Are They The SAME THING?...Gold Dot vs Fusion AR-15 Self-Defense AMMO Test!

Published on August 12, 2023
Duration: 14:34

This video conducts a comparative ballistic test of Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot 223 Remington ammunition fired from an 18-inch barrel AR-15. The test utilizes ballistic gel blocks behind a heavy clothing barrier to simulate real-world conditions. The analysis focuses on velocity, expansion, weight retention, and penetration, with the instructor concluding that both projectiles are likely identical and perform exceptionally well for self-defense.

Quick Summary

Federal Fusion 62-grain and Speer Gold Dot 62-grain .223 Remington bonded soft point ammunition are likely identical projectiles, according to ballistic gel testing. Both demonstrated excellent expansion, weight retention, and penetration from an 18-inch AR-15 barrel, with minimal velocity differences.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:55Ammunition Overview: Fusion vs. Gold Dot
  3. 02:01Test Platform: 18-inch Barrel AR-15
  4. 02:46Velocity Testing: Federal Fusion
  5. 04:41Velocity Testing: Speer Gold Dot
  6. 06:09Ballistic Gel Test: Fusion vs. Gold Dot
  7. 07:42Gel Block Analysis: Fusion and Gold Dot Performance
  8. 10:36Projectile Examination: Identical Projectiles
  9. 11:28Weight and Expansion Measurements
  10. 12:13Conclusion: Fusion and Gold Dot are the Same
  11. 13:14Instructor's Preference: Bonded vs. Fragmenting
  12. 13:44Viewer Engagement and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot .223 ammunition the same?

Based on ballistic gel testing, velocity measurements, and projectile examination, the instructor strongly concludes that Federal Fusion 62-grain and Speer Gold Dot 62-grain .223 Remington bonded soft point projectiles are identical. The only discernible difference is the nickel-plated case on the Gold Dot.

What are the ballistic performance differences between Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot .223?

In an 18-inch AR-15, both rounds showed similar velocities (Fusion avg. 2781 fps, Gold Dot avg. 2755 fps) and excellent expansion and weight retention. Penetration was also very close, with Fusion reaching 16 inches and Gold Dot 16.75 inches in ballistic gel after a clothing barrier.

What is the preferred type of self-defense ammunition for an AR-15?

The instructor prefers bonded soft point ammunition like Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot for self-defense due to their consistent expansion and weight retention, which leads to reliable penetration. This is contrasted with fragmenting rounds like V-Max, which are seen as less ideal for this role.

What barrel length was used for the AR-15 ammunition test?

The ballistic tests for Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot .223 ammunition were conducted using an AR-15 platform equipped with an 18-inch barrel. This barrel length was chosen as a middle ground for testing purposes.

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