When it comes to selecting ammunition and calibers for self-defense, hunting, or recreation, every shooter has their own preferences. Some go for lighter calibers for everyday carry, while others opt for heavy hitters. There’s no shortage of options, ranging from the popular 9mm and .45 ACP to the heavy-recoiling .44 Magnum. Over the years, I’ve personally started to appreciate the 10mm cartridge for its sheer power and versatility. While it’s not for everyone, it does start to grow on you.
In recent years, more firearm manufacturers have embraced the appeal of the 10mm round. It delivers impressive ballistics for both handguns and sub-guns, making it ideal for a variety of applications, from self-defense to hunting.
One handgun that stands out to me is the Sig P320 XTen, which has been a great handgun for me for years. For those who like to carry a sub-gun and handgun in the same caliber, the Grand Power Stribog SP10A3 is a perfect match.
I got my hands on one at SHOT 2024 last January and ordered one shortly after. It makes shooting a 10mm feel like a .22 plinker. So, whether you’re looking for a self-defense setup, a hunting companion, or a range-ready powerhouse, this is a pair worth considering.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Sig XTen, the Stribog, and a few of my favorite 10mm loads.
Sig P320 XTen
The Sig P320 XTen is built on the highly popular P320 platform, making accessories easy to find. It is designed to handle the high-pressure 10mm cartridge while still being comfortable to shoot.
The XTen has a 5-inch barrel, which helps with accuracy at longer distances. It’s built with a full-size X-Series frame, which is optimized for recoil control, making the heavy recoil of 10mm rounds more manageable. This pistol holds 15+1 rounds, which is great for a 10mm. It’s equipped with X-RAY3 Day/Night sights, which provide clear sighting in all lighting conditions.
The P320 XTen also features a flat X-Series trigger with a clean break and a relatively light trigger pull. The trigger is one of the things I like most about it.
I’ve been using mine for some time now and haven’t had any issues with it. The recoil is obviously much higher than a 9mm, but it’s balanced well enough that my kids can even shoot it. Further, you can use it for home defense, or some like to carry it for safety on hunting trips. I read a story recently where a guy was attacked by a bear and used his 10mm to dispatch it. If it stops a bear, it’s good enough for me.
Sig P320 XTen Specs:
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Sights: X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
- Trigger: Flat X-Series, 4.5 to 5.5 lbs
- Overall Length: 8.5 inches
- Weight: 33 ounces
Grand Power Stribog SP10A3
My first Grand Power firearm was the original SP9 A1. I was excited when Grand Power released a 10mm updated version of the Stribog. The SP10A3 is underrated and retails for a great price. I’ve had mine for a while now, and it’s a great shooting gun.
What’s surprising with this model is the low recoil. You can shoot as fast as you want without any trouble staying on target. Of course, shooting fast will cost you with the price of 10mm ammo these days. But it can do it if you need it too. This low recoil is probably attributed to the roller-delayed blowback Grand Power uses. You don’t really feel the bolt hitting the back of the gun as you would on some other models chambered in 10mm, which is a nice touch.
The Stribog SP10A3 has a 10-inch barrel, which is long enough for solid velocity and accuracy while keeping it compact. It has a Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics and M-LOK slots for additional attachments.
Another nice feature is the non-reciprocating charging handle and ambidextrous safety, which make it user-friendly for both left—and right-handed shooters. I’ve got an SB Tactical side-folding arm brace on mine right now, and it’s just about a perfect setup for this size of gun.
Grand Power Stribog SP10A3 Specs:
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capacity: 30 rounds (standard magazine)
- Barrel Length: 10 inches
- Overall Length: 21 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Action: Roller-delayed blowback
- Features: Non-reciprocating charging handle, ambidextrous safety, Picatinny and M-LOK mounting options
Best 10mm Ammo For Your Gun Combo
Now that we’ve covered my two favorite 10mm handguns, let’s talk about ammunition. I’ve tried many different types and have come up with two that work great for range and two for self-defense.
Sellier & Bellot 180-Grain FMJ
Sellier & Bellot’s 180-grain FMJ round is perfect for range practice with both the Sig and the Stribog. Known for their reliability and consistency, Sellier & Bellot produces high-quality ammunition at an affordable price—at least when you’re talking 10mm prices. Both guns cycle this ammo without any issue, and it’s one of the cheapest on the market.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,165 fps
Blazer 180-Grain FMJ
Another great brand for range practice is Blazer 180-grain FMJ by CCI. It runs about the same price as the Sellier & Bellot and shoots just as well. Like the Sellier & Bellot load, it’s designed to provide reliable performance without breaking the bank. The 180-grain bullet weight is optimal for getting used to the recoil of the 10mm round. I haven’t noticed any accuracy issues with it, either. It’s a dependable choice for FMJ ammo.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,200 fps
Sig Sauer Elite Defense
For defensive rounds, Sig Sauer’s Elite Defense ammo, featuring the V-Crown 180-grain JHP, is a great choice. Sig made this round just for self-defense, so it has a reliable expansion and penetration. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps and is a jacketed hollow point design to make sure it expands on impact.
I’ve fired this ammo through both the Sig and Stribog, and they feed without any issues.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,250 fps
HSM Bear Load 200-Grain Lead RNFP
For those who want a heavy-hitting round for hunting or dealing with large predators, the HSM Bear Load is a monster round. This 200-grain Lead RNFP (Round Nose Flat Point) bullet is designed to penetrate deeply and deliver maximum stopping power.
It’s ideal for use in the wilderness or when facing dangerous game, which is probably why they call it “Bear” ammo.
Because it’s a bit heavier than the standard 180-grain rounds, it kicks just a little more in the Sig. I couldn’t tell much difference in the Stribog with this ammo. It cycled great and was just as accurate as the Sig ammo. Because it’s a heavier bullet, it will drop a little faster than the 180-grain bullets.
- Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP)
- Bullet Weight: 200 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,200 fps
Are you a 10mm lover?
This isn’t a round for everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Like I said before, everyone has their own likes and dislikes with guns and the ammo they carry in them. I carry a lot of 9mm handguns for work and self-defense, but I also like to carry my .45 1911 from time to time. A 10mm is a great option to have and the Grand Power Stribog makes it even that much more appealing. It’s a great combination for a cartridge I’m starting to grow fond of.
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