Hello everyone~
While I voted for the 45acp, 10mm is a very good choice also. By the numbers, 10mm can be a more powerful load but 45acp is more available on store shelves and currently has a wider selection of factory offerings.
The rounds both have the same overall length and there's only like 1.43mm difference in diameters...
From Federal L.E. Hydra-Shok ( at
LE - Tactical Hydra-Shok)
10mm......180gr.....1030fps.....424ft/lbs
45acp.......230gr.......900fps.....414ft/lbs
45acp+P...185gr.....1130fps.....524ft/lbs
Now, before I get cooked by all the angry posters I must add that there are other hotter loads out there for 10mm but I use these three listings for 2 reasons. First, they are offered by the same company in a "L.E." offering and second they come from the same product line using the same bullet style, and thus,viewed by me as similar loads.
There are hotter loads out there for both in both "factory" options and handloads... On ammoguide.com for example, and there they show several loads for the 10mm that break 600 and even 700ft/lbs of energy. By contrast, the 45acp has a handful that breaks the 600 mark. Other than only looking at the energy from a round, for me, recoil is a factor, muzzle blast is a factor and most importantly, can I get the ammo I like and my pistol feeds it very well...
My carry is an old Commander light weight. I have never been dissatisfied with the performance of the 45acp or the factory loaded choices.
Sorry, I got on a roll...