Introduction: The Rise of the 10mm Revolver
Sturm, Ruger & Company made a bold move when they stepped away from their single-action Blackhawk roots and introduced the double-action Redhawk platform. As demand grew for more powerful handgun cartridges beyond the .44 Magnum, the need for a “beefier” revolver became clear. That evolution ultimately led to the Super Redhawk—and eventually, a return to the versatile 10mm Auto.
At the same time, Smith & Wesson reintroduced its Model 610 in 2019, bringing the 10mm Auto back into a revolver platform after earlier discontinuation. The result? Two heavyweight contenders in a caliber that continues to punch above its weight.
In the meantime, Smith and Wesson and Ruger have trimmed their SKUs and now if you want one you’ll have to search the used gun market. I found several on Guns.com.
Why the 10mm Auto Still Matters
The 10mm Auto has always been about balance—power, capacity, and versatility. Originally developed to outperform the 9mm and .45 ACP, it delivers serious energy while maintaining manageable recoil in the right platform.
But in revolvers, the cartridge takes on a new life:
- Reliable ignition and extraction
- Ability to run a wide range of loads
- No dependence on slide velocity or cycling
In short, it becomes a serious backcountry tool.
The Contenders
Ruger Super Redhawk (10mm)
- Barrel: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 54 oz
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Strength: Built for heavy loads and durability
Ruger’s design leans toward brute strength. The extended frame and robust construction allow it to handle hotter loads with confidence.
The Redhawk features a triple-locking cylinder that’s locked into the frame
at the front, rear and bottom for more positive alignment and dependable operation. Both Ruger and Smith & Wesson opted to go with stainless steel for their wheelguns in 1 0mm. The Redhawk’s strong extended frame carries extra metal in the topstrap, sidewalls and barrel mounting areas to handle powerful loads. S&W’s Model 610 reintroduction follows the 1998 version, with their safety lock system and stainless steel for all major parts. The Redhawk wears a recoil-softening Hogue Tamer Monogrip with an internal recoil cushion positioned under the web of the hand to help reduce the impact of powerful loads. And the new Smith 610 wears rubber grips with finger grooves, too.
Smith & Wesson 610
- Barrel: 6.5 inches
- Weight: ~50 oz
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Strength: Balance and shootability
The 610 is more refined in feel, with smoother ergonomics and slightly less weight—making it easier to carry and shoot for extended sessions.
Gun of Thrones
If Jon Snow had a favorite revolver, it would be a double-action 10mm. It keeps coming back from the dead like the character on Game of Thrones. And, the Red Woman doesn’t have anything on Big Red Ruger, either. The bold gunmaker introduced their Redhawk in 10mm, and S&W wasn’t to be outdone. The Model 610 is back from the dead … again.
Moon Clips vs Traditional Loading
Both revolvers rely on moon clips for optimal function:
- Faster reloads
- Reliable extraction of rimless cartridges
- Improved efficiency under stress
However, they also introduce a dependency—you’ll want extra moon clipss on hand in the field.
Field Reality: Why Revolvers Shine in Bear Country
While semi-auto 10mm pistols dominate the conversation, revolvers offer advantages that matter in real-world encounters:
- No concern about limp-wristing under stress
- Reliable with heavy or unconventional loads
- Simpler manual of arms in extreme situations
As noted during testing and field considerations, when facing a large predator, confidence in ignition and function outweighs capacity advantages.
Load Development: Where Performance Is Won
Several powders were tested, but one stood out:
👉 Alliant Blue Dot
It delivered:
- Consistent velocities
- Strong performance across bullet weights
- Top-tier versatility
Other powders like Accurate No. 9 performed well, but Blue Dot proved to be the most adaptable choice across the board.
Bullet Selection Matters More Than You Think
Testing reinforced a critical principle:
Velocity alone does not equal effectiveness.
Examples:
- 155-grain loads produced higher energy
- 200-grain loads delivered deeper penetration
For bear defense, penetration becomes the deciding factor—making heavier bullets a strong consideration.
Forceful Fodder-Load Details
In the midst of writing this article, I was packing for an Alaskan bear hunt where my target was a big black bear, and I’ll probably see grizzlies, too. With bear encounters in the back of my mind, I thought I’d dispense with trying to find the best target load and raise the horsepower on 10mm loads that will perform in either the Ruger or Smith 1 0mm.
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that velocity often trumps bullet weight when it comes to on-target energy. For instance, Hornady’s 155-grain XTP factory loads can generate about 650 foot-pounds of energy, while the 200-grain loads only generate about 510 foot-pounds of energy. The hydrostatic effect that bullet velocity and energy produces is critical when shooting large game, but that’s not the only factor to consider.
Well-constructed, heavier bullets often penetrate deeper, so I picked three Hornady bullets, all XTP, in weights of 155, 180 and 200 grains. The two most efficient powders for loading 1 0mm are Accurate No. 9 and Blue Dot, with the exception of loading for the 155 grainers. I loaded and shot rounds with Accurate No. 9, but Blue Dot can be loaded to the maximum for all three bullet weights. I went with Blue Dot for my final loads.
When you’re loading for semi-auto pistols chambered in 10mm, sticking to the published reloading data for maximum loads makes sense. In reality, loading below maximum charges is wise to prevent excessive wear and tear on the barrel and slide. If you’re shooting a Glock, hot loads present some added issues. Take a look at some spent brass from a Glock 10mm that’s at maximum pressure, and you’ll see case bulges and “Glock smiles,” which are a result of the gun’s unsupported chamber design. The early-generation Glocks tend to be worse at deforming cases than newer models. Loading for a revolver sidesteps this issue.
The loading process followed the normal routine of case prep and priming with Winchester Large Pistol caps. All charges were weighed during load workup with a Hornady digital scale. After I seated bullets to an overall length of 1.260 inches, I used a Hornady Taper Crimp Die to set a consistent crimp. A tight crimp will make ignition more stable and prevent bullet setback in the case from recoil.
Since the revolver’s cylinder fully supports the case, it’s possible to get the most velocity from the respective loaded round. Since it’s always a good idea to start at least 10 percent below maximum when working up loads, I went through the progression of incremental loads and checking them across an Oehler 35P chronograph to monitor velocities. I watched the primers closely for signs of deformation, too.
The process of loading a few and shooting took me to maximum loads without any issues.Loaded with Blue Dot, the 1 55-grain load made it to the maximum charge of 1 2.9 grains. The Redhawk posted 1,485 feet per second (fps), and the Smith 610 wasn’t far behind at 1,450 fps. The best five-shot group at 25 yards for the Redhawk was 1.224 inches, and the S&W’s best group measured 1 .324 inches.
Stepping up in bullet weight, both Blue Dot and Accurate No. 9 were loaded progressively heavier until the showed maximum slight loads signs were of reached.
AA No. 9 showed signs of pressure, so 10.7 grains of Blue Dot again got the nod as the final load. This time, the Redhawk posted an average of 1,271 fps, and the S&W averaged 1,254 fps. The smallest group with this load went to the S&W, measuring 1.334 inches. The Ruger’s best measured 1.433 inches.
The heavy 200-grain also responded well to a heavy charge of 9.4 grains of Blue Dot. The Ruger averaged 1,144 fps, while the S&W averaged 1,137 fps with this load. This load produced a 1. 725-inch group out of the Ruger, and a 2.004-inch group from the S&W. It was interesting to note that after chronographing all loads the Ruger Redhawk held a slight velocity advan tage over the S&W 610.
Performance Results
From the testing
155-grain loads:
Up to ~1,485 fps (Ruger)
Best accuracy ~1.22–1.32 inches
180-grain loads:
~1,250–1,270 fps
Balanced performance
200-grain loads:
~1,137–1,144 fps
Best penetration potential
The takeaway:
The Ruger consistently edged out the S&W in velocity and accuracy remained comparable between both platforms.
Recoil & Shootability
- Ruger Redhawk: More mass = reduced felt recoil, better for heavy loads
- S&W 610: Slightly sharper recoil but faster handling
Grip design also plays a major role:
- Ruger’s recoil-dampening design helps manage heavy loads
- S&W’s ergonomics favor control and speed
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
Truthfully, this isn’t a knockout fight—it’s a split decision based on mission.
Choose the Ruger Super Redhawk if:
- You want maximum durability
- You plan to run hotter handloads
- You prioritize strength over carry comfort
Choose the Smith & Wesson 610 if:
- You value balance and handling
- You want a lighter carry option
- You prioritize shootability over brute strength
Bottom Line
Both revolvers prove one thing:
👉 The 10mm Auto is absolutely viable in bear country—especially when paired with the right loads.
If you’re willing to put in the time at the loading bench and understand your platform, either revolver will serve you well when it matters most.
Loading 1 0mm Auto in a wheelgun allows you take velocity and power to the max with this hard-hitting cartridge. Whether you pick the Ruger Redhawk or the Smith & Wesson 610, you should be happy with the results.
Editor’s Note: Originally published in TACTICAL LIFE• COMPLETE BOOK OF RELOADING • 2020.
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