Is the 10mm overshadowed by better options?

[45BBH]

Maybe I have a tendency to over think things, but it's who I am I guess.   I like the concept of the .40 Super, I just think it's too much of a good thing.  I'm not convinced that faster is better when the bullets used are being pushed beyond their design limit (at least with JHPs), and I think that's the problem with the .40 Super, and really even the 10mm to a point.  I think the .40 Super would be a better option if it were a .410-.411" like the .41 Mag (called the .41 Super?), at least that way the bullets would be designed for those higher velocities.

In theory if I had a G21 (I have one but prefer the .45 Super as my serious choice) with a .40 Super barrel in it and I was pushing a 200gr WFN hardcast to 1,500 fps, one could argue that it's "better" than the same 200gr WFN doing 1300 fps from a G20.  If by better you mean faster then yes it would be better, but the thing is, both will kill deer and hog dead, so I'm wondering if the extra speed is worthwhile.  Neither are "high powered" compared to long guns, but both would work well so that's why I don't really see the advantage of the .40 Super over the 10mm.

To take that issue one step further, if I take a .40 SW and run the same 200gr WFN to 1200 from a G22, wouldn't I get the same results ultimately? Sure I would, but I could have it from a thinner, lighter weight platform, this is why the .40, to me and my way of thinking, is the best .400" option.  All three would work, and all three would punch a hole (with hardcasts) through pretty much any deer or hog, and that's all you need.

I load the .45 Super from my Gen4 21, and using a threaded and comped KKM barrel (5") I can run 300gr hardcasts to over 1150 fps, or 275gr hardcasts over 1200 fps.  The 250/255gr class can hit and slightly exceed 1300 fps, which means the .45 Super can match the performance of the 460 Rowland without having to use a special barrel (although you need one with good case support and a comp), and through the same setup, .45 ACP feels like shooting a light 9mm load.

[mag360]

New cartridge! 41 super!

I want it!  If the manufacturers wont make .401 high velocity jhp we'll just move up to magnum bullets!

[redbaron007]

........
In theory if I had a G21 (I have one but prefer the .45 Super as my serious choice) with a .40 Super barrel in it and I was pushing a 200gr WFN hardcast to 1,500 fps, one could argue that it's "better" than the same 200gr WFN doing 1300 fps from a G20.  If by better you mean faster then yes it would be better, but the thing is, both will kill deer and hog dead, so I'm wondering if the extra speed is worthwhile.  Neither are "high powered" compared to long guns, but both would work well so that's why I don't really see the advantage of the .40 Super over the 10mm.

I don't disagree with your analysis....if the bottom line is to kill a deer/hog, it boils down to personal preference. This reminds me of the 270 vs 30-06 debate. Depending on what the individual wants to accomplish, both are great. Both will drop most wild game in the US.

.....
To take that issue one step further, if I take a .40 SW and run the same 200gr WFN to 1200 from a G22, wouldn't I get the same results ultimately? Sure I would, but I could have it from a thinner, lighter weight platform, this is why the .40, to me and my way of thinking, is the best .400" option.  All three would work, and all three would punch a hole (with hardcasts) through pretty much any deer or hog, and that's all you need.

Punching a hole through a deer/hog...yep they all will work. However, I have a question regarding the underlined above. I know you mention the G22 a best option for the .400; however, I guess my question is the structural integrity of that smaller frame running those high end loads through that smaller frame. Why did they make the 10mm in the larger frame if it was ok to run those hot loads through the smaller platform? That frame may take several rounds at that loading; but in the longevity of the frame, could it go 500 rounds, 1000, 2500?

Just thinking out loud.

[Rojo27]

Presume basic premise focuses on semi-auto hand gun design.
I keep getting tangled in what the real problem these "wildcat" calibers are striving to address...

If we're talking about plinking, defense against two legged predators and/or woods
defense in the lower 48; many fine commercially available semi-auto options available
on the shelf. 

One guys opinion:
Situations not reasonably resolved by .22 through 10mm semi-automatics likely
to lend themselves into crossing into magnum revolver or greater territory.

[DeltaSteve]

I guess I answer this question quite simply.   No.   

This what's known as a simple correct answer 

[mag360]

is it even possible to get 1200 fps from a 200gr out of a G22 with a 4.5" or even 6" extended barrel?

[gandog56]

I own 3 pistol calibers I have duplicate same caliber guns. I have 2 22's, 2 .45's. and 3 10mm.

I have 3 10mm pistols because it's my favorite handgun caliber.

Think that pretty much explains my position.

Now rifles I have SIXTEEN Mosin Nagants alone. And a Winchester 95 also chambered in 7.62X54R. 5 Mauser 8mm's., 3 Steyr 8X56R's. 2M1 Garands and a Savage in 30.06........