BAC

So while at the Tampa gun show shopping for holsters (bad place to do this at, I've found), I actually snagged a pretty good price on some Speer Gold Dot in .45 ACP for my Mil-Spec. As this gun is for personal defense, the cheap white-box Federal stuff wouldn't do. Speer has a pretty darn good reputation, so I decided what the heck, and picked up a box.

Unfortunately, while I coulda sworn I got the 230 grain box, I apparently picked up the 185 grain one instead. Now like I said, I got it for a good price (the woman was in a real nice mood), so I don't feel like I'm "in the hole" as it were, but I still wanted the heavier rounds.

Am I short-changing myself by sticking with the 185 grains, or should I just shoot through the box to make sure they feed and move up to the heavier ones the next time I buy ammo?


-B

JD

Check how they work, run two mags or so, if they feed 100% use em for carry until the next show.

There's nothing wrong with the 185s.

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11-25-08

coffeecup

The Gold Dots should serve you well as SD ammo. I chose another brand, but there is nothing at all WRONG with the 185 Gold Dots--carry them with confidence.

Ragin Cajun

I would try them and see how they shoot out your gun, the same as you should do with any round new to you and your gun. As far as carrying them, if they shoot great out your gun I wouldn't hesitate one bit carrying some 185 gr. Gold Dots. I carry Gold Dots in my 40 and 380.

tag2501

I've used gold dots in 45acp and 357 sig. they always fed fine. The 230 gr 45 gold dots aren't that common. most stores seem to carry the 185's.

pleasantguywhopacks

Streichers has Gold Dots in several calibers in Speer LE 50 count boxes both +P and standard pressure loads(including the elusive 230gr .45acp). They will ship to non LE but do require adult signature on delivery by UPS.
I buy from them all the time.
Streichers Police Equipment - Call 800-367-3763 Today!

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MitchellCT

Just see if it shoots to point of aim and feeds reliably, then be happy.

It's Gold Dot. Even if it doesn't work as well as 230 grain, it still will leave a nasty mark.

echobaby

.45 acp & 230 gr. ammo were made for each other!!

nn

I'd get 230 gr tap next time.

Pete Zaria

Just my input, but...

If you're unsure about the effectiveness of 185gr .45 ACP as opposed to 230gr .45 ACP... do a little field testing.
Go buy a watermelon or cantaloupe. Take said produce to suitable location in the woods or shooting range, and hit center-of-mass with ammo in question from 25 ft. I seriously doubt you'll have hesitations about the 185gr anymore

A 185gr @ 1100fps (high-ish for published non +p loads) = 496 ft/lb

A 230gr @ 900fps (high-ish for published non +p loads) = 413 ft/lb

Not to say that ft/lb of energy is the best measure of a handgun's stopping power, but you're not remotely disadvantaged with the lighter bullet.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

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