10MM deer hunting load

[KOTIMAKI]

My new EDC / deer pistol is a glock 29 , took it on its first trip this weekend. Everything stock on this gun except sights. SIG v crown 180 , 35 yards ...broke both shoulders and came to rest at hide on far side. The deer never took a step and im pretty impressed , however would like better penetration. I think im going to switch to the 200 xtp. Anybody have a good deer load for that bullet? I chose the sig because locally all i could get was 155 xtps and time was an issue.

[Kenk]

Yep, Underwood's 180, and 200gr have served me well. You may also want to consider UW's 150gr Extream Hunter

[Kenk]

Morning KOTIMAKI, yes, if you are talking 150-250lb Whitetail, I would say UW's 200gr XTP would work well
Thanks

Ken

[Rojo27]

Depending on size of the deer, sounds like the Sig VCrown did excellent job.
I've hit deer in similar location with rifle and found bullet under skin in same place. 

Underwood was a good answer for 200gr XTP.

If you just insist on two holes (entrance & exit) Underwood 200gr Hardcast
may be the solution your looking for. 

[TODDXUSMC]

Congratulations!! I would love to see a picture of the recovered V-crown!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kenk]

Yep, for sure two holes with the hard cast 😀

[Kenk]

Rojo's thoughts on the VCrown would be a great option as well, as they have great expansion according to the tests I have seen

[tcecil88]

OP, just my 2C, but if you shot the deer with a compact G29 and the bullet went through both shoulders and stopped under the skin on the off side and the deer was DRT, what more could you want? I have had 1 ounce 12 gauge slugs not perform that good.
I am a bowhunter first, so I get wanting 2 holes for a better track job, and I shoot a Glock 40 with Underwood 200 gr. XTP loads, but after seeing field reports on how well the 180 gr. loads work on deer, I am thinking of switching to loads that are easier to find in stores here, such as the Sig 180 gr. V-Crown and Hornady Custom 180 gr. XTP.

[Kenk]

Evening tcecil, as with any of these loads, shot placement is paramount. In all reality, I think any of these loads would get the desired results given you are not stretching your distance or level of skill

Ken

[tcecil88]

Agreed, shot placement is key. I was just noting that it seems that the OP's pistol/load combo performed awesome, so wanting a heavier bullet would probably not yield much better results. If the shot was placed behind the shoulder in the lower 1/3 of the body, the bullet will probably miss the heavier shoulder bones, but get the top of the heart and the bottom of both lungs before exiting the body. The deer will run away's, but will probably drop within sight if hunting from a treestand. Deer usually do not go far when shot through both lungs. Shoot just the heart out and the deer will run farther, faster in my experience.
I am a big fan of heavy for caliber projos, and I will always opt for a heavy bullet. However, most stores typically do not carry heavy loads in 10mm (200 gr.) or .44 magnum (300 gr.), thus you have to typically mail order those, and pay the high shipping cost. The performance of the Sig V-Crown 180 and other better quality 180 gr. loads that are more readily available outweigh the need for the heavier projo's for deer and similar sized game.
As usual, YMMV.

[Kenk]

Underwood's 200gr XTP is an awesome rd

[sep]

Just some additonal thoughts, if you look at ballistic gelatin tests on line and the loading data excel spreadsheet posted in the reloading forum on this website, you will see, generally speaking, the 200 grain XTP will outpenetrate the 180 XTP.  It may only be by a few inches but that may mean the difference between a bullet that stops under the hide on the far side and one that exiits.

If you absolutely want exit wounds and deep penetration, then as has already been stated by Kenk, hardcast is the way to go. Those hardcast boolits with a WFN design will make the widest wound channel. I don't shoot factory loads, so I can't recommend a manufacturer for WFN loads but for handloading, I use both the Montana Bullet Works 200 grain WFNPB and Beartooth 200 grain WFNGC. The Montana version shoots more accurately in my pistols. Good huntin!

[tcecil88]

Agreed, kinetic energy is always higher downrange with heavier bullets, resulting in deeper penetration.
Here in Indiana, we are hamstrung by law restricting us to hollow point ammo for hunting. If the OP is not restricted by law like me, he can take advantage of the heavier hardcast loads for hunting.

[Kenk]

Yep, for me Understand's 180 and 200gr XTP have worked well fo 150-250lb Whitetail, If I was in bear county, I would use their 200-220 hardcast

Ken

[Kenk]

In all reality, UW's 155gr XTP would bring one down just fine with the correct placement, l just like their 180, and 200

BRAND: UNDERWOOD AMMO
SKU: 232
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
*       Caliber: 10mm Auto
*       Bullet Weight: 155 Grains
*       Bullet Style: Hornady XTP Jacketed Hollow Point
*       Case Type: Ducta-Bright 7a Nickel Plated Brass
BALLISTICS INFORMATION
*       Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps
*       Muzzle Energy: 774 ft lbs