Outside of the 10mm bullet being 1mm larger than a 9mm, the two have substantial differences in their effectiveness including their lethal ranges, case capacity, and uses like hunting. 10mm and 9mm cartridges also have similarities in that they’re both flat shooting and able to be used for self defense.
Fun fact: The FBI has used both 9mm and 10mm ammo as standards, but switched back to 9mm exclusively as it has less kick, can load faster, and the handguns tend to be easier to shoot. This makes 9mm cartridges more ideal for self-defense and direct threat situations when compared to a 10mm, although the 10mm which became of interest after the 1986 shootout in Miami to the FBI is still authorized for use by the Special Weapons & Tactics and the Hostage Rescue Teams.
Both ammo types come in center and rimfire options, but 9mm handguns have less recoil than 10mm guns making them better for beginners and self defense situations, where 10mm can come in handy when you’re hunting or need protection against large or aggressive predators like a bear or wild boar if you’re camping or hiking.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose between the two based on your needs.
| 9mm | 10mm |
Effective range | 50 yards | 75 – 100 yards |
Price per bullet | $0.22 – $1.00 | $0.43 – $2.00 |
Center and rimfire options | Yes | Yes |
Lethal range | 164ft | 600ft |
Recoil | 4 – 5 lbs | 10 – 12 lbs |
Hunting small game | Yes | Yes |
Hunting large game | No | Yes |
When to Choose 9mm over 10mm
9mm is better than a 10mm when you need a firearm for self protection and are not used to heavy firepower as the recoil is lighter and it has plenty of lethal range. 9mm has been the choice for most law enforcement officers and the military for decades which in turn makes it the most popular choice for concealed carry.
9mm ammo is also much less expensive than 10mm so you can practice shooting at a range without having to break the bank. And if you’re hunting small game, the 9mm is a better choice than 10mm since it’ll leave less of an entry would and potential damage to the trophy or meat.
When a 10mm is better than a 9mm
If you’re going hunting or camping and there are large predators nearby, a 10mm ammo will be the better choice than 9mm as the bullet penetrates deeper and can be more effective at deterring the threat situation. If you live in a rural area and are defending your home from an intruder or animal at a distance, 10mm bullets will do better than 9mm as the effective range is greater and you’ll have more time to recover from the recoil.
Both the 9mm and 10mm are great options for self defense, but they don’t compare when it comes to effective range, price, and uses. It all comes down to your experience with the firearm, the distance between you and the target, and your budget. If you found this guide helpful, join our newsletter list for more like it by entering your email below.