There’s no doubt that the 10mm Auto and 45 ACP each have their own strengths and weaknesses. But which one is right for you? This article will help you answer that question and know whether to get a Glock 21 or Colt Delta Elite.
10mm vs. .45 ACP Cartridge Comparison
| Performance Aspect | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Self-defense | 45 ACP | The 45 ACP is available in more handguns, the ammo is less expensive, and it has less recoil |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Bear defense | 10mm Auto | The 10mm offers deeper penetration and more stopping power |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Recoil | 45 ACP | 45 ACP has a slower, rolling recoil impulse; 10mm recoil is sharper and snappier by comparison |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Affordability and availability | 45 ACP | 45 ACP ammo is more readily available and less expensive |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Magazine capacity | 10mm Auto | More 10mm ammo can fit into a magazine of the same length due to the cartridge’s narrower diameter |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Stopping power | 10mm Auto | The 10mm penetrates deeper and has more stopping power thanks to its higher velocity and energy |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
Cartridge Specs
| 10mm | 45 ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | 30 Remington | Unique Design |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.4005" | 0.452" |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Neck Diameter | 0.423" | 0.473" |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Base Diameter | 0.425" | 0.476" |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Case Length | 0.992" | 0.898" |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Overall Length | 1.260" | 1.275" |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Case Capacity | 24.1 grains H₂O | 25-27.4 grains H₂O |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
| Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 37,500 psi | 21,000 psi |
| undefined | ---- | ---- |
Comparing the specifications of these two handgun cartridges helps to clarify the differences between them. Although there are some similarities between the rounds, the most substantial difference is their maximum pressures. As you can see in the chart, the 10mm Auto has a much higher max pressure than the .45 Auto: 37,500 psi vs. 21,000 psi, respectively.
Recoil
On average, a 45 ACP 230 grain round generates 7.5 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of free recoil energy, whereas the average 10mm 180 grain load generates 11.4 ft-lbs. That means the 10mm has over 50% more recoil than the 45 ACP. That difference will feel pretty substantial to many shooters.
Several variables can increase or decrease recoil. Muzzle velocity, propellant charge weight, projectile weight, and firearm weight all determine how much free recoil energy a cartridge can generate. For example, let’s assume we are firing two different 2.5 lb handguns. An average 10mm cartridge (10 grains of propellant, 180 grain bullet, 1,235 fps muzzle velocity) would generate 9.4 ft-lbs of recoil energy.
Conversely, a conventional 45 ACP cartridge (8 grains of propellant, 230 grain bullet, 900 fps muzzle velocity) would generate 7.7 ft-lbs of recoil energy.
A heavier firearm will reduce felt recoil. But generally speaking, the 10mm *always* kicks harder.
Trajectory
It’s no secret that the 10mm has a flatter trajectory than the 45 ACP. Its bullets are both narrower and faster than the .45 ACP’s – both reasons why they fly across a flatter trajectory toward their target. Suppose both pistols’ sights are 0.19" high, and you are aiming at a 50-yard target:
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45 ACP with a 185 grain bullet and 900 fps muzzle velocity will rise approximately 1.4" at 25 yards and drop -12.3" at 100 yards
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10mm with a 180 grain bullet and 1,245 fps muzzle velocity will rise approximately 0.7" at 25 yards and drop -6.7" at 100 yards
Accuracy
Accuracy is a pretty big deal. Unfortunately, it’s a bit challenging to say which cartridge is more accurate, as much of that depends on the shooter and their firearm.
Go to the range and see which handgun round works better for you. Your own impression outweighs anything this article could tell you.
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