Being a 10mm aficionado, The 10mm in most 1911 platforms, power wise, falls between a 357 mag and a 41 mag. You're basically pushing a 180gr bullet at 1250'ps is the most common handload. Most factory ammo pushes that same 180gr bullet at just over 1100'ps, averagely. That's over a chronograph. Most of the ammo makers want to claim more velocity but when put to the test, doesn't make it. There are some downsides to any 10mm in a semi auto. The biggest complaint I have is with spent brass. Not that my Remington R1 Long Slide beats it up. It's more a matter of finding it. My 10mm will chunk brass over 30 yds, and that's common for most 10mm semi autos. I have put the strongest recoil spring in it from Wolf, changed the hammer spring from 18lbs to 25 lbs and put a flat bottom firing pin block in it. I'm a big boy and it's all I can do to rack the slide and it still chunks brass into the next county. Like I say, that's a common issue with any of the semi auto 10mm. Brass is hard to find and isn't a cheap date although the 10mm seems to be regaining some of it popularity back. Some of the pistols are extremely accurate. Mine shoots a 135gr plinker at 1400'ps into a 5 shot group you can cover with a nickel at 25 yds from bags. The 180gr groups about 1 1/4" at 25 yds. Where the 10mm shines- flat trajectory, accuracy, retained energy at distance.
Since the word "bear" came up. You can do a search for an Alaskan Game Manager who shot and killed a Grizzly with a 9mm using Lehigh Defense ammo. You don't need a howitzer these days to kill bear, just the right bullet. Bullet technologies have come a long way in just the last few years. Seems like there are quite a few solid bullets these days that can get the job done with authority in pistols I wouldn't hunt rabbit with just 10 years ago. If you or someone you know is considering one, avoid the Springfield Operator-lots of people with jammo-matics that they can't fix and won't replace. If I were looking for a new 10mm, I'd probably be looking to buy at minimum, a Kimber. At max, an STI. Due to the unsupported chamber, the Glocks are out. The RIA Pro Series 10mm is also a dandy but generally commands close to a grand and most likely you'll never get your money back out of it. The Pro Series is available as a single or double stack. It's considered a "target" grade pistol.
The top of the treads need a second coat but DD is having a hen party today so that will get put off until Sunday. The fireplace mantel has been stained and poly' coated too. Still have to fab brackets for that likely today.
