So here's the deal... Im looking for a side arm to go with my hunting handgun (CVA rechambered to 444 Marlin). I am going to get a GP100 Match champion. But I do not know if I want the 357 or the new 10mm that was just released.

As of today I do not reload and ammo from Midway is about the same price either way 38/357 vs 40/10mm. So ammo cost is not a deciding factor for me.

From http://www.ballistics101.com on paper hot 10mm and hot 357 are only 10-30 FPS difference on muzzle velocity for same weight bullets.

Like I said im set on the GP 100 Match Champion so I dont want a glock or 1911 or any other option. Just dont know which caliber to get in this one. (unfortunately both is not an option)

Intended purpose:
Hunting/Hunting side arm
Woods bumming
Occasional carry

Lets hear it...

Mitch

I personally love the 10 mm and would choose that route. Especially if you ever DO intend to reload.

AS I RECALL, THE 40 S&W SNAKE SHOT IS NOT STRAIGHT WALLED AND MAY NOT WORK IN A REVOLVER (SETBACK ISSUES LIKE THE 45 ACP SNAKE SHOT CCI LOAD IN REVOLVERS), SO FOR AN ALL AROUND REVOLVER, I WUD GO WITH A 357, MORE OPTIONS, AND FAR MORE AVAILABILITY MOST ANYWHERE.

Since you placed hunting first, I would go with the 10mm. While the energy may be the same, the 10mm is larger diameter so will have the edge for hunting in my opinion. Buffalo Bore has some great loads, all the way up to 220 gr at 1200 fps.

To be honest though, I would go with the 5" 44 Special GP 100 as my choice. You give up a round but for hunting and woods bumming I love the 44 Special

I would rank the GP-100 options as follows
44Special
357 Magnum

On your original question I would choose the 357 as there is more versatility in Mag ammo and you can shoot low cost 38 ammo.

Thanks guys

I think Im leaning toward the 10mm. The more I read about the 10mm for hunting I just think it is going to do what I want. There are a bunch of hot loads being produced that the GP would handle with ease. As for 44 special I do not hand load and the ammo is hard to find around here. The popularity of 10mm is making ammunition readily available. Id rather take the energy of the hot 10mm over the slow 44 special that is available around her on the shelf.

Those look sweet I have the blackhawk in 10mm /40 s@w and it is the sweetest shooting revolver I own! Recoil is nothing with the weight of revolvers. I will give you the same caution that someone else here gave me. Once you have one 10 mm you will want more lol . I have had or traded 3 with in a year. Happy hunting and enjoy !🙂

I would vote for the .357 in a revolver. The vast array of light .38 to heavy magnum loads available everywhere is a huge benefit. Most 10mm loads are just .40 S&W powered, which is OK, but not great for larger animals. The 10mm loaded to true 10mm power is hard to get offline and is expensive. Also, reloading the .38/357 is stupid easy and dirt cheap. I started doing it as a young teen. If you had an array of belt guns, I'd say go for it, but, IMHO, EVERYONE needs at least one good, packin' .357 Magnum.

I love the 10mm in an auto, but believe the .357 has the advantage in a wheel gun. That said, once you find the right load, the GP100/10mm combo should handle what you need done.

Most 10mm ammo is slightly hotter than 40 short and wimpy, if that. To get truly hot 10mm you are likely going to have to order from Buff Bore or the like and that gets expensive. Hot 357 ammo is available in most stores. True, the 10mm loaded to it's potential is close to 357, but it can be hard to find.

You will like the 10mm GP100. I have owned a S&W 610 since the early 1990's. I shoot mostly 40 S&W in mine. With 10mm you can really go up the power scale. Most factory 10mm is watered down significantly from what it could be. You can however find full power ammo if you look a little, or better yet reload for it.

Bob R

I shoot my own hand loads in my 10s, but I see Underwood makes full power ammo at "comparatively" reasonable prices.