10mm vs 9mm: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Cartridge

Whether you're in search of a pistol to carry in bear country, considering a concealed carry option, or exploring self-defense choices, the debate between 9mm vs 10mm cartridges is likely on your radar.

In this complete guide, we'll dissect the distinctions between the 9mm and 10mm ammunition, assisting you in selecting the most suitable handgun and ammo for your specific needs.

Choosing between a 9mm and a 10mm pistol isn't always an easy decision, but it's important to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider the following questions to make sure you pick the right pistol.

• Purpose: Determine the primary application for your firearm. Are you looking for a self-defense weapon, a hiking sidearm to protect against bears, or a handgun for target shooting?

• Magazine Capacity: Do you want to use a handgun that carries more ammo? Smaller rounds increase the magazine capacity. Having one or two extra bullets in the magazine could be a deal breaker for which cartridge you choose.

• Recoil Management and Weight: How comfortable are you at controlling higher recoil? All things being equal regarding the firearm, the recoil management should be easier with the smaller round.

• Ammo Consumption: How much do you plan to shoot? Ammo availability and cost can vary between these two calibers, so your shooting frequency may influence your choice.

• Price and Availability: How much are you willing to spend? And how widely available is the cartridge you want to purchase?

The 9mm vs 10mm are both commonly used in semi-auto handguns. The 9mm has a smaller diameter (0.355 in.) compared to the 10 mm (0.400 in.). The 9mm is renowned for its lightweight nature and lower recoil, making it popular for various applications.

The 10mm stands as a unique hybrid, bridging the gap between the 9mm and .45 ACP in terms of caliber. Its larger case capacity allows for the accommodation of more gunpowder, resulting in the ability to shoot heavier bullets at higher speeds. However, this increased power comes with more recoil, higher pressure, and velocity, making the 10mm a versatile choice for those seeking greater stopping power.

While there is a small difference between 9mm and 10mm ammo, they both serve unique purposes. See how each cartridge type compares.

• 9mm ammo is widely available. It comes in various types, including full metal jacket (for penetration) and jacketed hollow points (for expansion). Consider these differences if you are shooting at close range or longer ranges. Typically, 9mm rounds achieve average velocities of 1050 to 1150 fps, depending on the bullet weight.

• The 10mm cartridge presents a broad spectrum of options designed for specific purposes, such as bear defense and defensive hollow points, among others. 10mm ammunition tends to achieve velocities of 1,050 fps or higher.

If you're considering buying a 9mm or 10mm pistol for a particular purpose, each excels in different situations. The 10mm is a heavier bullet and is particularly effective at penetrating thick hides. This makes it a solid choice for activities like hiking and camping. However, the larger size of the 10mm is not necessary for hunting small game.

The 9mm boasts lighter recoil, making it an ideal option for self-defense and concealed carry. Lighter bullets typically allow you to easily carry or transport more ammo. Per round, the average brass-cased 9mm is also much less expensive than a 10mm.

Recoil can add wear and tear to your gun. Different factors influence recoil like the type of gun and bullets you’re using. In general, lighter bullets tend to have less recoil.

• The 10mm has a heavy recoil and produces 10-12 lbs of force. This can make follow-up shots more difficult.

• The 9mm produces a more mild recoil at 4-8 lbs of force. This is better for beginners learning how to control their shot placement.

Capacity is key in self-defense situations. The 9mm excels in capacity due to its smaller bullet size. Capacity also depends on the frame size of the gun, so keep this in mind when shopping for the ideal firearm (full-size, compact, sub-compact, etc.) for your shooting needs.

• The GLOCK 17 chambered in 9mm can hold 17 rounds plus 1 in the chamber. This is because the rounds are smaller.

• A GLOCK 20 in 10mm can hold 15 rounds plus 1 in the chamber. While the 10mm offers a substantial number of rounds, the 9mm allows for a slightly higher capacity.

9mm handguns are generally more budget-friendly compared to their 10mm counterparts. The same applies to the ammunition. Look for brass-cased ammo for a higher-quality round.

• 9mm ammo and handguns are typically more cost-effective, with ammunition ranging from $0.12 to $2.25 per round. This averages out to $0.40 to $1.00 per round.

• 10mm ammo and handguns tend to be a bit pricier, with ammunition costing between $0.30 and $2.00 per round. This is an average of roughly $0.80 per round.

A significant distinction between the 9mm and 10mm is muzzle energy. The 10mm maintains nearly double the energy of the 9mm at a distance of 100 yards.

• For the 9mm, energy ranges from 191 to 287 ft-lbs at 100 yards, depending on the bullet grain. For instance, a 90-grain bullet can reach 191 ft-lbs at 100 yards, while a 124-grain +P can produce 287 ft-lbs at the same distance.

• For the 10mm, energy varies from 299 to 430 ft-lbs at 100 yards. A 180-grain FBI load can achieve 299 ft-lbs at 100 yards, while a 200-grain bullet can reach 430 ft-lbs at the same distance.

When you're ready to explore 10mm and 9mm pistols, consider the most popular options. For more power, look at 10mm pistols. For self-defense with less recoil, 9mm pistols are a great choice.

• Top 9mm pistols include:
  

  • Sig Sauer P320 Nitron 9mm Compact 15-Round Pistol

  • Sig Sauer P365 Nitron X-Ray NS 9mm Compact 10-Round Pistol

  • Canik TP9SF All Tungsten 9mm Pistol

  • Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ 9mm Pistol w/ Thumb Safety.

• Highly recommended 10mm options include:
  

  • GLOCK 20 - G20 Gen4 10mm AUTO Full-Sized 15-Round Pistol

  • SIG SAUER P320 XTEN 10mm Auto Pistol

  • GLOCK 29 - G29 Gen4 10mm AUTO Sub-Compact 10-Round Pistol

Explore the diverse ammo choices for 9mm and 10mm handguns. Academy carries brands like Winchester, American Eagle, and more.

• A wide array of 9mm ammo is available, ranging from full metal jackets to jacketed hollow points. The Winchester USA Full Metal Jacket 9mm Luger 115-Grain Handgun Ammunition - 50 Rounds is ideal for range or competition shooting.

• For 10mm handguns, you'll find defensive hollow points and deep-penetrating bear defense ammo. For instance, the HSM Bear Load 10mm Auto 200-Grain Round Nose Flat Point Ammunition is specifically designed to deter bears.

Headed to bear country? Whether you’re shooting at the range or hunting in the backcountry, shop our selection of 10mm and 9mm pistols. Prepare for anything that comes your way with 9mm or 10mm ammo. Happy hunting!