.40 S&W vs. 10mm
Most head-to-head ammo comparisons focus on timeless rounds like the 9mm and .45 ACP. The good news is that there are plenty of guides breaking down how those rounds stack up.
However, the 40 caliber and 10 millimeter ammo don’t get as much love in the shooting community. While each of these cartridges has developed a strong niche following, they are often overshadowed by the more popular options.
With that in mind, here is a direct comparison of .40 S&W vs. 10mm. You’ll learn about their histories, design differences, and common ammo types.
A Brief History of the .40 Caliber
The .40 S&W was introduced to the world on January 17, 1990, in Las Vegas. During a press conference, Smith & Wesson premiered the .40 S&W and the Model 4006, the first handgun chambered to fire the new cartridge.
The company predicted that law enforcement agencies across the nation would scramble to adopt the new platform, and they were correct.
The .40 caliber was created in collaboration with the FBI. The goal was to develop a semi-automatic cartridge that offered a happy medium between the 9mm and punchier options like the 10mm and .45 ACP. S&W recognized that they could attain the same FBI ballistics within a shorter package, sized to fit 9mm frames.
It has a similar projectile diameter but a shorter casing and less powder. The design resulted in less recoil and higher capacity, while keeping the frame of the pistols smaller.
Law enforcement quickly embraced the .40 S&W, just as the designers anticipated. For over two decades, it has been the standard duty caliber for many U.S. police agencies.
A Brief History of the 10 Millimeter
According to American Rifleman, the story of the 10 millimeter cartridge began in the late 1960s, when several gunsmiths collaborated to create a more powerful cartridge for the Browning High Power. Their work spanned nearly two decades, resulting in the release of the 10mm in 1983.
The FBI adopted the cartridge in 1989. However, its variation, known as the FBI lite load, was a reduced-velocity cartridge that launched a 180-grain projectile roughly 975 feet per second. The FBI’s goal was to replace the .357 Magnum revolver without sacrificing power.
The 10mm initially impressed shooters with its velocity and energy. It delivers impressive penetration and terminal performance. However, its full-power loads produced significant recoil, which made it difficult for some agents and civilian shooters to handle effectively.
Eventually, these deficiencies led S&W to create the .40 caliber cartridge. It allowed them to achieve the same FBI ballistics in a shorter package that would fit 9mm-sized frames. The result? Firearms could achieve a greater magazine capacity compared to 10mm platforms, while also delivering better ballistics performance than 9mm rounds.
Design and Dimensional Differences
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two cartridges compare in size.
| Cartridge | 10 mm | .40 S&W |
| Overall Length | 1.26” | 1.135” |
| Case Length | 0.992” | 0.850” |
| Base Diameter | 0.425” | 0.424” |
| Neck Diameter | 0.432” | 0.423” |
| Parent Case | 30 Remington | 10mm |
While the 10mm and .40 S&W have similar measurements, the 10mm has a longer case. As a result, it can hold more powder, which leads to higher muzzle velocity and energy. Meanwhile, the .40 was specifically designed to offer similar characteristics within a shortened case.
Energy and Velocity Comparison
Muzzle velocity is how fast a round is traveling the moment it leaves the barrel. The faster the round is traveling, the sooner it gets to the target. Faster rounds also tend to fly flatter, meaning they drop less, which can make it easier to hit the target at longer distances.
10mm cartridges typically produce 400-750 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and .40 S&W typically yields 350-500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. 10mm rounds also tend to leave the muzzle roughly 100-300 fps faster, depending on round weight.
For the everyday shooter, muzzle velocity mainly affects how predictable the trajectory is. It is expressed in feet per second.
Muzzle energy is a way of describing how much “punch” the round carries. Energy is measured in foot-pounds. The energy a round possesses decreases as it travels through the air and slows down.
Higher muzzle energy usually means the round delivers more force downrange, but it also typically produces sharper recoil and a louder report.
Cartridge for cartridge, the 10mm tends to leave the muzzle at a higher velocity and deliver more muzzle energy. However, that’s due to the increased cartridge capacity, meaning it contains more powder.
Common Ammo Types
There are a few different ammunition types you’ll encounter in both .40 S&W and 10 millimeter.
Full Metal Jacket
Full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds have a soft core. They were traditionally lead, and many rounds still are. The outside casing or “jacket” can be copper, steel, or brass. They’re the workhorse for range practice and target work because they’re manufactured to feed consistently in semiautomatic pistols and offer predictable performance shot after shot.
FMJ ammo is also easy on your wallet. It’s not fancy, but it’s cheap. Keep in mind that FMJ rounds are designed to penetrate rather than expand. With that in mind, they aren’t the ideal choice for defensive applications. They’re best for hitting the range for some fun or sharpening your skills with focused shooting drills.
Jacketed Hollow Point
Jacketed hollow point (JHP) rounds are engineered with a cavity in the nose that causes them to expand in a controlled way on impact. That expansion increases the frontal diameter and maximizes energy transfer in soft targets.
They are also designed to create a wide wound channel, which is why JHP loadings are the prevailing choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
There are many different variations of the JHP design. Most major ammo manufacturers have put their own twist on JPH ammunition. Many have trademarked their particular brand or ammo line. Therefore, it’s best to do your homework and try out several different options when choosing a defense cartridge for your handgun.
Speciality Loads
There are all sorts of specialty loads available, such as unique defensive rounds and high-pressure (+P) ammo. You’ll likely find a wider mix of specialty loads for the 10mm, as it’s a popular defensive sidearm for big game hunters.
For example, there is a large market for bonded ammo chambered in 10mm. Bonded ammunition has a lead core that is mechanically or chemically bonded to the outer jacket. The result is that the projectile maintains its structural integrity. It also has more weight, which allows it to penetrate deeper into tough media, such as an animal hide.
Hunting loads also tend to use heavier projectiles. However, these cartridges produce more recoil and can be difficult to control. Therefore, you should make sure you are using the ideal ammo type for your intended application.
.40 S&W vs. 10mm
Unpacking some common questions about the .40 S&W and 10mm can help you decide which cartridge is the better fit for you.
Which Ammo Is Better for Self-Defense?
There aren’t any clear winners in this debate. If you are looking for a comfortable concealed carry weapon, handguns chambered in .40 S&W can be a smart choice.
One reason is that there are more options, including subcompact and micro pistols that will be easy for shooters of all sizes to conceal. The slightly smaller cartridge is also more manageable, as it produces less recoil.
The wide availability of defensive loads in .40 S&W also means you’ll have an easier time finding ammo. The ammunition tends to be cheaper, too.
The 10 millimeter brings more energy and penetration. Penetration is a positive attribute if you are using the 10mm as a sidearm for a hunt. On the other hand, it can be a liability in home defense scenarios, as you don’t want the round to punch through residential walls and endanger bystanders (like your neighbors).
However, there are fewer options in terms of firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the larger weapons can be a bit cumbersome unless you have the frame for them.
Why Does the Caliber Matter?
The caliber you choose influences everything from muzzle energy and velocity to how much recoil the handgun produces. A powerful round like the 10mm can be effective on target, but the high amount of recoil can make follow-up shots difficult. The .40 S&W tends to be more practical for everyday carry.
You’ll also need to consider which round is right for your use case. FMJ cartridges are best for target practice, and JHPs tend to perform better in self-defense applications. If you are looking for a powerful sidearm to carry with you on your next hunt, the 10mm is tough to beat.
Which Round Is Superior?
There’s no universal winner. The question you should be asking is, “Which round is the better fit for my shooting skills, intended use case, and frame?” The best approach is to try both and have a conversation with an experienced range officer who is familiar with your shooting goals.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Now that you’ve covered the common questions about these two cartridges, take a look at the good and bad of each option.
Pros and Cons of .40 S&W
The advantages of the .40 caliber cartridge include:
- Moderate recoil and good controllability.
- Wide availability of firearms and ammo.
- Compatible with compact and mid-sized pistols.
- Lower cost per round.
The drawbacks include:
- Less energy and penetration potential than 10mm.
- Falling in popularity, which means fewer aftermarket options.
- Still snappy compared to smaller cartridges like the 9mm.
These drawbacks are a big reason why many law enforcement agencies ditched the .40 caliber round for the 9mm, according to Safariland. They found that the 9mm could offer comparable performance and higher magazine capacities compared to the .40 S&W. This has created a trickle-down effect that is influencing the civilian market.
Pros and Cons of 10mm
The advantages of the 10mm include:
- Higher muzzle energy for outdoor and hunting use.
- Strong performance at extended ranges.
- Variety of loadings.
- Resurgence in popularity among hunters.
The drawbacks of the 10mm include:
- Much more recoil.
- Higher cost and reduced magazine capacity.
- Larger, heavier firearms.
Additionally, there is a smaller selection of handguns chambered in 10mm. If you are looking for a firearm for self-defense or everyday carry, you’ll find more choices in the .40 S&W market. That can be especially important if you are a smaller-framed shooter who is looking for something compact.
Try Both Rounds at a Shooting Range in Las Vegas
Before you commit to the 10 millimeter or .40 caliber, the best approach is to try them both for yourself. If you are in the area, head to a shooting range in Las Vegas and check out a couple of firearms from our vault at The Range 702. Let our staff know what calibers you want to try, and we can make it happen.
