Since I have a couple of 10MM autos, I was wondering what a good self defense round would be, I am also considering the caliber for outdoor use against bears, bigfoot and other such creatures. Any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.

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Stan

buffalo bore has a 220Grain hard cast load ... that would be my starting point for the back water outdoors environment.
I'd probably lighten things up for street environments 155 - 180 grain HP
10MM is kinda like an honorary magnum and seems to offer some versatility. Not as much as say, a 44 magnum, but it does cover some territory over most other auto pistol calibers like 9MM 40 and 45 which tend to be somewhat one trick ponies.

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it just needs more voltage

For human 2-legged critters, I like the 135gr. JHP loads from Cor-Bon and Double-Tap. For Yetis, Bigfoot and 4-leggers, I like 165-180 gr. loads. In factory loadings for larger beasts, I especially like the WW 175gr. Silvertip load.

Corbon does the Copper DPX in 10mm, all of the DPX loads are butt kickers.

You didn't mention if you reload or not.

I load 180gr XTPs over power pistol and get right at 1200-1250fps out of a Delta Elite. One bonus of the XTPsa, they are an extremely accurate bullet.

For bears and bigfoot, I carry a 12 gauge stoked with slugs.

bob

I have been carrying 175 Silver Tips in mine for an all round load. I have a 310 Night Guard as well as a 610 No Dash.

If shooting a S&W semi auto I think I might keep the round count down on really heavy loads. If shooting a Glock 20 it will take anything factory loaded without issues from what I am told.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

Take a look at Underwood ammo for really hot 10mm with Speer Gold Dot, Hornady XTP or Golden Saber.

http://www.underwoodammo.com/10mmauto.aspx

I just ordered the 165 grain Gold Dot's to test myself.

Can't wait to hear your results!

I have a G20.... I really like BB 220gr and Underwood ammo. 220gr BB is my woods load. For SD, I would use something a little slower to avoid over penetration... I haven't tested anything but really hot ammo so I don't wanna say something I haven't tried

180 grain JHP at or about 1150 ~ 1200 fps.

StatesRightist, those 10mm 165gr Gold Dot sound awesome. .357 magnum stuff in a high capacity Glock or what platform?

1076 with a amped up spring

I was issued a 10mm for 16 years, for about 5 years our issue ammo was custom loaded: 180 gr XTP @ 1270 fps +/- 40 fps.

Frankly, I think the heavy stuff is excessive for self defense, costing you accuracy and speed. I especially distrust the heavy load offerings of boutique ammo makers. A broken gun in the middle of a life threatening situation is not conductive to a good resolution of your problem.

I agree with the above. I used to shoot a G20 and it was a handful and over-powered for self defense with many loads out there. The 135gr. Cor-Bon load delivers 357 magnum performance on target.

Go with 180 or 200gr in the back country.

One of the Hornady HP offerings

Bigfoot is now a zombie, so keep that in mind when choosing.

I shot the UW ammo---it's lighting in a piece of brass and accurate--very nice.