.38 +P ammo clarification

KoB · October 15th, 2009, 05:35 PM

Two types of ammo…same maker…two different grain sizes

Speer Gold Dot .38 +P 135 gr hollowpoints (short barrel)

&

Speer Gold Dot .38 +P 124 gr hollowpoints (it is either 124 gr or 129 gr)

I understand that this is a good CC ammo for a snub .38, but I would like to know HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE is between these two almost identical bullets? Also understand that one is for short barrel guns… but other than that and the grain size is there really any difference?

varob · October 15th, 2009, 05:39 PM

The bullet size is about the same.

I think it's in the powder?

gglass · October 15th, 2009, 05:50 PM

The two Gold Dot cartridges are very different.

If you actually look at the diameter of the the hollow-point depression, you will see that the 135gr version is much wider. This allows for more reliable expansion at the lower velocities of snub nose revolvers.

The 135gr version has a unique powder recipe that allows for complete consumption within a 2" length barrel. This makes sure that the bullet reaches its maximum velocity in a short barrel and the muzzle flash is greatly reduced.

The Gold Dot 135gr cartridge was designed at the request of the world's largest police force (New York City). The city wanted a .38 Special cartridge that would allow the large number of officer BUG's to be as effective as a 9mm 124gr cartridge. Did the Gold Dot 135gr achieve that goal? Probably not, but it is probably the closest to that goal of any .38 Special snub nose round.

KoB · October 15th, 2009, 07:52 PM

So overall…is this a RELIABLE self defense ammo?

Cuda66 · October 15th, 2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoB

So overall…is this a RELIABLE self defense ammo?

Yes.

theheater905 · October 15th, 2009, 10:02 PM

I had called Speer some time ago to ask about the short barrel ammunition. The answer I was given was just about what gglass has posted. It has a different powder to give a more complete burn form the short barrel and the metallugy of the bullet is slightly different to give better expansion from the 2" bbl. I tried an unscientific test shooting into gallon water jugs just to see how much expansion it has, the recovered round measuerd .62. I used a Ruger SP101 w/2''bbl fired from about 25'. The expansion was unifom, it penetrated 2jugs and was found in the 3rd jug.

AZ Desertrat · October 17th, 2009, 07:46 PM

I tried pretty much the same test.....results seemed good.

October 15th, 2009, 05:35 PM	#1
KoB Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 19	.38 +P ammo clarification Two types of ammo…same maker…two different grain sizes Speer Gold Dot .38 +P 135 gr hollowpoints (short barrel) & Speer Gold Dot .38 +P 124 gr hollowpoints (it is either 124 gr or 129 gr) I understand that this is a good CC ammo for a snub .38, but I would like to know HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE is between these two almost identical bullets? Also understand that one is for short barrel guns… but other than that and the grain size is there really any difference?

October 15th, 2009, 05:39 PM	#2
varob Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,273	The bullet size is about the same. I think it's in the powder? __________________ Don't believe what you hear and only half of what you see! -Tony Soprano

October 15th, 2009, 05:50 PM	#3
gglass Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 204	The two Gold Dot cartridges are very different. If you actually look at the diameter of the the hollow-point depression, you will see that the 135gr version is much wider. This allows for more reliable expansion at the lower velocities of snub nose revolvers. The 135gr version has a unique powder recipe that allows for complete consumption within a 2" length barrel. This makes sure that the bullet reaches its maximum velocity in a short barrel and the muzzle flash is greatly reduced. The Gold Dot 135gr cartridge was designed at the request of the world's largest police force (New York City). The city wanted a .38 Special cartridge that would allow the large number of officer BUG's to be as effective as a 9mm 124gr cartridge. Did the Gold Dot 135gr achieve that goal? Probably not, but it is probably the closest to that goal of any .38 Special snub nose round. __________________ "Let me guess... This isn't about the alcohol or tobacco."

October 17th, 2009, 07:46 PM	#7
AZ Desertrat Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tolleson, AZ Posts: 287	I tried pretty much the same test.....results seemed good. __________________ "Never advance cheerfully on your late opponent without reloading. You may have used your last round, and he may not be properly dead and still spiteful." Major Hugh Pollard, 1920 Glock 19, 20. FNP9, Taurus 85UL, Beretta 92 S&W M29, 60, 66, 686, 10, 36, 40, 42, 64, Ruger Single Six

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October 15th, 2009, 07:52 PM	#4
KoB Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 19	So overall…is this a RELIABLE self defense ammo?

October 15th, 2009, 10:02 PM	#6
theheater905 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 65	I had called Speer some time ago to ask about the short barrel ammunition. The answer I was given was just about what gglass has posted. It has a different powder to give a more complete burn form the short barrel and the metallugy of the bullet is slightly different to give better expansion from the 2" bbl. I tried an unscientific test shooting into gallon water jugs just to see how much expansion it has, the recovered round measuerd .62. I used a Ruger SP101 w/2''bbl fired from about 25'. The expansion was unifom, it penetrated 2jugs and was found in the 3rd jug.