Range report s&w 442 SB gold dot vs. DPX

[Tony_the_tiger]

Took my 442 for some tests today using Corbon 110 grain DPX in .38 + P and the speer gold dot 135 grain short barrel .38+p.

Corbon .38+P DPX
Weight: 110 grains
Published velocity from 2" snub: 1050
Published muzzle energy: 269
Reports of use: ?!?! None I can find

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38+P
Weight: 135 grains
Published velocity from 2" snub: 860
Published muzzle energy: 222
Reports of use: NYPD, LAPD issue

First, I will say that i've been conflicted for some time between these two rounds. The DPX has excellent velocity and tested well in online reports, however I am skeptical of the weight even though I like that it is all copper. The Gold Dot also tests well online, has great weight but low velocity, however I like that police agencies issue it. Both rounds claim unique and advanced engineering.

Second, I will say that I shot quite shamefully with the 442 today. Guess I am out of practice with the J frames.

Both are relatively hot in the lightweight 442.

I think both rounds are excellent, however based on today's range session, the gold dot shot closer to point of aim and gave me the best group. Based on this, I am changing my ccw ammo selection from the DPX to the the 135 grain gold dot for the time being.

Cheers,

-T

 

[Waywatcher]

I roll my own and am torn between the Gold Dot bullet or the Rim Rock 158 LSWC-HP/gc (same bullet used in Buffalo Bore ammo). The Gold Dot seems like a boringly reliable bullet.

 

[TimeIsRunninOut]

I also noticed that the PDX-1 130 gr is less accurate out of my 642 vs the GDSB 135 gr, I thought it was just me.

As for the comparison of ammo, I have used the federal hydrashok 110 along time ago and found that they tend to shoot a lot lower than anticipated about 3" or so.

Here is a link to advanced testing, it is a .pdf however

http://www.brassfetcher.com/index_files/Page651.htm

It is on the top right hand side, it should be able to answer more of your questions.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I noticed both rounds to shoot 2 - 3" low unless I staged the trigger and focused. This is probably human error, however my next range session with the 442 I will try to tighten it up and re-center my CT grips for POA.

 

[YJake]

the Rim Rock 158 LSWC-HP/gc (same bullet used in Buffalo Bore ammo)

At 900-1000fps out of a 442 that bullet penetrates like no other. The one I recovered went almost 18" into gel with 2 layers of denim covering it. I imagine it would crack some bones and still make it into the vitals of an assailant.

-Jake

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

If you can hit with it

 

[CarlJ]

Those guns are meant for up close and personal, hard to miss

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I agree with you. For my own training I have been sighting in at 5 yards.

 

[Waywatcher]

At 900-1000fps out of a 442 that bullet penetrates like no other. The one I recovered went almost 18" into gel with 2 layers of denim covering it. I imagine it would crack some bones and still make it into the vitals of an assailant.

-Jake

Nice! What was your expansion in the gel?

If you can hit with it

Very true, and I should have mentioned this is from my GP100 Phoenix for home defense, from which they are exiting at a chronographed 950fps using published Power Pistol load data. It feels positively tame in the recoil.

 

[Haywood]

Dry Fire practice is the best way to get good with your 442. Put the Front Sight on a object and watch it as you pull the trigger. You will soon find you can slowly pull the trigger without moving the gun. After a couple thousand times you will also smooth up the action making it easier to shoot.