An Important Question: The .357 or the 10mm? Which is More Powerful?

Introduction

Time to read: 5 minutes

Date: July 24, 2023

You can search far and wide in many handgun forums to find a definite answer to which is more powerful, the .357 or 10mm? It’s more than likely that the majority of your answers will be “it depends on the shooter’s preferences” or “it depends on this and that,” and while those are all very true, we are here to give you the answer you are looking for. 

In this article, we will compare the .357 Magnum and the 10mm handguns. These two popular firearms are often compared when it comes to power and accuracy. Both the .357 Magnum and the 10mm are popular among firearms enthusiasts.

The .357 Magnum

Smith & Wesson designed the 357 Magnum revolver cartridge in 1934. It is a powerful round that was originally intended for law enforcement and self-defense purposes. The .357 Magnum is an excellent choice for competitive shooters.  

.357 Magnum Stats  

• .357 inches bullet diameter
• .379 inches base diameter
• .379 inches neck diameter
• 1.29 inches case length
• 1.59 inches overall length
• 35k PSI max pressure
• 26.2 grains case capacity
• Common in revolvers

.357 Advantages

• High power
• Accurate at long ranges
• Wide variety of ammunition choices

.357 Limitations

• Recoil can be heavy, making it difficult for some people to shoot accurately
• Limited magazine capacity (usually only 6 rounds in a revolver)
• Ammo can be expensive and hard to find in some areas

-Looking for more information on popular guns from Smith and Wesson like the .357 Magnum? Check out our article on them here!

The 10mm

The 10mm cartridge was designed by Jeff Cooper in 1983 as a high-power cartridge for semi-automatic handguns. It was initially created for the FBI, but later gained popularity among other firearms enthusiasts. The 10mm has consistently been a popular handgun for competitive shooters.

10mm Auto Stats

• .4 inches bullet diameter
• .425 inches base diameter
• .423 inches neck diameter
• .992 inches case length
• 1.26 inches overall length
• 37.5k PSI max pressure
• 24.1 grains case capacity
• for semiautomatic pistols

10mm Advantages

• High power
• Wide variety of ammunition choices
• Higher magazine capacity compared to revolvers (usually 10-15 rounds in a semi-automatic handgun)

10mm Limitations

• Recoil can be heavy, making it difficult for some people to shoot accurately
• Ammo can be expensive and hard to find in some areas
• Some models of semi-automatic handguns may not be able to handle the higher pressure of 10mm rounds, leading to malfunctions or damage to the gun.

Want to learn about how effective the 10mm is for concealed carry? Find out in our article here!

Comparison of 10mm Auto and .357 Magnum for Handguns

If you’re in the market for a handgun that packs a punch for your next shooting competition, then the 10mm Auto and .357 Magnum cartridges might be your best bet. Both cartridges offer high kinetic energy, muzzle velocity, and felt recoil, and are designed for magnum performance. However, the key difference between the two is that the 10mm Auto is designed for use in semi-automatic handguns, while the .357 Magnum was designed for use in revolvers.

Case Design

The design of the cartridges is different as well. The .357 Magnum is a rimmed cartridge that uses the rim to headspace the cartridge in the cylinder, whereas the 10mm cartridge is rimless. The rim on a revolver round is not ideal for an autoloader, as it can cause rim lock. Rim lock occurs when a rimmed cartridge slips behind the rim of the cartridge following it in the magazine, causing a jam. Semi-auto cartridges are typically rimless, like the 10mm Auto.

Bullet Diameter and Case Capacity

The .357 Magnum fires a 0.357” diameter bullet, while the 10mm Auto fires a 0.40” diameter bullet. This means that generally, the 10mm will fire a larger, heavier bullet. Additionally, the case length for the .357 Magnum is considerably longer than the 10mm Auto case, which allows the .357 Magnum to have a slightly higher case capacity than the 10mm Auto.

Recoil

Recoil is an important consideration when purchasing a new handgun. The 10mm is often described as having a snappy recoil, while the .357 Magnum has a more traditional recoil. Heavy recoil not only slows follow up shots, but it also can cause an inexperienced shooter to develop recoil anticipation and flinch right before the round is fired. Handling recoil is a skill that can be learned with time, practice, and professional instruction, but it can be challenging for shooters who are sensitive to recoil. You can learn more about the science of recoil management in our other article.

Popularity of .357 and 10mm

The popularity of the 10mm and .357 handguns is due to their power and versatility. The 10mm offers increased magazine capacity and higher velocity rounds than other handguns, making it a great choice for those living in bear country. It also has a magazine capacity of 16 rounds, plus one in the chamber for 17 on board. For those with little experience, a revolver or shotgun may be better choices than a mag fed gun due to fewer malfunctions and more ammo capacity.

The 10mm is powerful round with substantial recoil; two main types of recoil springs available are 22lb and 24lb, which are designed for lighter and heavier loads respectively. The best way to test which spring works best is by doing a dry fire test. Proper grip technique is essential for managing recoil better and allowing for faster follow up shots; support hand should be firm and steady while gun moves during recoil indicating more pressure needed in support hand. 

Cost Comparison of .357 and 10mm

When it comes to cost, the .357 Magnum is a more affordable option than the 10mm. The Smith & Wesson 686 revolver can be found for around $500, while the Glock G40 in 10mm has an MSRP of $749. Additionally, ammunition costs differ greatly between the two calibers with Underwood Penetrators at around $50 per box for 10mm, and Remington JHPs at around $25 per box for .357.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining the limitations and advantages of both the .357 and 10mm cartridges, it is clear that both are powerful firearms that offer great performance for competitive shooters. While the .357 boasts a smaller bullet diameter and less recoil, the 10mm offers a larger case design and more power. 

In conclusion, the comparison between the .357 and 10mm cartridges cannot be boiled down to a simple answer. Each has its own limitations and advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. When it comes to choosing a cartridge for your next competitive shooting event, it’s important to consider factors such as bullet diameter and recoil before making your decision.

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