Gold NOT!...357 Magnum Speer Gold Dot 125 Grain Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

Published on May 23, 2025
Duration: 11:35

This video presents a ballistic gel test and review of Speer Gold Dot 125-grain .357 Magnum ammunition, evaluating its performance from both a 4-inch and a 2-inch barrel. The instructor notes that while the 4-inch barrel achieved acceptable penetration and expansion, the velocity was lower than advertised, and he expresses a general dissatisfaction with Gold Dot's consistency across calibers. The 2-inch barrel demonstrated a significant velocity drop and complete failure to expand, leading to over-penetration and a classification as a failure for self-defense purposes.

Quick Summary

Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum ammunition tested from a 4-inch barrel averaged 1400 FPS with 20 inches of penetration and some expansion. However, from a 2-inch barrel, velocity dropped to 1164 FPS, resulting in no expansion and over 32 inches of penetration, deemed a failure for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:15Ammunition Overview: Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum
  3. 01:06Advertised Ballistics & Barrel Lengths
  4. 01:32Velocity Testing: 4-inch Barrel
  5. 03:04Velocity Testing: 2-inch Barrel
  6. 04:18Ballistic Gel Test: 4-inch Barrel Shot
  7. 05:20Ballistic Gel Test: 2-inch Barrel Shot
  8. 05:35Gel Test Results Analysis: 4-inch Barrel
  9. 06:33Gel Test Results Analysis: 2-inch Barrel
  10. 07:01Penetration Measurements
  11. 08:50Projectile Measurements & Expansion
  12. 09:15Instructor's Final Verdict & Recommendations
  13. 10:37Key Lessons Learned for Short Barrels
  14. 11:10Viewer Engagement & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the average velocities for Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum from different barrel lengths?

From a 4-inch barrel, the average velocity was 1400 FPS. From a 2-inch barrel, the average velocity dropped significantly to 1164 FPS, indicating a substantial loss due to the shorter barrel.

How did the Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum perform in ballistic gel from a 4-inch barrel?

From a 4-inch barrel, the ammunition achieved approximately 20 inches of penetration with some expansion, reaching .536 to .541 inches. The instructor found the performance adequate but desired more energy transfer for .357 Magnum.

What was the performance of Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum from a 2-inch barrel in ballistic gel?

The 2-inch barrel test resulted in a complete failure. The ammunition did not expand and penetrated over 32 inches of gel, exiting both blocks, due to insufficient velocity.

Does the instructor recommend Speer Gold Dot 125gr .357 Magnum for short-barreled revolvers?

No, the instructor does not recommend this specific load for short-barreled .357 Magnum revolvers, citing the 2-inch barrel test as an absolute failure. He suggests specialized short-barrel loads may be a better option.

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