Has anyone noticed a difference when loading Speer 158gr Gold Dots verses 158gr Hornady XTP/HP’s? This is for 357 Mag. I noticed that there was a big difference between powder weights using H110. The XTP’s data from Hodgdon uses a lot more powder than Speer recommends for Gold Dots. I believe this has to do with bullet construction (bonded core vs. jacketed). Do you think this is because the bonded core bullets are softer and don’t resist movement as much as jacketed bullets? Just noticed the difference and wondered why?
Gold Dots vs XTP's
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Mark whiz
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Well, I've loaded gold dots & XTPs in .32ACP, .38Spcl, .357Mag, & .45ACP and in every single case, I've had to use lighter charges with the Gold Dots just to get decent accuracy with them. Their more open Hollow points just do not like to be pushed, velocity-wise, for optimum accuracy............. at least in my experience anyway.
Am using lighter charges for Gold Dots in all calibers, than what is listed for other brands in same weights. Am of opinion (and it is just opinion) the Gold Dot's construction increases pressures. Am not sure why, but may relate to smoothness of jacket and/or bullet "slugging up". Have had same experience as Mark, regarding accuracy in pistols. Short pistol caliber carbines are another story.
Trust me, Bullet. I learned the hard way with a pretty stiff shot of Accurate #5 that I had proved in my 1911 using an XTP. Didn't even blink twice when I pressed that gold dot in there. Didn't bend the gun any, but I'm pretty sure that empty case has not landed yet 
That was many years ago, and I have never made that mistake twice!
That was many years ago, and I have never made that mistake twice!
bernie
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You know this possibly explain a great mystery I have been trying to figure out. I deer hunt with Remington .50 cal 700ML using sabots and the 230 gr. .45 cal Gold Dot. I hit a deer one time at 60 yards and it was devastating to say the least. At the range, this setup is fine on accuracy, no problems whatsoever.
However, my deer hunting honey hole is a power line right of way on the top of Crowley's Ridge. The wind is always stiff, and I shoot into the wind. I have missed three deer, from a rest at ranges from 75 to 125 yards. These were totally unexplainable by me and now I may have a better understanding due to the massive cavity in the Gold Dot. Looks like it may be time to try XTP's.
However, my deer hunting honey hole is a power line right of way on the top of Crowley's Ridge. The wind is always stiff, and I shoot into the wind. I have missed three deer, from a rest at ranges from 75 to 125 yards. These were totally unexplainable by me and now I may have a better understanding due to the massive cavity in the Gold Dot. Looks like it may be time to try XTP's.
Bernie, I don't know if the XTP will give you better accuracy in a front stuffer-the proof would be in the testing, and shooting saboted loads opens up a whole new set of parameters so far as load development.
I can tell you that the XTP opens slower out of my pistols at 25 yards or so than the Gold Dot. Thats based on boxes full of wet newspaper as I have not taken game with the GD as yet. Hopefully this fall! The XTP should give you greater penetration, based on equal speeds.
I can tell you that the XTP opens slower out of my pistols at 25 yards or so than the Gold Dot. Thats based on boxes full of wet newspaper as I have not taken game with the GD as yet. Hopefully this fall! The XTP should give you greater penetration, based on equal speeds.
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