Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P 135 gr Ammo Test

Simple penetration and expansion test of the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel cartridge, .38 Special +P, 135 grain hollowpoint, using a diluted form of SIM-TEST Ballistic Testing Media. This format is comparable to ballistic gel, and includes four layers of denim. Video includes brief overview of the cartridge, recoil shots, and one shot test. Post-shot evaluation shows bullet path through the block, average diameter, and retained weight. Test gun was a Smith & Wesson model 438, 1 7/8" barrel. Advertised muzzle velocity is 860 fps, my 5-shot average was 835 fps.

PLEASE NOTE: This test was in a controlled environment, illustrating possible ballistics; these results are not guaranteed. Self-defense scenarios present multiple variables that will impact ballistic performance. The law-abiding citizen bears ultimate responsibility for their ammunition choice and insuring reliability in their handgun.

CAMERA: Sony HDR-CX560, 60p, 28 mbps, 1920 x 1080 HD.
EDITING: Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10, MP4, 30p, 16 mbps.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Speer
• Gold
• Dot
• bonded
• JHP
• bullet
• jacketed
• hollowpoint
• 38
• .38
• Special
• +P
• 135
• gr
• grain
• penetration
• expansion
• ballistic
• ammo
• ammunition
• short
• barrel
• Smith
• Wesson
• 438
• snub
• snubby
• test
• review
• self
• defense
• defensive
• concealed
• carry
• handgun
• pistol
• semi
• automatic
• SIM-TEST
• gel
• gelatin
• denim
• HD
• high
• def
• definition
• 1920
• 1080
• firearm
• sports
• shoot
• shooting

[VoidOnTuesday]

Glad to see you back TNO9, you're providing a great service here! Thanks!

[tnoutdoors9]

@VoidOnTuesday

Didn't realize I had gone anywhere! I'm posting something all the time, although it may not be ammo testing.

[tnoutdoors9]

@myantispambox

Yes, it was more manageable than anything +P I've tested so far, which in all fairness hasn't been much to this point. Definitely reduced recoil.

[snowsniper8]

lets go diging for gold..........dot!!

[wjrouillier]

The denim test is used by the FBI I believe. Denim is probably the most worn clothing among people as well. If a bullet can pass through denim, it will certainly pass through a light material such as cotton

[anthony360]

@driftability who aims for the legs?

[cirethgr8]

@tnoutdoors9 Can you do a vid on the Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. + P

[driftability]

Who wears 4 pairs of pants?

[woodroez]

Writing this response after hearing "Let's go digging for Gold!...Dot."

Needed something to do while I soak that wordplay in.

Great stuff tnoutdoors, I'm a recent subscriber.

[Blahblobify]

I grew up in the gun generation that considered the 38 Special distinctly superior to the whimpy 9mm, but a 135 grain PLUS P that does 800 fps is dogshit compared to what the 9mm does from a short barrel.

[deaconaoak3]

Excellent video,very informative. I will be using these for my at home snub.

[MrSnappyComeback]

hey tnoutdoors9 could you please do an ammo test of the .45 ACP - Grizzly Xtreme - 175 Gr. +P JHP Ammo. thanks

[adam187ful]

its a flower!!!

[slobkaags]

Great vid thanks

[444niner]

Thanks for doing these types of tests. You do an excellent job.

[dredank]

thanks for the videos

[zx2man21380]

Would you please test the Cor-bon 110gr DPX load in 38 special? Thank you sir.

[skeeno2x]

Is a 3 inch barrel considered short? Or is it just 2 inch barrels and snubbies?

[1DRIPSTER]

Keep up the good work. As a result of your videos I have made great strides in selecting personal defense rounds.

[frankgon4]

I carry a Ruger LCR .38 as back up and general easy carry for some occasions. What are some of the best .38 for self defense that you have tested?

[MarksmanCentral]

I have been trying to find this round for 3 months now. It is nowhere to be found. Im a big fan of the Gold Dot line overall and was thrilled when I heard they made one for snubbies but It is rare so I am sad :(

[DaveInKilleen]

This video is just spectacular. Camera work, narration, the whole thing. To be honest, I've seen stuff of much lower quality on Outdoor TV and the like. Have you thought about hitting those guys up for a job?

The Speer 135 GD JHPs are definitely a force to be reckoned with. I'll be picking up a box for my J-frame post haste.

[robbopaloobop]

@ColtDeltaElite10mm

just curious, have you had any "real world" experience with this round?

[leadslanger]

Good video and thanks for the info! I traded two boxes of Winchester ranger 38 Special +P+ in on one box of Speer Gold Dot & a cheap holster for my .44 Mag after watching this video. I've seen several different 38 Special rounds not expand, and the Gold Dots, no matter the caliber, seem to function perfectly every time. Thanks again for the great videos!

[bradleywalters1]

I emailed Speer about the differences between the Short Barrel and Regular loadings. They told me that the 'Short Barrel' bullets have a wider and deeper hollowpoint to facilitate expansion, and the powder used is faster burning, enabling the bullet to accelerate to its maximum velocity in a shorter barrel

[devcon67]

@theKaarvaag1 I'd also add that a DA would have a field day with an "exotic" load or custom made load like that in a real life scenario. DA's love things named like that and that aren't your typical factory load. There are so many decent factory loads out there, there is no need to go with a non-standard load that will only add to any possible legal woes after the fact.