Could someone please compare & contrast these 2 9mm loads?

[BHPshooter]

I'm interested in knowing the pros and cons, experiences, and even plain old opinions on a couple of loads:

• The Winchester Silvertip (and the identical WWB 115 gr. JHP)
• The Speer Gold Dot

I'm using a BHP (4.75" Barrel), if that makes any difference.

Any comments are welcomed and appreciated.
Wes

 

[Corey ACP]

Questions

First what Gr. Gold dot? and what are you intending to use the ammo for?, (accuracy, hunting, self defense, plinking) Also, how much $$$ do you have to pay for each load? Opinion pending............Corey

 

[BHPshooter]

I'm considering the 115 and 124 gr. Gold Dots; haven't really make a solid decision which I like better.

I do like the 115 gr. weight Silvertip/JHP.

The use is Defense. They both function fine, so that's not an issue. I don't have (and can't seem to find) any penetration, expansion, velocity, and FPE information (out of a fullsize gun) that compares well. The Winchester website isn't working for me tonight, so that further complicates my research.

Hey, you going to the shoot tomorrow? I'm considering just going to watch... I start a new job on the 3rd, and am short on money until that starts. On top of that, I don't have a rifle or even enough pistol or shotgun ammo to compete.

Wes

 

[nonsense]

the old FBI tests

You could always use the old FBI tests, which make the silvertip look decent (if you loaded it to higher velocities).

I also found this: http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs9.htm

i would think you would be well off using either GD bullet in +pressure loads, and would tend to wonder if the winchester needs to be loaded to slightly higher velocities/pressures as well. Basically, if i reloaded and was not concerned with any possible legal problems associated w/ using my reloads for SD id go with the silvertips unless i found a similar price on the GD (midway has GD on sale in both weights), and if i didnt (reload, or feel comfortable that is) i go with the gold dots since you can get +P and +P+ commercial GD ammo. Than again i seem to remember hearing somewhere that silvertips didnt reliably expand (at least not enough for SD) in gelatin. JMHO

 

[Glock19Fan]

Definatly the Gold Dot. At least you would get decent penetration.

I never have been a fan of 115 grain bullets, especially the Winchester Silvertips. I have aloways prefered heavier bullets, no less than 124 grains (I prefer 147).

Between the 115 grain ST and GD, I would definatly go with the Gold Dot. It is a bonded bullet, and is more likely to stay intact while encountering bone and other hard materials, which can cuase the bullet to fragment and under penetrate.

I would at least look into Black Hills 124 grain +p Gold Dot. They loads the 124 GD up to 1250 FPS, which is faster than any other 124 grain load, and only 50 FPS slower than most 115 grain +p+ loads.

 

[BHPshooter]

Thanks, guys. I think what will be my determining factor here is penetration... I everything I have seen lately (which isn't a whole lot) seems to agree that the Gold Dot is the deeper penetrator (moreso in 124 than 115).

As I said, comments and opinions are welcome and requested.

Wes

 

[jem375]

with the small case of the 9MM, personally think the 115 gr. bullets are better.....I shoot silvertips in my 45ACP and 10MM, so see no reason why they would not work in the 9MM.........

 

[Corey ACP]

Wes, yup, I went to the 3 gun shoot today. I had some issues with my preformance and overall believe I could have done better.
I am a believer in penetration before other issues. I also favor a mid or heavy weight bullet. With the Gold dot, you have a bonded bullet that holds up well in testing involving passing thru articles other than just bare gelitan. So for defensive use, something to remember where we live is that at least half of the year, we have cold weather. That equates to people,(bandits), wearing heavy clothes, leather jackets, etc. What may be ideal ammo in a warm climate against lightly clad "A-holes", may not be the best choice in the cold climates.
What ever ammo you choose, you need to have confidence in it. Too many opinions can confuse things a bit, especially when folks don't give any reason for their preference. Both are great defensive loads....Good luck on the new job..Corey....

 

[BHPshooter]

Hey Corey,

Good point concerning weight/penetration. Penetration is my first priority as well -- following reliability, of course. I picked up some 124 grain Gold Dots, which I'll give a go.

I didn't get to go to the match... The family is catching the flu, and on top of that I'd only be standing around and watching, so I decided to sit this one out. I'm aiming for the next pistol match... hopefully I'll fare better than last time.

Just a bad day at the match?

Wes

 

[isp2605]

It depends on what you want the bullet to do. The 115 gr Silvertip is a rapid expansion, low penetration rd. It's what the FBI was using during the Miami shootout. We had similiar results in 1981 during a shootout after which we immediately pulled it off the street and went with Fed 9BP. If you are after low penetration then the ST will do you fine.
If you are looking for deeper penetration then go with the GD.

 

[Wildalaska]

If you shoot someone in the face with either round, chances are they will go away and leave you alone

WildwhichweverAlaska

 

[sm]

May I suggest the wisdom of our own Mr. Camp? http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

Personally - Win 115 STHP has been reliable in every 9mm I have ever used it in, including the BHP.

IME/ IMO the White Box 115 appears to have the same bullet ( ogive and such) as the STHP. Feeds reliably as well. about the only difference I noticed was the STHP was more consisitant in Chrono.

So if I don't know the gun - I'll grab a Win STHP and shoot it, this is how relibable the loading has been for me.

I really like the Gold Dots. I'm partial to the 124 and 124 +P . Again these have proven reliable for me. My niche gun - P-11 is loaded up with 124+P

I test for reliablility, I run 200 rds, before I carry a loading, don't forget the mags too. Then I look for POA/ POI . Shot placement depends on gun running and bullet going where aimed.

I would seek Mr. Camps advice , he has more experience and performed more tests than I ...sheesh...just look at his targets ...