Tanfoglio's Witness Elite Limited Pro 10mm Auto Part 2

Part 1 was concluded with me not being greatly impressed with the Witness Limited Pro mechanical assembly and hoping that the 10mm round’s performance, would put a more positive spin on the situation. I was moved to purchasing the pistol by Tanfoglio marketing which caused me to see a match ready pistol where there was none. It caused me to think stainless when I knew it was only chrome plate. It caused me to think competition trigger when “sloppy” would have been more appropriate adjective. Metaphorically speaking, the Limited Pro was every race car I ever built as a teen; always hoping that 500 or 600 horsepower would overcome inadequate brakes and suspension designed to work only in a straight line.

The Bren Ten, the 10mm Auto and the 40 S&W

Around 1983, the 10mm Auto round was introduced for the Bren Ten. The Bren Ten was the brainchild of Jeff Cooper, based on the CZ 75 and manufactured by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises. 200 grain ammo loaded by Norma generated 1,200 fps of muzzle velocity and 640 ft/lbs of kinetic energy from a 5″ barrel. According to Cartridges of the World, Norma loaded this ammo to a mean working pressure 37,000 psi and a maximum pressure of 44,400 psi with a maximum COL of 1.275″. By 1986, unable to perfect function and continue development, Dornaus & Dixon went out of business. 10mm Auto far left, 40 S&W near.

Between 1987 and 1989, the FBI evaluated 10mm in comparison to the 45 Auto and the 9mm Luger. The 10mm out powered the 9mm Luger and it defeated the 45 Auto marginally in performance, but significantly through superior accuracy. Still, in 200 grain high performance form, the 10mm round was determined to have too high of an operating pressure and its velocity was excessive. In 1989 these issues were resolved when a 180 grain subsonic version of the cartridge was adopted by the FBI.

In 1990, S&W and Winchester released the 40 S&W, a shorter cartridge that could duplicate the ballistics of the larger, FBI reduced load 10mm Auto. With early 10mm Auto S&W pistol production problems and residual complaints of excessive recoil, the FBI switched to the then new 40 S&W. The 10mm Auto went on to a more refined commercial specification; 37,500 psi Maximum Average Pressure, 38,700 psi Maximum Probable Lot Mean, and 40,500 psi Maximum Probable Sample Mean. Reference velocities are 155 grain 1,410 fps, 175 grain 1,275 fps, and 200 grain 1,150 fps. Maximum COL is 1.260″.

As a point of reference, the 40 S&W reference pressures are 35,000 psi, 36,100 psi and 37,800 psi respectively and standard velocities are – 155 grain 1,195 fps, 180 grain 985 fps. By specification there is a significant separation in performance between the 10mm Auto and the 40 S&W. As a practical matter, commercially loaded 10mm ammunition typically exceeds its velocity standards by 25 fps to 50 fps which further widens the performance gap between the two cartridges.

It doesn’t take many… it only takes enough

Three bullets were selected that utilize the 10mm’s  potential within my requirements for proficiency building and self defense. Left to right: Remington JHP 155 grain, Remington GS 180 grain, Hornady JHP XTP 200 grain.

Remington 155 and Hornady 200 grain expand moderately in any medium remotely similar to gel density. The Remington Golden Saber is a favorite for self defense. They expand to a major degree, penetrate and don’t fall apart in the process.

Starline brass was used for all loads. Generally it is very good brass; long lived and it holds onto primers even after several cycles of stiff reloads.

Powder was selected for accuracy and velocity with both high velocity and subsonic loads. Blue Dot loads are substantially compressed. Power Pistol was not exceptional in accuracy or velocity, but it makes for good practice ammo. How serious a round is the 10mm? It easily out performs 45 Auto +P.

The Tanfoglio Witness Limited Pro proved to be a relatively soft shooting 10mm, soft or heavy loads. It actually isn’t a bad recreational bullseye gun to the extent I may work up some light practice subsonic 155 grain loads. Yes, I know it is a well respected pistol in competitive shooting, but certainly not right out of the box.

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 2%,  and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.   Cartridge: 10mm Auto   Firearm: Tanfoglio Witness Limited Pro   Max COL: 1.260″   Bullet Diameter: 0.400″   Primer: CCI 300   Barrel: 4.75″   Reloading Dies: RCBS   Max case length: 0.992″   Group: 25 yards – Three shot

The end… for now

It can be said that the Tanfoglio Witness Limited Pro 10mm Auto definitely has a very long name. I like the pistol. Not a compact, not a lightweight, but then all pistols don’t need to be. The Limited Pro is a relatively easy gun to shoot accurately and the shooter will not take a wrist beating as is the case with some of the other lighter 10mm Autos out there. The 10mm Auto gives it a terrific personality and a lot of power, well beyond what could be expected of the 40 S&W.

Things that prevent me from me being really excited about the Witness Limited Pro? I’m not a chrome fan as the finish usually seems too flashy and offers no functional benefit. If there is a good version of chrome, Tanfoglio seems to have found it as it is a good looking pistol. I need to do something about the trigger. The pull is too heavy in both double and single action, too gritty and it has too much creep. Side to side wobble is not minor. Maybe I’ll shoot the Witness some more and see if the interest is there to finesse the pistol to make it exciting.