Speer .40 cal. Gold Dot

[gamestalker]

I picked up a box of 155 gr. Gold Dots for the .40 last week. When I opened them to plunge into loading them, I noticed that the top .100" of the bullet shank / bearing surface is only .395", it was very obvious. There is only approx. .300" of shank to begin with, so with that .100" useless for seating purposes, it only leaves .200" to work with.

I sent Speer an e-mail on Wed. so we'll see what they do about it. My question is, has anyone else had a problem like this with this GD, or any other version of GD's.

GS

 

[243winxb]

Some are made that way. I dont know about Gold Dot??

 

[gamestalker]

Wow, thanks for the link 243winxb, I didn't know that. So do you happen to know what the purpose is for eliminating that much bearing surface? The Gold Dot is only 1/3 deficient on this respect, but still, what's the reasoning?

Oh well, I'll probably get some answers from Speer tomorrow, maybe they're just made that way and I just never noticed, though I kind of doubt it.

GS

 

[rg1]

Haven't had any problems with my Speer 40 S&W Gold Dot's in 155 and 165 grains. I've only loaded about 300 155's and 600 165 grain Gold Dots. I just measured my one box I have left of 155 Gold Dots. They measure .400 at the base and .400 all the way to the tapered nose section. No reduction in diameter at all in the driving diameter of the 155's, other than the crimping reduced ring around the bullet. Speer will probably replace those for you? I do like Remington's Golden Saber bullets with the driving band. They shoot great in all calibers I've loaded them in but they haven't been available for a long time as a reloading component. Speer's Gold Dots do not have this driving band and reduced bore riding diameter like the Golden Saber.

 

[243winxb]

So do you happen to know what the purpose is for eliminating that much bearing surface?

I would guess, the OAL, if to long, will not keep the action from closing.