Gold Dot 230gr +P vs. 200gr +P

[andrewb70]

Does anyone have any experience with the Speer Gold Dots in 230 grain and the 200 grain +P?

I am mostly looking for subjective opinion on felt recoil and any other observations that anyone might have. Any experience shooting the above ammo in a 4513 or 457 would be even more helpful.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[johngalt]

I have some of the 230 gr. (not +P). Seemed about the same as any other hardball load.

 

[andrewb70]

I have some of the 230 gr. (not +P). Seemed about the same as any other hardball load.

Thank you. Does anyone have any experience with the 200 grain bullets in any grand?

Andrew

 

[nra jim]

Over on the 1911 forum DSK has done numerous tests and studies on many brands of ammo. In the Gold Dot line, the 230grGDHP performed better than the FBI published guide for self defense ammo, while the 200grGDHP failed to expand properly thus leaving a much smaller wound cavity. In the .45 rounds it is recommended to shoot either the 230gr. rounds which the gun is designed for, or the 185gr. rounds. The 200gr. rounds show a high tendency to fail in ballistic jell testing.

 

[andrewb70]

Over on the 1911 forum DSK has done numerous tests and studies on many brands of ammo. In the Gold Dot line, the 230grGDHP performed better than the FBI published guide for self defense ammo, while the 200grGDHP failed to expand properly thus leaving a much smaller wound cavity. In the .45 rounds it is recommended to shoot either the 230gr. rounds which the gun is designed for, or the 185gr. rounds. The 200gr. rounds show a high tendency to fail in ballistic jell testing.

Well, hopefully it will be OK, because I just placed an order for 1000 rounds. Here is a video with some positive results:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftGL4VY8QQ

Andrew

 

[Mike_in_VA]

Here's a post I made on XDTalk.

XDS Chronograph Data - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

 

[andrewb70]

Here's a post I made on XDTalk.

XDS Chronograph Data - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

Thanks for the link. It seems like the 200 grain +P GOld Dots would be good for shorter barrel pistols like my 457. Any opinions on that?

Andrew

 

[Mike_in_VA]

Thanks for the link. It seems like the 200 grain +P GOld Dots would be good for shorter barrel pistols like my 457. Any opinions on that?

Andrew

I would expect so. It gave impressive performance in the XDS with a 3.3" barrel. I expected more velocity loss in the XDS compared to the M&P 45c.

 

[Dann Fassnacht]

I have my S&W 4506 loaded with the "normal" 230 grain Speer Gold Dot, and I like this load better than the +P load, as the follow-up shots are quicker, with a little less recoil.

 

[andrewb70]

I would expect so. It gave impressive performance in the XDS with a 3.3" barrel. I expected more velocity loss in the XDS compared to the M&P 45c.

Thank you for the reassurance. I found an amazing deal on the 200 grain Gold Dots and I just want to make sure that I didn't buy something that was not going to be effective.

Andrew

 

[Dann Fassnacht]

Thank you for the reassurance. I found an amazing deal on the 200 grain Gold Dots and I just want to make sure that I didn't buy something that was not going to be effective.

Andrew

Pretty much ALL Speer Gold Dot factory loads are effective...Especially in .45 auto (acp).

 

[all357mag]

All our dept. ordered duty ammo was Gold Dots. I remember them being +P, but can't remember the grain bullet. Felt recoil out of dept. Glock 21's was less than my personal 230gr hardball ammo. I prefer 230gr in any 45acp.