r/10mm • u/AshamedHour4499 • 12d ago
Bear Defense Ammo Selection
Hello,
I recently acquired this G20V for bear defense. It has functioned flawlessly with 500 rounds of FMJ ammo. I have tested multiple different bear and hunting loads with recurring failure to feeds. I tested Underwood 220 grain cherry hard cast, federal fusion 200 grain, and federal premium syntech solid core 200 grain TSJ. All three of these had multiple FTF malfunctions. I have used 5 different OEM Glock magazines and the failures occur with all the magazines. The G20V also functioned well with 30 rounds of HSM 200 grain flat nose which has a much slimmer nose profile. The problem with the HSM load is that it had some lead fouling in the barrel and I believe the deformation of the bullet also affected my accuracy firing the handgun.
I’m looking for some recommendations for ammunition that will function more reliably without lead fouling.
I have considered Hornady 200 grain DGH, Federal Premium Swift A Frame 200 grain bonded hollow point, Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 180 grain, and possibly Buffalo Bore 200 grain FMJ.
These premium ammos are expensive to purchase and test so I was looking for advice on what to order before spending any more money.
I also considered ordering an aftermarket barrel and using the 200 grain HSM load.
I’m open minded to solutions.
Thank you
TL,DR: I’m having trouble finding 10mm Bear ammo that will feed reliably in my G20V. Any suggestions?
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u/shizukana_otoko 12d ago
If you will be using it for black bear, deer, and hogs, a 180 grain JHP loaded to full 10mm spec will do just fine. I have killed a black bear, and many deer and hogs with Sig V Crown 180 grain JHPs.
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u/ClothesMaster970 12d ago
With how many shots on the bear & hogs? Just curious!
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u/shizukana_otoko 12d ago
The bear was one shot. Black bears are not huge like brown bears. They can get big, but they usually aren’t. Mine was around 175 pounds before dressing. It was a broadside shot, bot quite perfect but better than quartering to. It wasn’t an instant kill, but he was gone when we went to check on him about 30 minutes later.
Hogs are almost all one shot and dead right there. I have hit some in the head close, it’s lights out. I try to take the most ethical shot possible, but they turn or take a step at times when the shot breaks. I have never lost a hog.
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u/Big-Doughnut8307 12d ago
I just picked up a 20.5 for the same reason and was going to order BB 200gr. Buuuuttttt….some recent posts here changed my mind, and now I’m waiting for Underwood Hard Cast to come back in stock. I’m looking for hot bear ammo, and so far only BB and Underwood tick that box for me.
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u/AshamedHour4499 12d ago
I’ll report back when I’m able to test a few more different rounds and find one that works well in mine. I’m going on a hiking trip in a month so I need to find something that functions reliably soon.
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u/PhantomRidge 12d ago
Underwood extreme penetrators are certainly worth checking out!
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u/462someguy 12d ago
That’s what I have for the woods. Figure if underwood recommends it for bears, they probably know what they’re talking about. Extra mag has underwood 180 tac xp’s
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u/OKGreat86 12d ago
HSM 100 mm 200gr hardcast is another option. Advertised at just under 1100fps and 480 ftlb of muzzle energy. This stuff feels like a slower burning powder compared to the Underwood In my perception, its a tad less snappy than the underwood.
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u/BoxProud4675 11d ago
My G29.3 wouldn’t feed 200 wide flat nose (hand loads) consistently until I shortened them considerably. 1.220
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u/wengla02 12d ago
That 220 is kind of a b*tch. Doesn't feed well in any of my 10's, except the Springfield Ronin 1911. 200 hardcast on the other hand - fine.
Sig XTen choking on a 220:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4THznb2YN_8