Gold Dots vs XTP?

[Bullet]

Which bullets would be better for defense Speer Gold Dots or Hornady XTP?

 

[Hypnogator]

.....or Hydra-Shoks, or Ranger Talons, or Golden Sabers?

Wait! Which is better: 9mm or .45 ACP?

 

[Bacon]

As I understand, people generally pick Gold Dots for HD (more expansion). The XTP usually offers more penetration and is regarded as better for hunting.

These are only generalizations.

 

[XLMiguel]

What caliber? Not trying to be a wisea$$, but different calibers of a given bullet design/type do better than others. As noted, GDs seem to do better in PD applications than hunting. Sometimes, there isn't much choice, e.g. S&W.44 Spl. YMMV

 

[P95Carry]

I would agree with bacon here - and not even considering cals tho I have tested 9mm's more than others.

GD's seem to expand very consistently and early - XTP's to me require some steamin' velocities to really perform and so I like them in .454 Casull for example ... penetration is good and so is terminal performance at these levels.

For SD I'd not use them (myself).

 

[buddyRoland]

Both

Both.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I use Gold Dots for personal protection in urban areas and XTP bullets in my open country carry rig. That way I can get deep penetration on animals and I won't be worried about blowing thru people.

 

[BHPshooter]

I agree with LennyJoe -- when I've used XTPs in 9mm, they have some SERIOUS penetration.

If I were to go against a two-legged adversary, I would probably choose the Gold Dot.

I am a proponent of having enough penetration, and both of these loads will -- the difference is that the Gold dot has enough penetration; the XTP has probably too much penetration for some enounters.

Both fine bullets, though.

Wes

 

[Dr. J Frame]

XTP's to me require some steamin' velocities to really perform

My experiences exactly. I've used all the popular bullet designs with sabots in my muzzle loaders. The XTP's always make a little hole, though-pass in game animals like deer and black bear, even with the higher velocities being pushed by the longgun barrels.

My experiences with GoldDots have been good, always providing adequate expansion & penetration. Speer themselves say they work their best at around 1150fps. This through e-mail communication.
Gold Dot-

Still, my favorites are the Remington Golden Sabers.
I purchase them in bulk through Precision Reloading for my muzzleloaders and
carry the 147gr factory in my 9mm.

 

[turbonatr]

I prefer Gold Dots.

http://www.warriortalk.com/showpost.php?p=98858&postcount=7

 

[Lennyjoe]

To caveat on your link, Black Hills ammunition is good stuff. The 124gr +P with the Gold Dot JHP is what I use in my BHP for personal protection.

 

[DAVE RICHARDS]

Generally the Gold Dot. But in .380 definately the XTP. It may give a little expansion or not. But it will at least give decent penentration. Most of the .380 jhp's won't. It's also very accurate.

 

[varmint exterminator]

The gold dots are good but I like the Rem.Golden Sabers the best.Of course you don't want to be in front of any of them, even hardball.

 

[GunAdmirer]

I like 'em both. I carry the Gold Dot. I use the XTP's in my pistol hunting rounds.

I shot a feral pig with an 180 gr. .357 mag XTP HP a few months ago. Went all the way through the animal and expanded perfectly. The recovered bullet is perfectly mushroomed. It should be used in their promotional material!

Either one would be perfect for personal defense IMO. Differences aren't that great. The Gold Dot is a proven defense design, though.