[BHPshooter]

Hey all of you .45 guys,

I've been wondering about these two loads. I've tried them both in my MilSpec and they work fine... I'm basically looking for your opinions on their performance, regarding penetration, expansion, et cetera.

I actually did the "milk jug test" to them both on Monday, and I'm impressed with them both. They expanded to virtually the same size, and penetration was comparable. Now, I know milk jugs full of water are not flesh, but it's mostly for fun anyway.

So basically, the only thing that is currently going to sway me is price, so I'm looking for YOUR opinions. If you use/carry one of the above loads, why did you pick that one, and what is it that you like about it? What do you dislike about it?

Thanks,
Wes

[eastwood44mag]

Never shot Gold Dots in centerfire before. Got some to load into .44 Mag whenever I get the time. Savage on soft tissue. Complete and utter decimation from a .22. Life is good.

[Alan Fud]

Both are good. Golden Saber offers better penetration than Gold Dot and Gold Dot offers better expansion than Golden Saber.

Alternate them every other round in the magazine and get the best of both from a double tap.

[BBBCTC]

I've always been a fan of Fed's Hydra-Shok...carried it for years. It still is the most consistently-performing ammo I've ever found. Not many others can say that.

If you were going between the two above choices, go for GOLD DOT. Expansion is the best way to avoid over-penetration and impart more terminal energy INTO your target, rather than BEHIND it. It still has a pretty good round shoulder, so feeding should never be an issue.

Shoot safe, shoot straight.

[pitcrew]

I personally like the golden saber round. Look at at Corbon DPX 185+p

Pitcrew

[gringolet]

a man, dog, or bull hit with a gold dot would swear it was a golden saber and visa-versa...either one will knock godzilla sideways....use the one that feeds best and patterns best in your sidearm and be happy.

[MachIVshooter]

Never shot Gold Dots in centerfire before. Got some to load into .44 Mag whenever I get the time. Savage on soft tissue. Complete and utter decimation from a .22. Life is good.

:scrutiny: .22 cal Gold Dots? Not listed in Speer/CCI catalogue. Never seen 'em. Perhaps you are thinking of the Remington .22 LR "golden bullet"?

As to the original question, both the Gold Dot and Gold Sabre are superb performers. I have tested both extensively in ballistic clay, and it would be difficult to tell which one made the hole. From my 10mm using 180 grainers, both made 14" deep, 8" wide cavities. From .45 ACP with 185 grainers, 12" deep and 6" wide. Obviously the numbers are averaged and rounded, but the point is that they both are devastating bullets for handguns. I opted for the Gold Sabres to carry in my 10mm because they feed 100% reliably, where I had a couple failures using Gold Dots (this over hundreds of rounds tested). I have concluded that the reason is the Gold Sabre allows for more taper at the case mouth due to it's design. I run Gold Dot's in the .45's. I should also note that non of my testing involved factory loads. All .45 ACP handloads were +p and all 10mm loads were max. The energy figures from 5" tubes were 571 ft/ lbs (.45) and 790 ft/lbs (10mm).

[f4t9r]

a man, dog, or bull hit with a gold dot would swear it was a golden saber and visa-versa...either one will knock godzilla sideways....use the one that feeds best and patterns best in your sidearm and be happy.

Right on +1

[Old Dog]

Just my personal experience, but for some reason, the majority of my 1911s seem to be slightly more accurate with Golden Sabers (especially my Springfields). Also, the GS 230 grain JHPs definitely feed better, hence are more reliable in all of my 1911s than any other JHPs I've used.

Finally, I have scored the Golden Saber JHPs for a little about 11-12 bucks a box at our local gunshow -- and given that the GS come 25 rounds per box (unlike other premium brands with only 20/box) -- just another reason I favor the Golden Sabers.

[HighVelocity]

Neither. I've shot quite a bit of both loads in various 45's and neither one was as accurate, reliable and consistent as the Winchester Ranger RA45T.

[ChiefPilot]

:scrutiny: .22 cal Gold Dots? Not listed in Speer/CCI catalogue. Never seen 'em. Perhaps you are thinking of the Remington .22 LR "golden bullet"?

Available with .22LR "Velocitor" and .22 mag "Maxi-Mag" loads from CCI.

[bratch]

and given that the GS come 25 rounds per box (unlike other premium brands with only 20/box)

Ranger Ts come 50 to a box.

I've heard good things about GDs and GSs and wouldn't feel bad with either.

[BHPshooter]

I still need to try some Winchester RA45T...

As it sits, the prices in my area have me going for the Speer Gold Dots. Other than that, everything I have seen suggests that these are equivalent rounds.

Decisions, decisions... :uhoh:

Available with .22LR "Velocitor" and .22 mag "Maxi-Mag" loads from CCI.

Not all Maxi-Mag loads, just the TNT. There used to be an actual honest-to-goodness Gold Dot available in .22 Magnum, but I don't know why it was dropped. Here's proof: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=123515&highlight=naa

Wes

[Moonclip]

I'm still sticking with the 230gr Fed Hydra Shok in my defensive 45acp chambered guns. I'll use Remington 185gr standard jhp in older guns for the feed reliable profile. I like the idea of the old CCI lawman "flying ashtray" 200gr jhp especially in 45acp revolvers but I'm not sure if CCI still loads this one up or if the newer Gold Dot has that massive hp cavity. I've never got around to checking up on that though I did have some Cor Bon 45LC that was loaded with the flying ashtray bullet.

[wally]

Whatever is "on sale" amoung Gold Dot, Golden Saber, or Hydra-Shoks when I need more. Golden Saber are usually 25 to a box the others 20, so factor that in when comparing prices.

--wally.

[dsk]

Anyone who uses a .45ACP would be advised to concentrate on what load functions best and shoots to point of aim. Worrying about whether Gold Dots or Golden Sabers or Hydra Shoks or Cor-Bons have the best "stopping power" or other terminal ballitics is a total waste of time IMHO. After all, not having to choose your loads carefully was the whole reason why you went with a .45 to begin with, right? My only load advice is to stick with the original 230gr. weight (closer POI and better reliability) and avoid +P ammo (excessive recoil).

[DHart]

I'm equally happy with either, but buy a lot more Golden Saber because I can buy the bullets in bulk for a lot less than GD's and load them to my liking for practice and defense use. As dsk indicated, don't worry too much between these brands, worry more about functional reliability and bullet placement.

[Rob96]

I use either Golden Sabers or Hydrashoks.

[Mad Chemist]

I'm still sticking with the 230gr Fed Hydra Shok in my defensive 45acp chambered guns. I'll use Remington 185gr standard jhp in older guns for the feed reliable profile. I like the idea of the old CCI lawman "flying ashtray" 200gr jhp especially in 45acp revolvers but I'm not sure if CCI still loads this one up or if the newer Gold Dot has that massive hp cavity. I've never got around to checking up on that though I did have some Cor Bon 45LC that was loaded with the flying ashtray bullet.

I've got some for my .44spl. I don't know if I'd trust them in a 1911 but they're perfect wheelgun ammo.
I like Corbon Powerball for 1911's, it feeds as reliably as ball ammo.

[1557]

I've never "tested"either one but carry both. I'd say it's a toss up.
Use the one you can get easiest and cheapest.In 45 caliber I don't think you'll go wrong with either.It's a 45!

[foghornl]

The 230-Gr "Golden Sabre" gives me a fractional edge in accuracy over the "Gold Dot" in My Springers & KP-90 Ruger.

But I wouldn't feel 'under-accurized' with either round in MY pistols.

On the other hand, my .357 Vaquero likes the 158-Gr Gold Dot better. Try to figure out that one.....:confused: :what: :(

[TRK2AJK]

i have no experience with the gold dots, but all 4 of my colt 1911s are very reliable with golden sabres. even my oacp eats them with no hiccups. they seem to be as accurate as i am.:rolleyes:

[IV Troop]

I am issued Gold Dots. They work.

Gold Dots or Golden Saber?

who cares?

Only the Coroner will know the difference.:D

[Safety First]

What works best in my S&W 1911 may not work the best for you...I use gold dots in my 9mm and 380 hand guns (not 1911"s) and Remington Golden Sabre 230 JHP"s in my 1911. I am still in process of testing, as I don't shoot that often, it will take me a while to figure out which of the premium 230 JHP"s works best in my 1911. As many have already aluded to, Gold Dots and Golden Sabres are both premium ammo and most guns will do very well with either load in terms of reliability and accuracy. So try several of the better known brands in your 1911 as one will probably prove a little better than the others,then spend the $ to carry the ammo you hope you never NEED. I tend to be a tight wad, but when it comes to the gun and ammo I MAY need, I will spend the $ for it. Just my 2 cents for free....good luck...

[pete f]

I think both work just as good in my firearms. The terminal effects are supposedly a coin toss from the info i get. I have to say i buy them buy the box of fifty, federals from strieckers remingtons from mid south