If the 9mm just isn’t cutting it, big bore cartridges stand ready to boost your firepower without taking away your ability to do concealed carry. The most popular, practical, and proven of the big bore cartridges are the 10MM and the .45 ACP.
It is hard to say which is better, since the best cartridge for you will depend on your personal style, preferences, and uses for your weapon. What we can do, however, is compare these two giants in the cartridge world so you can see how they stand up to each other. Let’s dig deeper into what makes these cartridges unique.
A Brief History of the Leading Big Bore Cartridges
While 75 years separates the 10MM and the .45 ACP, each was developed to serve a specific purpose in the gun world. Here is a look at the history of these two big bore staples.
10mm Auto
The 10mm auto is a relatively young cartridge, having just entered the scene in the early 1980s. Developed by Jeff Cooper and brought to market in 1983, this cartridge was carefully designed to offer stopping power at up to 50 yards from a semi automatic pistol. In particular, Cooper designed the 10mm to push a 200-grain bullet at 1200 feet per second.
The need for this powerful force became apparent in 1986, when the 9mm’s lack of stopping power led to the deaths of two FBI agents in a shootout in Miami. After that incident, the 10mm became the FBI’s chosen service weapon until it was replaced by the .40 S&W and its gentler recoil.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP is a time-tested cartridge with more than a century of history behind it. Developed by John Browning in 1904, it became the heart of the beloved 1911 pistol adopted by the U.S. military. Even Jeff Cooper, the developer of the 10mm, admitted this cartridge for its stopping power in combat.
Even today, the .45 ACP is a beloved and trusted addition to both civilian and military markets. Renowned for its accuracy and power, it has sometimes been in such high demand that the supply of this weapon fell short. Today, however, it is widely available for anyone looking for a trustworthy companion for their concealed carry weapon.
Performance & Statistics
Clearly, both the 10mm and the .45 ACP have something special about them that has allowed them to maintain their popularity over the decades. However, when you dig into the nitty gritty details about their performance, how do they stack up against each other? Here is a look at what each cartridge has to offer.
10mm Auto
- Velocity: Typically ranges from 1,200 to 1,600 feet per second (fps).
- Energy: Produces between 500 to 700 foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs).
- Recoil: Known for a strong recoil which can be difficult for some shooters to manage.
- Penetration: Built to stop, this cartridge is ideal for hunting and combat situations.
.45 ACP
- Velocity: Generally between 800 to 1,000 fps.
- Energy: Produces around 350 to 500 ft-lbs.
- Recoil: Has a recoil that most shooters can handle.
- Penetration: Good for self-defense, thanks to its large, slow-moving bullets designed for effective stopping power.
Use Cases
People often choose a big-bore cartridge to achieve specific goals with their weapons. While each of our two contenders stands up well to use in a variety of situations, here is a comparison of their performance in specific scenarios.
Self-Defense
Self-defense requires a weapon that can stop an attacker instantly. Both big bore cartridges can deliver on this requirement. However, the .45 ACP is often preferred for self-defense because it can effectively stop attackers at close range. In addition, while the 10mm has greater penetration and stopping power, it has a tough recoil that can make it difficult to deliver rapid follow-up shots.
Hunting
When you want to go after medium-sized game such as deer or wild boar, you want a high velocity cartridge that can penetrate deeply enough to take down your game at a long range. For this scenario, the 10mm usually performs best, thanks to its deep penetration. The .45 ACP often fails to penetrate deeply enough to take out large animals and is therefore suitable mostly for hunting smaller game.
Range Shooting and Competitions
When you are taking your gun out to a competition, you can confidently choose either the 10mm or the .45 ACP. The 10mm is very popular in shooting competitions that require power and precision. The .45 ACP, however, has long been preferred for range shooting competitions because of its accuracy and more relaxed recoil. The .45 ACP is also best for competitions that require prolonged shooting, thanks to its more comfortable handling and lighter recoil.
You cannot really go wrong when choosing the 10mm vs. the .45 ACP. Consider each cartridge's power, performance, recoil, and history when deciding which one works best for your EDC needs. And let us know which one you prefer and why!
The debate between the 10mm Auto and the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is one that has raged among firearms enthusiasts for decades. Both cartridges have their staunch supporters and unique attributes, making them suitable for various applications from self-defense to hunting. To help you make an informed decision, let's dive into the history, characteristics, performance, and use cases of each cartridge.
A Brief History
10mm Auto
The 10mm Auto was developed in the early 1980s by Jeff Cooper and introduced by Norma in 1983. It was designed to provide superior ballistics compared to existing semi-automatic handgun cartridges. The 10mm gained notoriety when it was adopted by the FBI in 1989 following the infamous 1986 Miami shootout. Despite its initial appeal, the FBI eventually transitioned to the .40 S&W due to the 10mm's stout recoil.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP has a much longer history, having been developed by John Browning in 1904 and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 with the iconic M1911 pistol. Known for its stopping power and effectiveness in combat, the .45 ACP has been a staple in both military and civilian markets for over a century.
Performance and Ballistics
10mm Auto
- Velocity: Typically ranges from 1,200 to 1,600 feet per second (fps).
- Energy: Produces between 500 to 700 foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs).
- Recoil: Known for its significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters.
- Penetration: Superior penetration capabilities, making it suitable for hunting medium-sized game.
.45 ACP
- Velocity: Generally between 800 to 1,000 fps.
- Energy: Produces around 350 to 500 ft-lbs.
- Recoil: Has a manageable recoil, often described as a "push" rather than a "snap."
- Penetration: Adequate for self-defense purposes, with a focus on delivering stopping power through large, slow-moving bullets.
Use Cases
Self-Defense
- 10mm Auto: Offers greater penetration and stopping power, especially with modern hollow-point ammunition. However, the recoil can be a drawback for rapid follow-up shots.
- .45 ACP: Known for its stopping power at close ranges, the .45 ACP is favored for self-defense due to its manageable recoil and effectiveness in incapacitating threats.
Hunting
- 10mm Auto: Excels in hunting scenarios, particularly for medium-sized game such as deer and wild boar. Its high velocity and energy ensure deep penetration and effective performance at longer ranges.
- .45 ACP: Less suitable for hunting due to its lower velocity and energy. It can be used for close-range hunting of smaller game but is generally not recommended for larger animals.
Range Shooting and Competitions
- 10mm Auto: Popular in shooting sports that require power and precision, such as IPSC and USPSA. Its versatility makes it a favorite among competitive shooters.
- .45 ACP: A classic choice for range shooting and competitions, particularly in events like IDPA and Bullseye. Its accuracy and manageable recoil make it enjoyable for prolonged shooting sessions.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
- 10mm Auto: Typically more expensive and less widely available compared to .45 ACP. Its higher cost can be a factor for those who shoot frequently.
- .45 ACP: Widely available and generally more affordable. Its long-standing popularity ensures a steady supply of ammunition from various manufacturers.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
The choice between 10mm and .45 ACP ultimately depends on your intended use and personal preferences. If you seek a versatile cartridge with superior ballistic performance for both self-defense and hunting, the 10mm Auto might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize manageable recoil, affordability, and proven stopping power for self-defense and range shooting, the .45 ACP remains a timeless option.
Both cartridges have their merits, and in the end, it comes down to what you value most in a handgun caliber. Whether you opt for the high-powered 10mm or the reliable .45 ACP, both will serve you well in their respective domains.
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