Speer .357" 135gr. GDHP vs. 135gr. GDHP-SB

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Can anybody tell me in non-hypese English what the "real" difference is - if any - between the SB and non-SB Speer GDHP's?

Speer's hypographical "data" of the bullets says, "We offer the same bullets used in Gold Dot® Short Barrel® ammunition as a component for your reloading needs. These bullets are engineered for excellent expansion at velocities common to short-barreled handguns."

I have a bunch of 135gr. SB's given to me and I'd like to load them for the 4" Colt Lawman that goes with me in the summer out in the cattle runs. All I'm expecting to see are daisies and maybe an occasional lazy pig wallering in the cow muck. They're dirty cusses but good eating and it helps the cattlemen to get them out of the pastures. I'm looking at the #2400 powder loading data on Speer's site and except for the velocity it looks the same to me.

135gr. GDHP-SB Alliant 2400 - Start: 15.0gr. @1124fps
135gr. GDHP Alliant 2400 - Start: 15.0gr. @1219fps

Is less than a hundred fps really that big a deal? Is there anything in the construction of these bullets that's any different or is this "Short Barrel" stuff all just hype and nonsense? I've used 158gr. GHDP's in .357 for pigs before and they do a good job - they plow through rib and shoulder and take big chunks of innards with them on the way out - but I'm out of them and these were free (to me). Am I risking wounding a pig because of a splattered hollow point with these because they can't take full load impacts?

 

[fxvr5]

Is there anything in the construction of these bullets that's any different or is this "Short Barrel" stuff all just hype and nonsense?

Speer says the SB bullets are designed different.

 

[TransAmConvert]

You're looking at it wrong. There's only one 135 bullet. The different data is as fired from a 6" barrel and from a 2.5" 'short barrel'.
In loaded commercial ammo there is a difference - I think they use different powder in the designated short barrel loads.

These seem to be designed to expand very well at 1000-1200fps. You may be overdriving them beyond that and risk overexpanding, and 2400 would therefore not be my choice. I've had very good result with power pistol and BE-86 making midrange defensive loads with them. For pigs I'd probably use something else though.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Yes- All of 135 gr Gold Dots are the "Short Barrel" variety.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

You're looking at it wrong. There's only one 135 bullet. The different data is as fired from a 6" barrel and from a 2.5" 'short barrel'.
In loaded commercial ammo there is a difference - I think they use different powder in the designated short barrel loads.

These seem to be designed to expand very well at 1000-1200fps. You may be overdriving them beyond that and risk overexpanding, and 2400 would therefore not be my choice. I've had very good result with power pistol and BE-86 making midrange defensive loads with them. For pigs I'd probably use something else though.

As I suspected. The Speer and Federal boxed ammo labels and the component labels don't match up with any change in the bullet, just in the powder charge.

I don't have any BE86 or PP but I do have IMR 4227, 2400, and Unique, any of which will get me 1200fps out of that revolver.

Okay, back to Plan B: I have some Linotype 160gr RN bullets I can use for the .357. They're not jacketed but they are hard enough not to lead the barrel at over 1200fps. I've used them before and the only downside is, they tend to change direction and tumble plowing through shoulder bone. I really want to get some more Cast Performance 200gr. WFN-GC bullets but they're out of stock.

Thanks for the replies. I'll use these 135's in .38 loads for my wife's DS.

 

[horsey300]

As I suspected. The Speer and Federal boxed ammo labels and the component labels don't match up with any change in the bullet, just in the powder charge.

I don't have any BE86 or PP but I do have IMR 4227, 2400, and Unique, any of which will get me 1200fps out of that revolver.

Okay, back to Plan B: I have some Linotype 160gr RN bullets I can use for the .357. They're not jacketed but they are hard enough not to lead the barrel at over 1200fps. I've used them before and the only downside is, they tend to change direction and tumble plowing through shoulder bone. I really want to get some more Cast Performance 200gr. WFN-GC bullets but they're out of stock.

Thanks for the replies. I'll use these 135's in .38 loads for my wife's DS.

Those gold dots won't come apart, run em! The 110 Barnes are made for the wife's .38

 

[horsey300]

As I suspected. The Speer and Federal boxed ammo labels and the component labels don't match up with any change in the bullet, just in the powder charge.

I don't have any BE86 or PP but I do have IMR 4227, 2400, and Unique, any of which will get me 1200fps out of that revolver.

Okay, back to Plan B: I have some Linotype 160gr RN bullets I can use for the .357. They're not jacketed but they are hard enough not to lead the barrel at over 1200fps. I've used them before and the only downside is, they tend to change direction and tumble plowing through shoulder bone. I really want to get some more Cast Performance 200gr. WFN-GC bullets but they're out of stock.

Thanks for the replies. I'll use these 135's in .38 loads for my wife's DS.

those are the 125s outta a .357