SHORT & SWEET?...Speer Gold Dot .357 MAG Short Barrel Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

Published on March 30, 2025
Duration: 13:19

This review details a ballistic gel test of Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum 135-grain short barrel ammunition. The test evaluates performance from both a 2-inch and a 4-inch ported revolver, measuring velocity, penetration, and projectile expansion. The instructor notes the ammunition's effectiveness in expansion and penetration despite lower-than-expected velocities for the caliber.

Quick Summary

Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum 135gr Short Barrel ammunition averaged 1117 FPS from a 2-inch barrel and 1238 FPS from a 4-inch ported barrel. In ballistic gel, it achieved 14.25 inches of penetration from the 2-inch barrel and 15.75 inches from the 4-inch barrel, with excellent expansion and weight retention.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:39Ammunition: Speer Gold Dot .357 Mag SB 135gr
  3. 01:43Cartridge Overview
  4. 02:09Test Firearms: Taurus 605 (2") & 608 (4")
  5. 03:21Velocity Testing: 2-inch Barrel
  6. 04:042-inch Barrel Velocity Readings
  7. 04:222-inch Barrel Average Velocity & Stats
  8. 04:57Velocity Testing: 4-inch Ported Barrel
  9. 05:224-inch Ported Barrel Velocity Readings
  10. 05:374-inch Ported Barrel Average Velocity & Stats
  11. 06:19Ballistic Gel Test: 2-inch Barrel Shot
  12. 07:02Ballistic Gel Test: 4-inch Ported Barrel Shot
  13. 07:13Gel Test Results Overview
  14. 07:49Gel Test: 2-inch Barrel Shot Analysis
  15. 08:10Gel Test: 4-inch Ported Barrel Shot Analysis
  16. 08:40Penetration Depths
  17. 09:01Close-up Gel Test View
  18. 09:17Projectile Examination
  19. 09:46Projectile Weight & Size Measurements
  20. 10:25Final Review & Conclusion
  21. 10:36Instructor's Complaint: Velocity & Energy
  22. 10:51Comparison: .357 Mag vs. 10mm/.40 S&W
  23. 11:34Personal Carry Preference
  24. 11:50Summary of Performance
  25. 12:17Call to Action & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advertised velocity for Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel 135gr ammunition?

Speer advertises a velocity of 990 FPS for their .357 Magnum 135-grain Gold Dot Short Barrel ammunition, typically from a 2-inch vented barrel.

How did Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel 135gr perform in ballistic gel from a 2-inch barrel?

From a 2-inch barrel, the ammunition averaged 1117 FPS, penetrated 14.25 inches, and showed good expansion, retaining nearly all its weight.

What were the ballistic gel results for Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel 135gr from a 4-inch ported barrel?

From a 4-inch ported barrel, the ammunition averaged 1238 FPS, penetrated 15.75 inches, and exhibited excellent expansion and weight retention.

Is Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel 135gr suitable for self-defense in short-barreled revolvers?

Yes, the ballistic gel tests indicate that this ammunition provides effective expansion and penetration for self-defense, even from short barrels, despite lower velocities compared to full-power .357 Magnum loads.

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