around 11.5 ft-lbs (foot-lbs) of recoil. To rifle shooters, this doesn’t sound like much, but that’s 50% more recoil than the 45 Auto( another comparable handgun cartridge). The average 40 S&W 180 grain load has a little over 5.1 ft-lbs of recoil. In other words, the .40 S&W generally has less than half of the amount of recoil of the 10mm. While some shooters do consider it a little snappy, recoil-sensitive individuals should go with the 40 S&W over the 10mm. The .40 Smith & Wesson takes an early lead because it has less recoil than the 10mm Auto, allowing for more accurate follow-up shots as it will have less muzzle flip, making it much easier to remain on target or quickly get back on target. ### Trajectory Since most self-defense situations happen within 25 yards, the trajectory doesn’t matter all that much, as both calibers will remain relatively flat shooting at that distance. However, the 10mm is often used for handgun hunting. In this instance, you will likely need to fire over distances greater than 25 yards, which necessitates careful consideration of bullet drop. The 10mm has the advantage, as it has a flatter trajectory than the 40 S&W, simply because it’s more powerful. _Continue reading 10mm vs. 40 S&W: Which Cartridge Is Better? on [Ammo.com](http://Ammo.com)!_ [https://ammo.com/comparison/10mm-vs-40](https://ammo.com/comparison/10mm-vs-40) ---
**Author:** ![Robert](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/robert/32/20_2.png) [@Robert](https://sixguns.com/u/Robert)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/2 "2024-09-05T20:28:28Z")
I love the 10, when narrowing down that was my pistol choice, though I admit not liking it as much in a glock 29, there’s a certain amount of grip needed if any volume of 10mm is to be ran ![image](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/b/b26df31e0862664cb65b870b6a51efdf2ff0eca1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JF89](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/jf89/32/26_2.png) [@JF89](https://sixguns.com/u/JF89)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 4:00am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/3 "2024-09-06T04:00:51Z")
Is that a 1911 mag? It’s too purty to be a glock ---
**Author:** ![JF89](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/jf89/32/26_2.png) [@JF89](https://sixguns.com/u/JF89)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 4:02am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/4 "2024-09-06T04:02:19Z")
Oh and 10mm over .40 by a wide margin. .40 can barely kills zombies while 10mm can take down bigfoot. ---
**Author:** ![WV460HUNTER](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/wv460hunter/32/7579_2.png) [@WV460HUNTER](https://sixguns.com/u/WV460HUNTER)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 2:34pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/5 "2024-09-06T14:34:31Z")
If according to our Dum Dum President a 9mm can blow thenlungs out of you then a 10mm could tear ya plum in half…lol okay just kidding I shot thousands of rounds of 40S&W …weak and unworthy. Take a 10mm anyday ---
**Author:** ![JF89](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/jf89/32/26_2.png) [@JF89](https://sixguns.com/u/JF89)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 8:04pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/6 "2024-09-06T20:04:31Z")
> [@WV460HUNTER](#): > > 40S&W …weak and unworthy. Take a 10mm anyday See I knew you had a sensible side 😶 ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 9:22pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/7 "2024-09-06T21:22:00Z")
The 155 XTPs coming out of my Glock 24 at over 1200 fps would hurt a bit I would think, and almost 1500 fps out of the carbine would definitely hurt. But do like the 10mm in a 1911 longslide frame. ![20211219_090129](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/b/b62a8a10508702efd2f7d1dd3eb2f17065bedc21.jpeg) ![2019-04-12 18.17.25](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/9/924e70be39f137408e7643f50a4abec8bd85d151.jpeg) ![64](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/1/1c14d6cab1c33aa182ed6bfb6a31a041386b3750.jpeg) ![63](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/2/29c74472d766adffab2e94586510bba4994f9478.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JF89](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/jf89/32/26_2.png) [@JF89](https://sixguns.com/u/JF89)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 10:16pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/8 "2024-09-06T22:16:29Z")
Anything less than 10mm has the possibility of bouncing off of people when the flex thier muscles. ---
**Author:** ![Robert](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/robert/32/20_2.png) [@Robert](https://sixguns.com/u/Robert)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/9 "2024-09-06T22:53:33Z")
> [@albroswift](#): > > 10mm in a 1911 longslide Ported to I see, sweet, get a nice V flame? ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 11:36pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/10 "2024-09-06T23:36:42Z")
If I didn’t flinch and close my eyes I might see something like that. Seriously the #9 powder Is about perfect for a 6" 10mm with ports, pops like a flashbulb. Be interesting to try one of the powders the supercomp guys burn. ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/11 "2024-09-06T23:40:44Z")
What would be really cool is to stretch out the 357 sig to use the 10mm instead of the 40 for a parent case. 357 sig magnum. 1911s only need apply. ---
**Author:** ![JF89](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/jf89/32/26_2.png) [@JF89](https://sixguns.com/u/JF89)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/12 "2024-09-07T00:13:39Z")
Totally off topic but how does a 1911 in .357 Mag compare to a 10mm version? ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 12:20am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/13 "2024-09-07T00:20:27Z")
Not sure but a rimmed cartridge like 357 mag would probably suck in 1911. Not sure how Desert Eagle does it. The open guys are getting close to 357 mag in their 38 supers and the comps work really well with all that pressure. ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/14 "2024-09-07T00:22:30Z")
> **[Muzzle Flash cause and effect?](https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/280801-muzzle-flash-cause-and-effect/#comment-3127770)** > > May seem like a stupid question but is there a such thing as too much muzzle flash and do you tune your guns/loads to reduce it or does it mean the comp is working as designed? I love OLD Space guns in 38 Super and have 3, a Jim Boland, Glades Gun... ---
**Author:** ![Robert](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/robert/32/20_2.png) [@Robert](https://sixguns.com/u/Robert)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 12:29am UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/15 "2024-09-07T00:29:36Z")
> [@albroswift](#): > > a rimmed cartridge like 357 mag would probably suck in 1911 Yes and no ![image](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/6/6d116893de93d8834dd8b3e2d48367820cb3038b.jpeg) ![image](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/1/125ae5d98f0bed430fff0b0551bf8165a588f6e4.jpeg) It was tackled and great, it just wasn’t tackled perfectly in my experience ![image](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/2/25e8621b3cdd990585fd7dad87b62325579c39eb.jpeg) My interest in 10mm really took off when I had to give up on Coonan, which was a huge bummer, that 1911 grip is fantastic, the problems I had I believe were do to Coonan manufacturing more than any design issue, and if someone, even them (for a third time) gave it ago again I’d try again ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/16 "2024-09-07T15:52:38Z")
Cool 1911ish shooter. ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/17 "2024-09-07T15:55:47Z")
What I would like to add to the collection is a Bren 10. Probably out of my price range though. ![image](https://sixguns.com/uploads/default/original/2X/0/0ae5c6eed639ed14e48443d313edb221c639b747.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Robert](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/robert/32/20_2.png) [@Robert](https://sixguns.com/u/Robert)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/18 "2024-09-07T16:08:36Z")
> [@albroswift](#): > > 1911ish External extractor otherwise 1911 through/true > [@albroswift](#): > > Bren 10 Wonder how much it had in common with the Colt double eagle 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![albroswift](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/albroswift/32/31_2.png) [@albroswift](https://sixguns.com/u/albroswift)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 4:16pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/19 "2024-09-07T16:16:13Z")
> [@Robert](#): > > External extractor otherwise 1911 through/true And funky trigger/ FCG. Never shot one though. Don’t have a problem with external extractors, been around for a while. But I’m not really a 1911 pure-est. ---
**Author:** ![Robert](https://sixguns.com/user_avatar/sixguns.com/robert/32/20_2.png) [@Robert](https://sixguns.com/u/Robert)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834/20 "2024-09-07T16:28:24Z")
> [@albroswift](#): > > FCG Never did tear into one but it does appear you’re correct 👍 [Next page](https://sixguns.com/t/10mm-vs-40-s-w-which-cartridge-is-better/834.md?page=2)