From the Past: A Look at Origins
The Ten Millimeter Auto: A Powerhouse Born
The tale of these two cartridges begins with different motivations and different times. The ten millimeter Auto, a round that has become synonymous with raw power, was brought to life through a combined effort between Colt and the legendary firearms innovator, Jeff Cooper. Its birth was driven by a desire for a handgun cartridge that delivered formidable performance, exceeding the capabilities of existing standard pistol rounds. Cooper, a prominent figure in the world of combat shooting, envisioned a cartridge that could meet the needs of law enforcement and self-defense while offering substantial stopping power. The intention was a round with a flat trajectory and significant energy at both close and longer ranges. The cartridge’s early arrival, though promising, was met with a mixed reception. While it garnered appreciation for its ballistics, the recoil presented a challenge for some shooters, and the cost and availability of firearms and ammunition were relatively limited at the time. This round initially found a home in the Colt Delta Elite, a notable handgun that showcased the ten millimeter’s potential. It was a cartridge that initially struggled to gain real traction in the market, but left its mark on firearm history.
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson: A Response to a Need
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson, on the other hand, emerged in response to a very specific need. In the late nineteen-eighties, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was seeking an alternative to the nine millimeter Luger, recognizing its growing limitations. They wanted a cartridge that would offer enhanced stopping power while managing recoil in a more manageable package than the ten millimeter. This led to the creation of the Point Forty Smith & Wesson, a joint venture between Smith & Wesson and Winchester. The Point Forty quickly gained popularity, particularly within law enforcement. Its manageable recoil, good ballistics, and adaptability to existing firearm platforms made it an appealing option for police forces across the United States. This round offered many of the advantages of the ten millimeter in a more accessible and easy-to-handle format. It was a calculated response to a real-world problem, leading to its rapid adoption. The Point Forty also benefited from the increasing popularity of polymer-framed handguns, which, combined with the cartridge’s recoil characteristics, made for an excellent fit. This synergy propelled the Point Forty to become one of the most widely adopted handgun cartridges in history.
The Science of Velocity, Energy, and More
Bullet Characteristics and Ballistics
A fundamental aspect of the ten millimeter and the Point Forty Smith & Wesson is their ballistic performance. Understanding the characteristics of each round is key to assessing their potential.
Ten Millimeter Auto Ballistics
The ten millimeter, celebrated for its performance, typically fires bullets with a diameter of approximately point four inches. The most common bullet weights range from one hundred thirty-five grains to two hundred grains, with variations available. This gives the ten millimeter a wide range of energy, depending on the bullet weight and the specific loading. At the muzzle, the ten millimeter boasts impressive speeds. A one hundred eighty-grain bullet can achieve velocities of over one thousand three hundred feet per second, while heavier bullets will, naturally, travel slower. This translates into substantial muzzle energy. The high velocity and energy of the ten millimeter result in a flat trajectory, enhancing accuracy over distances.
Point Forty Smith & Wesson Ballistics
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson has a similar bullet diameter, although often uses slightly lighter bullet weights. Common weights are from one hundred thirty-five grains to one hundred eighty grains. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson will have lower muzzle velocities than the ten millimeter. A one hundred eighty-grain bullet might reach around one thousand feet per second, while a one hundred thirty-five-grain bullet will be faster. Because of this, the muzzle energy is also lower than the ten millimeter. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson’s trajectory is flatter than that of a nine millimeter, but will still have slightly more bullet drop than the ten millimeter at extended ranges.
Penetration and its Significance
Penetration is a crucial factor, especially in the context of self-defense. The ten millimeter’s high velocity and energy translate into excellent penetration in various media, including clothing and other barriers. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson also offers good penetration, although less than the ten millimeter. The effectiveness of both rounds is also highly dependent on the bullet design and construction. Hollow-point bullets, designed to expand upon impact, are a popular choice for both cartridges, as this enhances their stopping power.
Handling and the Feel Behind the Trigger
The Impact of Recoil
Recoil and handling play a significant role in the real-world application of a handgun. The way a cartridge feels to shoot directly impacts the shooter’s ability to control the firearm, acquire accurate follow-up shots, and maintain shooting proficiency.
Managing Ten Millimeter Recoil
The ten millimeter is known for its robust recoil. This is a direct result of its higher energy and velocity. The recoil can be described as a sharp, noticeable push, which can be challenging for some shooters, particularly those new to firearms. The felt recoil is also affected by the weight of the gun. Heavier firearms absorb more of the recoil, making them feel less punishing to the shooter. A lighter gun will allow for greater muzzle rise, which in turn can negatively affect follow-up shot speed and accuracy. While the ten millimeter’s recoil is a significant aspect of its character, it is something that shooters can manage through practice and technique.
The Point Forty’s Manageable Recoil
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson offers a more moderate recoil impulse. While still generating more recoil than the nine millimeter Luger, the Point Forty is typically perceived as more comfortable to shoot than the ten millimeter. The recoil is less harsh and less likely to upset the shooter’s grip. This allows for faster follow-up shots and an easier transition to shooting for those who are new to handguns.
Control and Ease of Use
The ease of handling is another significant aspect. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson’s more manageable recoil impulse makes it easier to control during rapid firing. The ten millimeter can present more challenges, making it harder to maintain sight picture and achieve consistent shot placement. For those who prioritize quick follow-up shots and ease of control, the Point Forty Smith & Wesson offers a clear advantage.
Guns on the Market: A Review of Models
Firearm Choices for the Ten Millimeter
The choice of a firearm chambered in ten millimeter or Point Forty Smith & Wesson is extensive. Several manufacturers have produced handguns chambered for these rounds, each with their own unique set of features and advantages.
The ten millimeter’s original home was the Colt Delta Elite. Today, Glock offers a range of ten millimeter handguns, including the G20 and G29, which are popular options for self-defense and hunting. Springfield Armory also produces guns chambered in ten millimeter. The popularity of the ten millimeter ensures that a variety of gun configurations are available.
Options for the Point Forty Smith & Wesson
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson has seen widespread adoption, and the range of firearm options is vast. Glock offers many Point Forty handguns, with the G22 and G23 being common choices. Smith & Wesson themselves offer the M&P series, and other manufacturers also contribute to the availability of Point Forty handguns. The market for Point Forty firearms is well-established, providing many options in terms of size, features, and price point.
Availability and Cost
The availability and cost of ammunition are practical considerations. The ten millimeter ammunition, while available, is often more expensive than the Point Forty Smith & Wesson. Also, in some areas the ten millimeter rounds will be harder to find. The Point Forty, being widely adopted by law enforcement agencies, is consistently available at a reasonable cost. This can have a significant impact on the overall cost of ownership and the ability to practice regularly.
Intended Uses and the Right Tool for the Job
Self-Defense Scenarios
The selection of a cartridge should always be tailored to the intended application. The ten millimeter and Point Forty Smith & Wesson are both well-suited for particular roles, as is dependent on the user’s needs.
For self-defense, both cartridges offer advantages. The ten millimeter is renowned for its stopping power, and is a good choice for individuals who prioritize maximum energy delivery and penetration. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson, with its more manageable recoil, offers ease of use and speed, both key to self-defense situations. Concealability and ease of use are key factors to consider in self-defense situations.
Roles in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies have historically used both cartridges. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson was adopted in response to the need for a cartridge with good stopping power and the recoil manageable in a wide variety of firearms. This adaptability made it a practical choice for agencies. The ten millimeter also has seen some use in law enforcement. Ultimately, the decision between these rounds for law enforcement boils down to the specific operational requirements and the department’s training resources.
Hunting Applications
For hunting, the ten millimeter’s superior energy and long-range performance give it an edge. The increased energy helps in dropping a variety of game. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson is also used for hunting, and is suitable for medium-sized game, where the shooter is skilled and takes good shots. The choice depends on the size of the game and the range at which the hunter intends to operate.
Target Shooting Considerations
Target shooting is another area where these cartridges are used. The Point Forty Smith & Wesson, with its more accessible recoil, is often preferred for recreational shooting. The ten millimeter’s power can appeal to shooters who want to test their skills, as well as those who want a powerful, flat-shooting round for long-range accuracy.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Quick Glance
Ten Millimeter Advantages
In a straightforward comparison, the attributes of each round begin to make the picture more clear:
The ten millimeter’s positives include its high power and excellent penetration, making it suitable for hunting and situations that require maximum energy. The negatives include the higher recoil, the greater expense of the ammunition, and its limited firearm availability.
Point Forty Smith & Wesson Attributes
The Point Forty Smith & Wesson’s benefits include its manageable recoil, which allows for quicker follow-up shots. It has a wide availability of firearms and ammunition, and often costs less. The drawbacks include the lower power than the ten millimeter, as well as what some people call a “snappy” recoil impulse.
A Final Decision: Choosing the Best Option
Selecting between the ten millimeter and the Point Forty Smith & Wesson is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If power, long range, and hunting are the most important considerations, the ten millimeter is likely the better choice. It’s a powerful round with great potential.
For self-defense and ease of use, the Point Forty Smith & Wesson may be the most appropriate option. The widespread availability, affordable ammunition, and manageable recoil make it a practical and reliable choice for personal protection.
Consider your needs, and the application that you expect the handgun to be used for. Think about your shooting experience, and your tolerance for recoil. Consider the availability of firearms and ammunition in your local area. Conduct your own research.
The ten millimeter and the Point Forty Smith & Wesson are both valuable handgun cartridges, each with its own merits. Choosing the “best” cartridge will depend on your individual priorities.
