9mm speer gold dot

S

Super-Dave

New member
Based on what I have read on the web. The 147 grain gold dot penetrates the deepest and the 124 +p gives the most expansion.(in the speer 9mm line up)

My question is what is the performance of standard pressure 124 gold dots?

I cannot find anyting on it on the internet. Does it expand more than the 147 and penetrate deeper than the +P?

The reason I ask is that the standard pressure 124 can be found for so much cheaper than the +p's. In some places almost half the price.

Example. +p 20 rounds for $19.95 standard 124 grain box of 50 $27.95

This is what Ammunitiontogo is charging but it is similiar in price to other places I have found.
 
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I am no expert , but u got it right from what i have seen , 124gr expands, 147gr penentraits better even with a pigs heart test and denium.:D
 
Yep, you got a good handle on the information. My opinion about +p ammo is it is good a should be used but not too often. I think +p offer better performance but I do not think it is much better than a standard 124gr. Gold Dot. I tend to stay away from +p ammo usually but have some of it (230gr. Hornaday XTP). I would go with the standard for surplus. Then get some specialized +p in whatever you favor.
 
Cool Coltman, thanks for the specs. I figured it wasn't too much of a difference. I think standard as just "about" as effective as +p ammo. Now +p+ thats a different story and they would never go in my firearm.
 
Some of this might be about barrel length.

If you have a 4" or better yet 5" tube (Glock 17L?) you should be able to punch the standard pressure as fast or maybe even fast than a short tube (Glock 26 or whatever).

You also need to think about whether your gun "spits fast" or not. Ruger and Glock barrels overall have a good rep for "spitting fast for their barrel length"...often equalling an inch or even more of barrel.

If you have a short AND "slow" barrel (chrony it?) you might really, really need +P.
 
Used to use the +P but home water jug test was same for both. I'm sure there is some diff but not noticible. I like to practice with my protection ammo once and a while which became my deciding factor.
 
With the spread in velocities being that little I have a hard time thinking there would much of a measurable difference. However, with the 9mm I would opt for every gain I could.
 
I really don't think the 9mm is as underpowered as everyone seems to believe for some reason. Im a die hard 1911 fan and 45 is my favorite but I love the 9mm, I think standard velocity premium hollowpoints (gold dots, golden sabers, HST's, XTP and other bonded) will do just fine.
 
The extra 50 to 100 fps makes for a good marketing blurb and bragging rights, but do you really think a BG would notice the difference? :rolleyes:

If you're really concerned about getting the most out of your ammo you could always take up hand loading.
 
Out of a 4-inch barrel and up, I don't think there is much difference. In some of the shorter barrels, I would opt for the +p. Speer also brands a box of short-barrel rounds in this flavor.

For my money, I don't think you can beat 124 grain Gold Dots in a 9mm pistol. Performance, consistency and accuracy.
 
There may be a slight diffrence in the price because the +P is more of an LE round. It may have better flash suppressors in the powder, the case neck and primer may be sealed better and it may use a slightly more expensive powder, rather than just a little more of the same powder.

All that being said, I'm not sure it really matters. I think premium ammo from any of the big manufacturers is going to be about as good as it gets, it then becomes a matter of shot placement.
 
OK Super dave, we answered your questions -- why don't do us the courtesy of a response?

What are you thinking at this point ?:confused:
 
lol. Yes dave what ya think now? The standard pressure is good as most people realize, +p for a little more, or shorter barrels as said.
 
Good, obviously we are just messing around with ya. I think your posts are interesting. A suggestion get some 147gr. Gold Dots too have a mag loaded with them. Don't mix ammo in mags so be careful, mark the mags if you want. But you could carry standard pressure 124gr. GD's in your gun, then 2 reloads. One with 147gr. GD's for penetration and shooting through auto glass as they are less likely to deflect. Then your last mag could have 115gr. +p if you want some real zippy rounds. Think about all the combinations :). However,DONT mix ammo in the same mag even if they are both gold dots but different weights. Liable to give you feeding trouble, 1 mag holds 1 type of ammo.
 
To my knowledge anyway, these 2 rounds use the same bullet (unlike say the 125gr .38+P vs .357 rounds from Speer).

The standard pressure comes in @1150fps and the +P at 1220fps. If they are using the same bullet indeed then I imagine the +P will penetrate a little deeper and open a little wider though, but the difference in each will be small.

Velocities in 9mm are high enough that hollowpoints usually open reliably, unlike the case for many .38s fired from a snubby, where even standard +P loads in 125gr will clock in the high 800s when fired when from a 2-inch barrel.
 
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