CaliberAtlas › 10mm Auto

10mm Auto Ballistics — Velocity, Energy & Drop

Common uses: Self-Defense, Hunting, Tactical

Specifications

Typepistol (centerfire)
Typical load180gr FMJ
Muzzle velocity1150 fps
Muzzle energy529 ft-lb
G1 ballistic coefficient0.164
Case length25.2 mm
Overall length32 mm
SAAMI max pressure37500 PSI
Common twist rate1:16"

10mm Auto Trajectory Table

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Drop (in)
011505290
1001093477-17
2001038431-70
300986389-157

Ethical Hunting Ranges

Guidelines only — ammunition choice, conditions, and shooter skill matter. Always follow local laws.

Typical Uses

The 10mm Auto is a centerfire handgun cartridge, designed around the balance of controllable recoil, reliable feeding, and terminal performance that defensive and target shooters look for. A representative 180-grain loading leaves the muzzle at roughly 1150 fps and carries about 529 ft-lbs of energy, with a G1 ballistic coefficient near 0.164. With a modest BC, it sheds velocity faster downrange and is best kept to shorter distances. In practice it is used most for self-defense, concealed carry, and target/competition shooting at handgun distances, where shot placement matters far more than raw power. Recoil is generally manageable for the class, and our database tracks 1 factory loading so you can compare bullet weights and velocities for your specific use. Figures here are for reference and informational use — always verify against manufacturer data.

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