My understanding of the rules surrounding Bolt Pistols and Point Blank Range is the following:
1. Bolters do 1d10 damage. However, on any successful hit, they also have a chance (roll again to hit) of anything in a 10m radius because of their explosive power
2. Bolt Pistols can be used in close combat like all pistols. Their range is 30m, so at 15m you're in close range of a bolt pistol.
3. The fiction and the tabeltop game allow bolt pistols to be used in hand to hand/close combat.
However, given the above, wouldn't you be blowing yourself up frequently if you used a bolter at 15m or less? This seems wierd because of #3. Bolters would still do damage to space marines with their AP capabilities and such.
So, I think I'm missing something. Thanks in advance for your help.