10MM advice/needed

I almost bought a Delta Elite the other week, but was told by my LGS said it was not reliable and prone to issues.
...Did he steer me wrong?

I don't think so. Delta 10s are touchy, IMO. Being the expert firearms engineer that I am ( :D ), I think Colt should build the gun with a fully supported or ramped barrel. You can have one installed after-market, but it will add ~$300 to the cost of the gun. But a properly arranged Delta 10 is a nice gun. It is just up to you whether you think it is worth the added expense and hassle of getting a knowledgeable pistolsmith to set it up like you want it. If you just want to give a 10mm a try, the S&W or the Glock is an easier, quicker, much less expensive way to do it.
 
Not trying to discurage or flame Colt owners, but lately I have seen and read where guys were experiencing bulged brass in their Colt Delta Elites using ammo that worked in other makes...some were returned to the factory and barrels were changed, I feel that the link was part of the issue for lock up, but there is a certain amount of less case support too.

I think Shadow is right here. I have an original Delta that was picked up new in 1989. Back then, there were more ammo choices but I was still reloading a lot. One of the cheapest options at the time was PMC. I had a lot of it. But every time I reloaded it, the bottom of the case would noticeably bulge on resizing. After about two reloading trips through the resize die, I would have to discard the brass as the bottom would be noticeably larger. This was with carbide dies and I was getting the tolerance as close as I could. This leads me to believe that part of the issue could be due to how well the case is supported in the chamber.
 
I think Shadow is right here. I have an original Delta that was picked up new in 1989. Back then, there were more ammo choices but I was still reloading a lot. One of the cheapest options at the time was PMC. I had a lot of it. But every time I reloaded it, the bottom of the case would noticeably bulge on resizing. After about two reloading trips through the resize die, I would have to discard the brass as the bottom would be noticeably larger. This was with carbide dies and I was getting the tolerance as close as I could. This leads me to believe that part of the issue could be due to how well the case is supported in the chamber.

This is the reason the "Pass-Thru-Sizing Dies" were made. I use the LEE FCD with the guts removed and a bullet push pin from a LEE bullet sizing kit to push the brass up thru the FCD die with the carbide ring to iron out any bulging (NOT "SMILES" as those are ruined) to bring the cases back to a smooth finish that will pass the cartridge case gauge test for reliable feeding.

If you haven't tried a Pass-Thru-Sizer then I suggest you try one! :)
 
I have some experience with the 10mm in a G20 and G29, and really like them. I also have a Kimber 1911 Eclipse 10mm that's a really good shooter. The Glocks feel more comfortable to shoot, I think due to the plastic frame, and it's width. The Kimber is not bad in the recoil department, but snappier than the Glock. The Kimber uses a fully supported ramped barrel which helps handle the pressures the 10 makes. I believe the Colt Delta uses non-ramped barrels, which may contribute to brass bulge issues.

Anyways, the 10mm is a good caliber and everyone should have at least one. As easy to reload as the 45ACP, with cheaper bullet cost. The 10mm 1911's are fun to shoot and tinker with, to tune "just right", which would help the Delta's bulging issues. The 10mm Glocks are great in Mountain Lion country, with 16 rounds of powerful 10mm in the gun, just in case...... I have no experience with the S&W 10 series semi autos, so no comment on them.
 
Last edited:
My experience with the 1006 is less than good. If they are shot a lot they are very high maintenance. Due to the heavy recoil things tend to break. I ran a security dept. for a private company that issued the 1006 and we ended up getting rid of them for that very reason. The G20 holds up much better and IMO is much more pleasant to shoot. I hate to knock a Smith on this site but I don't think the 1006 is one of their success stories.

Thanks for the info and sharing your experience.
 
This is the reason the "Pass-Thru-Sizing Dies" were made. I use the LEE FCD with the guts removed and a bullet push pin from a LEE bullet sizing kit to push the brass up thru the FCD die with the carbide ring to iron out any bulging (NOT "SMILES" as those are ruined) to bring the cases back to a smooth finish that will pass the cartridge case gauge test for reliable feeding.

If you haven't tried a Pass-Thru-Sizer then I suggest you try one! :)

Thank you. I do not have one but will look into it. As for this brass, I never throw things away so I certainly have it stashed away some where. I will see if it can be salvaged.
 
I have no experience with the S&W 10 series semi autos, so no comment on them.

You must rectify this situation ASAP. Go to Gunbroker right now and start bidding. :-)

In all honesty, I have loved my 10mm Delta for over 20 years. But picked up my first 1076 last year and must say I love it as well. If you are a 10mm aficionado as I am, then you owe it to yourself to add a S&W 10mm to your collection.

Now truth be told, I have not run out to add a Glock 10mm to mine. I'm saving my money for S&W to bring out the M&P in 10mm to soothe my polymer frame desires. Come on S&W, are you listening? Don't push me to the dark side!
 
I own have owned the colt delta match for 20 years the only problem I have had with it is that you will need to tighten up the sights after a day at the range. I have shot and have owned a 1006 and wish I would have never sold it.
 
I own have owned the colt delta match for 20 years the only problem I have had with it is that you will need to tighten up the sights after a day at the range. I have shot and have owned a 1006 and wish I would have never sold it.

thanks Wood.
 
You must rectify this situation ASAP. Go to Gunbroker right now and start bidding. :-)

In all honesty, I have loved my 10mm Delta for over 20 years. But picked up my first 1076 last year and must say I love it as well. If you are a 10mm aficionado as I am, then you owe it to yourself to add a S&W 10mm to your collection.

Now truth be told, I have not run out to add a Glock 10mm to mine. I'm saving my money for S&W to bring out the M&P in 10mm to soothe my polymer frame desires. Come on S&W, are you listening? Don't push me to the dark side!



I am thinking with a fully supported chamber in a M&P they would not be able to keep up in the production for a 10:)
 
10mm

States look into a Glock 29. Of all of my semi autos its my favorite. I can really make it as mild or hot a shooter as i want depending on the ammo. I have a storm lake 4.5" barrel i drop in for hiking just to get max velocity.
For example, when i EDC with it, i use the 180 grain personal defense hydra shoks which are probably the most mild load but still exceeds the energy of the majority of your .45 acp loads. For hiking i carry one of the Hornady loads or Winchester silvertips which gives me a 10 shot pistol that far exceeds the .357 power level for half the size. They are sharp, but not unpleasant to shoot.
There are also a dozen factory load choices in between. BTW, don't listen to the bs about unavailability of ammo. Go to the MIdway Shooters website and pull up the 10mm ammo offerings and see for yourself whats out there.
Bottom, line is its a very versatile easy to shoot cartridge without just in factory offerings.
 
States look into a Glock 29. Of all of my semi autos its my favorite. I can really make it as mild or hot a shooter as i want depending on the ammo. I have a storm lake 4.5" barrel i drop in for hiking just to get max velocity.
For example, when i EDC with it, i use the 180 grain personal defense hydra shoks which are probably the most mild load but still exceeds the energy of the majority of your .45 acp loads. For hiking i carry one of the Hornady loads or Winchester silvertips which gives me a 10 shot pistol that far exceeds the .357 power level for half the size. They are sharp, but not unpleasant to shoot.
There are also a dozen factory load choices in between. BTW, don't listen to the bs about unavailability of ammo. Go to the MIdway Shooters website and pull up the 10mm ammo offerings and see for yourself whats out there.
Bottom, line is its a very versatile easy to shoot cartridge without just in factory offerings.

Thanks for the great info!
 
Shot my buddies G20 with some pretty tame target rounds. I would describe it as a sharp recoil, like the 40s&w. I loved the experience and am seriously considering the G29 as my next purchase. From memory the G29 is the smaller version of the G20?
 
I had a Colt Delta in the mid 90s and it was a joy to shoot,The one thing is the first time you pull the trigger you know its not a 45 or 40 it feels more like a 357 its is definatly a man stopping cartridge if I had a 1000 bucks to burn I would buy one off gunbroker today but alas I have one child in college and 3 more at the house so I wont be getting a 1006 anytime soon.
 
10mm

With full power stuff like Double Tap, it's a sharp crack like a .357 in a revolver. I have a G20 and 1006 and I don't mind the full power stuff at all.

i have a g20c [ported] i like the porting since it reduces muzzle flip. full house loads are comfortable to shoot and have about the power of a 41 mag. the glock has 15 rd. mags ; perfect for the survival oriented. since i am a plain no frills, basic 1911 fan the delta elite is on the list of favorites.
 
I've been a proud owner of a S&W 1006 and absoultely love it. I will never part with it ( even if buying ammo puts me in the poor house:eek:) I have added a set of Houge grips to it and it has digested anything and everything I could find without any issues at all, except ammo prices. I do have plans to get started reloading but again $$$$. Other than that I can't complain at all:)
 
I have a 1066 and although I am somewhat disappointed in the finish... Lots of rough machining, the thing is a tack driver.
 
I was issued a 1006 and carried it for about 16 years before we replaced them with M&P40's. We shot the snot out of them without incident including about 5 years with custom loaded ammo (180 XTP @ 1270 fps+/- 50 fps.). I bought mine out.

A sister department also had the same weapon but was infatuated with Winchester 175 Silvetips and broke lots of parts. The safety was a frequent casualty and at least one S&W rep labeled it (Silvertips) as a gun breaker.
 
Back
Top