We’re taking on a big one here. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular handgun cartridges, the 9mm and 10mm, and answer a few questions.
The 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, also known as 9mm Luger and simply (and ubiquitously) as 9mm, is one of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world.
It was originally developed by Georg Luger in 1901 and was based on the 7.62x21mm Parabellum parent cartridge. It was quickly adopted by Imperial Germany, and in the decades that followed, arms manufacturers around the world developed their own platforms around it.
The 10mm Auto, by contrast (and despite the similar name), wasn’t developed until 1982. Norma Ammunition, of Sweden, created this cartridge from the .30 Remington with the intention of creating a powerful magnum revolver round.
Both are fairly popular, and at first glance, you might even mistake them (they’re relatively similar in dimensions), but there are some important differences you need to consider if you’re picking a round for competition, self-defense, or even hunting.
Which One Is More Powerful: 9mm or 10mm Auto?
Before answering this question, we need to place a caveat here: ballistic performance ultimately varies on load data.
However, even the hottest 9mm loads will pale in comparison to the 10mm Auto. It’s customary for 10mm Auto loads to deliver almost twice the ft/lbs at the muzzle when compared to 9mm.
The short answer: 10mm is more powerful.
Is 10mm Faster than 9mm?
Both 9mm and 10mm Auto are actually surprisingly comparable in terms of muzzle velocity. Hot 10mm Auto loads will actually be just a little bit faster than 9mm loads.
However, 10mm Auto cartridges are loaded with bigger, heavier bullets, and even with similar muzzle velocities, the 10mm Auto produces substantially more recoil and stopping power.
Is 10mm Excessive for Self-Defense?
It depends on whom you ask - but the general consensus is that 10mm Auto is an excellent cartridge for self-defense purposes.
Despite kicking harder than 9mm, it produces much greater stopping power, making it an excellent self-defense cartridge, especially for those that can tolerate the extra recoil.
So, some might prefer the 9mm because it is lighter and easier to wrangle, but the 10mm is definitely not overkill.
Suitable Uses for 9mm
The 9mm is a lighter, smaller cartridge that produces less stopping power and less recoil than the 10mm. That said, it is still the cartridge of choice for law enforcement agencies and federal duty.
It is also the case that 9mm ammo is widely available and that a huge range of different loads and bullets are available. Whether you’re looking for wadcutters, FMJ, or hollow-point bullets, 9mm ammo is easy to find. Guns chambered in 9mm are also widely available.
It is also much more affordable than 10mm Auto ammo, which is another bonus.
On top of affordability, since it produces less recoil, it is more suitable for competition shooters and other high-volume applications. It both costs less and produces less recoil fatigue.
While some might say the 10mm Auto is better for self-defense, the 9mm is still an excellent option, especially for concealed carry. It generates enough stopping power for use as a self-defense round. No one will argue that.
Suitable Uses for 10mm Auto
Now let’s turn our attention to the 10mm Auto. This is more of a niche cartridge and fewer ammo options are available. There are also fewer guns chambered in 10mm than there are made for 9mm, so availability could be a concern. This cartridge is also more expensive.
Given the fact that it is more expensive and produces more recoil than 9mm, 10mm Auto is not the best choice for target practice, competitive shooting, or other high-volume applications. If your purpose is competition, you might as well go with a more affordable, more available, lighter-kicking cartridge.
However, if your concern is stopping power, 10mm Auto is an excellent choice. Being more powerful than 9mm, it is a very capable self-defense round.
Hunting is also a sporting application in which the 10mm Auto shines. If your state has a handgun hunting season, the 10mm Auto is by far the better choice, especially on medium game such as predators and deer. It may be legal where you live to hunt with a 9mm, but the 10mm Auto offers both better penetration and superior stopping when compared to the 9mm.
Worry Not, We Have Both (Get Your 9mm and 10mm Auto Brass Loads at Bucking Horse Outpost)
Whether you’re looking for high-quality 9mm or 10mm Auto brass loads that can be reloaded, Bucking Horse Outpost has you covered. We carry 9mm and 10mm Auto brass loads from CCI, American Eagle, Venom, Magtech, Speer, Federal, and other top manufacturers.
Whichever you need, we have them. Check out our collections via the links above and make sure you bookmark the page so you don’t miss out on sales and specials.