.45 or 10mm for self defense
- Thread starter envonge
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rugerfreak
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.45
briansp82593
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45 for less recoil and cheaper ammo
ugaarguy
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The .45 ACP is lower pressure round that's softer in recoil allowing for faster follow up shots. While .45 ACP is expensive compared to 9mm, 10mm is even more expensive, and is harder to find. I'd stick to .45 ACP, 9mm, or 40 S&W if you're just starting out with semi-autos.
The .45 because more people shoot it well over the 10MM. It's a recoil thing. The .45 is right around the average persons tolerance, over quite a fews and the 10MM is over a high percentage of peoples tolerance for recoil. That is why the FBI came out with the 10MM lite, why the .40 was born and took off in popularity while the 10 MM waned.
Now. Is the 10MM more effective if placed correctly? You bet it is.
Now. Is the 10MM more effective if placed correctly? You bet it is.
10-Ring
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I've had both, but I ended up selling the 10mm because I just couldn't find the ammo. IMO, the availability of ammo should play a part in deciding your SD gun because if you can't find train w/ it or find defensive ammo for it, how can you depend on it?
Go w/ the 45 acp
Go w/ the 45 acp
ozarkhillbilly
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I use a XD in 45acp, its a great gun, I also have a glock 20 10mm and while I like it I like the XD better. That said, IMO the 10mm is a far better round and If Springfield would ever come out with a 10mm XD I would buy it in a heart beat.
You can buy ammo all day long from Double Tap in 10mm (the good stuff) and they will bring it right to your door, what could be easier then that.
I am simply looking for the *more powerful* caliber. In that case the 10mm is the one to go with.
You can buy ammo all day long from Double Tap in 10mm (the good stuff) and they will bring it right to your door, what could be easier then that.
I am simply looking for the *more powerful* caliber. In that case the 10mm is the one to go with.
When it comes to "stopping power" don't listen to any of us. We all think we have the answer, but none of us do. Whatever you shoot best with is the best choice for you.
My pick would be the .45. Why? If you've ever touched off a high pressure round in an enclosed area, you would understand.
My pick would be the .45. Why? If you've ever touched off a high pressure round in an enclosed area, you would understand.
trueblue1776
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I'll take the Ten, more power, higher velocity, and double stack mags.
HorseSoldier
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+1 on the "Either will work, but I'd take the .45" school of thought. You get more thump with the 10mm, but more recoil as well. Add in the higher cost of ammo, and I'd lean towards 45 ACP being the better defensive cartridge for most shooters.
Ops Officer
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I would also opt for the .45 ACP. Shot placement is the most important consideration. You'll need lots of practice to develop sufficient skills. You'll need lots of readily available ammo. Seems to me .45 ACP would be cheaper and more readily available for range and SD than 10mm. You'll want to spend the time on the range than chasing after 10mm or conserving a precious 10mm inventory.
BADUNAME13
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I can't afford to shoot a 10mm.
Some will say 'reload' but most shooting schools only allow factory ammo.
I'd like to give the 10mm a try, but havn't found an acceptable package...
Parts, mags...
And, while I have things like 8mm, 7.5, 7.62x25... my personal 'Working guns' must pass the 'Walmart test'
That is, if nothing else I must be able to get SOME type of ammo for them there.
I carry a 1911 in 45. And that's not likely to change by choice.
Some will say 'reload' but most shooting schools only allow factory ammo.
I'd like to give the 10mm a try, but havn't found an acceptable package...
Parts, mags...
And, while I have things like 8mm, 7.5, 7.62x25... my personal 'Working guns' must pass the 'Walmart test'
That is, if nothing else I must be able to get SOME type of ammo for them there.
I carry a 1911 in 45. And that's not likely to change by choice.
longhorngunman
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Well you said "most powerfull", in that case 10mm hands down. Even with the .45acp in +P offerings it ain't gonna touch what a Doubletap 10mm round will do. But that awesome power don't mean squat if you can't place it where it needs to be and be able to follow up your shots quick. We're talking about having to stop two-legged critters not four-legged beasts. The .45 has done a great job of taking two-legged critters for nearly a hundred years now. Save the 10mm for that big boar or black bear.
Husker1911
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Yes!
Jim Watson
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Some old guy name of Cooper said the 10mm only showed an advantage over .45ACP at ranges of 75 yards or more. But what did he know, eh?
plexreticle
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.45 has less flash, recoil and softer report.
Well that's 10mm no contest. And if "power" is the only variable you are looking to maximize, you could do better than either.
As far as ".45 or 10mm for self defense":
10mm
-deeper penetration
-higher sectional density
-higher capacity per unit size/weight
.45acp
-lower case pressure
-less recoil
-availability/price advantage
-more platform choices
Wash:
expansion
Can't go wrong w/either imo. For me, even if ammo were the same price and equally available, while it would be closer, I'd still give .45 the nod based on performance to pressure ratio and platform choices.
But they all work, and .45/10mm are both top notch.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
envonge,
The numbers are easy to figure out if you look at the Double Tap site but the question really is, what do you need the ever so slightly higher numbers for? I highly doubt the BG will know the difference if he's hit with a 230gr round traveling at 1010 fps or 1040 fps. You should find out which one you shoot better and go with that one IMHO. Also, you said price and availability of ammo is no problem. I wish I were able to say the same thing. Ammo prices are kicking my azz lately. I would consider price and availability very important.
10mm Double Tap
165gr 1400/718
180gr 1300/676
200gr 1250/694
230gr 1040/553
.45 ACP Double Tap
165gr 1325/643
185gr 1225/616
200gr 1125/562
230gr 1010/521
longhorngunman
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Not to hijack the thread, but I thought Col. Cooper was a big supporter of the 10mm?
The .45 has a big BOOM vs the crack of higher pressure rounds. Back in my youth when we shot without ear protection you could shoot the .45 and still hear some. The sharp, high pressure rounds of the day were terrible on the ears and would be more of a detriment in a defensive situation.
Touch of a .45 after forgetting your hearing protection and you wil recover shortly. Touch off a 10MM or even a 32/20 without it and see what happens. Senile in AL.
I do not recommend this. Just an observation.
Touch of a .45 after forgetting your hearing protection and you wil recover shortly. Touch off a 10MM or even a 32/20 without it and see what happens. Senile in AL.
I do not recommend this. Just an observation.
Especially if you have to take that shot indoors. That's where the shock of higher pressures really comes into effect. It's not just the ears that take a beating. It can be nearly incapacitating if you're near a wall when you fire. The last thing you need in a life or death situation is a hard "smack" to the head.
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