10mm Ballistic Gel Testing

The 10mm Auto cartridge, introduced in the mid-1980s, was designed to address the inadequacies of the 9mm cartridge, offering immense stopping power suitable for both self-defense and hunting. Yamil Sued conducted ballistic gel tests to measure the penetration and expansion of three different 10mm ammunition loads: Federal Personal Defense HST, Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection, and CCI Blazer FMJ. This evaluation aimed to scientifically quantify the performance of the rounds, using a Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite Operator 10mm 1911 as the testing firearm.

In the tests, both the Federal and Speer hollow points achieved approximately 18 inches of penetration in the ballistic gel and exhibited significant expansion, affirming their effectiveness as self-defense rounds. The CCI Blazer FMJ, however, passed cleanly through the entire 32-inch gel block, which showcased its potential overpenetration risks when used in self-defense situations. These results underline the 10mm's robust ballistic profile, making it an excellent choice for law enforcement and civilian use alike, whether for defense or hunting.

The detailed performance analysis concluded that, while FMJ rounds are effective for target practice, their use in self-defense could result in excessive penetration. In contrast, the tested hollow point rounds demonstrated controlled penetration and expansion, rendering them more suitable for defensive scenarios. Sued's empirical findings bolster the 10mm's reputation as a powerful and versatile cartridge. For an in-depth discussion on these findings, read the full article: 10mm Ballistic Gel Testing - The Armory Life.