Q: I know similar questions have been asked, but not these two together. Also, while your at it, between 10mm AUTO and .45 AUTO. At the Glock website it says the 10mm is the "Maximum ballistic performance and maximum penetrative power. The ultimate force." While at the same time the .45 has the "maximum release of energy." How can that be? How can two be the maximum? I'm so confused. I thought the .45 was the biggest, not necessarily the best I know, but the biggest and strongest. Now I here that 10mm is, even though its one mm from 9mm which is considered weak by many, is so amazingly stong? One mm makes that much difference??? Its all so weird. Please explain. :)
A: first question about the .380: the .380 is also known as the 9x17mm The 9mm makerov is 9x18mm and the 9mm is 9x19mm same diameter projectile, just smaller cartridgewhich means less powder which means less powerfull. The 10mm IS more powerful than the .45acp But the 10mm is actually too powerful for a self defense weapon, that's why the FBI dropped their plan to go to the 10mm. Over penetration equals liability to innocent by standers and it passes thru the body so quickly it fails to transfer all of it's energy to the body. The .45acp which moves slower at 800-900fps expands fully and transfers more of it's energy to the bad guy and has less tendancy to over penetrate and endanger bystanders. Once the FBI decided not to go to the 10mm, they worked with S&W to develop a new cartridge that would perform far better than the 9mm, but not be as powerful as the 10mm. This is where the .40S&W cartridge came from. Although the FBI tactical teams all went to the .45acp, as have most law enforcement swat teams, and LAPD after the recent failure of the wonder nines to perform against body armor. Hope this helped. Shoot safe