I was at a local gun shop last evening, I had been watching for something to carry when I hike in the mountains. Main reason is defense against the off chance a black bear decides to see how tender I am. Also, there have been several rabid animals shot in my area the last couple years, fox, coon.
At the shop they had a Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 chambered in 10mm. It was the compact version with a 4 inch barrel. It was listed at 499+tax and $10 background check fee. Figured that will fill my need quite well, so it followed me home. Problem is, I spent all my "fun money" on it, and need to find a way to feed it. My income is not that great. (teaching at a Christian school does not pay that well!) My mentor has some 10mm brass he will sell me (cheap), I have 50+lbs of COWW and also several lbs pewter. What mold would you recommend? I like Lee molds, but they do not offer a 200 grain mold. With the possibility of bear, I would like a 200 grain bullet, but maybe that is not at all necessary. I have been toying with the idea of purchasing some bullets to start with, that way I don't have to spend on a mold right away.
When it comes to powder, the only pistol powder I have is Unique. From what I have found, that may not be the best for 10mm due to higher pressures/lower velocity than some other powders. I am thinking that maybe I could use the unique for lower velocity plinking loads (800-900fps?) and purchasing some other powder for a defense load (1100-1200fps) What powder should that be Blue Dot? Power Pistol? Prefer a powder that is still available without being too pricey.
I am not new to cast, but primarily have shot cast in my rifles the past 5 years. This past year I used 200 grain cast in my 358 Win to take my buck and doe. But the handgun thing is newer to me. I have shot handgun before, but not too much. I also shot Buffalo Bore's 45 acp 255 grain +P in my Ruger SR45, and that recoil did not bother me too much.
I also should mention that before purchasing it I shot my mentor's M&P in 45 acp and shot well with it. That is also part of the reason I went with M&P.
So any good advice in general to offer me concerning the 10mm? Pitfalls to avoid? Thanks