To an extent. I don't feel that fully loaded 10mm is needed (or even desired because there's not enough real world evidence) for defense against people, but the good .40 S&W ammo has a lot of evidence to show it is a great stopper, a great barrier penatrator, and is superior to standard pressure and +P 9mm.
The 10mm's claim to fame is it is the one mainstream rimless pistol cartridge that is sufficient for large, dangerous game.
Ever see someone post the beaten cliche, "Handguns suck at stopping people" or something similar. (Weak rationalization for carrying a less powerful caliber.)
Using the premise that increasing power is desirable as long as the shooter can effectively (subjective) control the pistol.
(My comments will likely be dissected (not by you) to validate 9mm cause of fastest follow up shots, cost, ect... like I am unaware of those advantages).
Refer to
my link in reply #18 for pics supporting the premise than increased KE offers more
potential
My wife has a Ruger 1911 CMD 9mm lightweight, have not chronographed it yet, so I will use data I obtained from Glock 19 which has similar length barrel.
I've tested some of these bullets by placing 4 layer denim in front of water filled gallon jugs and penetration is equivalent, back of 3rd jug, crack/dent 4th; (generalization that 10mm overpenetrates invalid) what is not equivalent is visible impact / damage to the jugs.
9mm Federal HST 147 gr +P @ 1,044 fps / 356# KE (recovered diameter ~.63)
45 acp Federal 230 HST @ 891 fps / 406# KE (recovered diameter ~.87)
45 acp Winchester 230 Ranger T @ 915 fps / 428# KE
45 acp Remington Golden Saber 185 +P @ 1,157 fps / 550# KE
10mm Handload 180 Gold Dot @ 1,152 fps / 531# KE (recovered diameter ~.80)
10mm Handload 180 Nosler @ 1,228 fps / 603# KE (recovered diameter ~.68)
1911 platform:
My wife is able to shoot the lightweight 9mm CMD obviously quicker than my steel full size 1911, best choice for her, capacity of 9+1 is a bonus.
For me, the subjective recoil difference in a stout 45 acp like Ranger T 230, or 185 Golden Saber +P and my 10mm handloads is insignificant.
Why 10mm? I get an extra round capacity and more KE.
Referring back to the lame cliche
"handgun suck at stopping people" - pick a caliber that sucks the least ... 10mm