PDX1 vs. GDSB

[Robert B]

I had to switch from 38 GDSB TO 38 PDX1 from Winchester because my 442-1 was tumbling the Speer load. I have since compared the two loads and believe the PDX1 is comparable to the GDSB load.

Speer: Velocity average 861 fps/135 grain
Gel: 11 inches .576 100%
Heavy Clothing: 11 inches ,577 100%
Plywood: 12 inches .357 99%
Steel: 12 inches .455 98%
Wallboard: 10 inches .549 100%
Autoglass: 11 inches .556 97%

PDX1: Velocity average 863 fps/130 grain
Gel: 12.2 inches .62 100%
Heavy Clothing: 12.4 inches .63 100%
Plywood: 14.2 inches .41 100%
Steel: 11.3 inches .53 100%
Wallboard: 13.4 inches .56 100%
Autoglass: 10.5 inches .51 85%

Both loads are bonded loads. There are two Sim tests on youtube that show the PDX1 as not expanding, but Flopshank has a hard time getting one of the GDSB loads to expand in his permagel tests. Even he says that others have no problem with expansion in their tests.

I am not saying that one load is better than the other. I'm just saying that we have choices. That's a good thing when some guns just don't do well with various types of ammo.

I have not heard a lot about PDX1 on this forum. I think we should accept this round as a viable choice.

 

[bassoneer]

I have tested both rounds in water jugs to see: a) comparable depth of penetration; comparable weight retention; and c) comparable expansion. It depended a little bit which gun barrel length I used, but in general both of these rounds are equal...I tend to recall the PDX1 expanded just a little bit more than the SGD, but I used two or three different Speer rounds and just decided to keep everything from one manufacturer. However, I have carried the PDX1 and am very impressed by them. I have been wondering when they would come out with a .357 Magnum round in PDX1 (even Hornady Critical Defense came out with a .357 Magnum round).

I agree and think you are right on, you can't go wrong with either round...both are very good.

B

 

[SMSgt]

I have both for my G30 and 4566. I don't think anyone on the receiving end will notice the difference.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I have both for my G30 and 4566. I don't think anyone on the receiving end will notice the difference.

Exactly right!

 

[Swabby]

Guys, I have to admit, when I carry a .38 it is still the old Federal 158gr +P lead SWCHP (38G) load. However, I think I can still add something to the discussion. When I purchased my M&P40, I did some load testing on the 40 S&W. I found, that as far as expansion goes, the Winchester Ranger T-Series load is best. The photo below is of the T-Series on the left, the PDX1 in the middle, and the Speer Gold Dot on the right. As you can see, I has trouble getting the Gold Dot to expand. But, I was shooting into water and not ballistic gel. I have had heard good things about the Gold Dot loads and would not hesitate to carry them for defense. These were just my findings.

I carry the Winchester T-Series in my 4506, 5904 and 940. If I had to upgrade my .38 loads, I think I would go with the PDX1. They are all quality loads in my opinion.

 

[LOBO]

Guys, I have to admit, when I carry a .38 it is still the old Federal 158gr +P lead SWCHP (38G) load. However, I think I can still add something to the discussion. When I purchased my M&P40, I did some load testing on the 40 S&W. I found, that as far as expansion goes, the Winchester Ranger T-Series load is best. The photo below is of the T-Series on the left, the PDX1 in the middle, and the Speer Gold Dot on the right. As you can see, I has trouble getting the Gold Dot to expand. But, I was shooting into water and not ballistic gel. I have had heard good things about the Gold Dot loads and would not hesitate to carry them for defense. These were just my findings.

I carry the Winchester T-Series in my 4506, 5904 and 940. If I had to upgrade my .38 loads, I think I would go with the PDX1. They are all quality loads in my opinion.

What grain bullets are these?

 

[Swabby]

The 40 S&W loads were all 165gr. All three bullets penetrated into the third gallon jug of water. I didn't really record as much info as I should have when I conducted the test. I was just interested in retrieving the expanded bullets.

 

[LOBO]

Thanks Swabby!

 

[LOBO]

I have tested both rounds in water jugs to see: a) comparable depth of penetration; comparable weight retention; and c) comparable expansion. It depended a little bit which gun barrel length I used, but in general both of these rounds are equal...I tend to recall the PDX1 expanded just a little bit more than the SGD, but I used two or three different Speer rounds and just decided to keep everything from one manufacturer. However, I have carried the PDX1 and am very impressed by them. I have been wondering when they would come out with a .357 Magnum round in PDX1 (even Hornady Critical Defense came out with a .357 Magnum round).

I agree and think you are right on, you can't go wrong with either round...both are very good.

B

.357 mag 125 gr PDX1 loads are out. I picked up some at Ammunition To Go : 20rds - 357 Mag Winchester PDX1 Defender 125gr. Bonded JHP [S357MPDB] - $22.95 but I haven't been able to shoot them as of yet.