Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection ammunition is specifically designed for optimal performance in compact handguns with shorter barrels. This .38 Special +P load features a 135 grain Gold Dot hollow point bullet, engineered to deliver reliable expansion and penetration from barrels as short as 1.9 inches. With a muzzle velocity of 860 fps, it provides effective stopping power while producing manageable recoil in small frame revolvers. The nickel-plated brass cases ensure smooth feeding and extraction in a variety of firearms. Each box contains 20 rounds of this premium self-defense ammunition, trusted by law enforcement and civilians alike for its consistent performance and terminal ballistics. Whether you're preparing for concealed carry or home defense, this is a top choice when you need to buy handgun ammo that delivers when it matters most.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications |
| Manufacturer |
Speer |
| Caliber |
.38 Special +P |
| Bullet Weight |
135 grains |
| Bullet Type |
Gold Dot Hollow Point |
| Muzzle Velocity |
860 fps |
| Muzzle Energy |
222 ft-lbs |
| Rounds Per Box |
20 |
| Boxes Per Case |
10 |
| Casing Material |
Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Application |
Personal Defense |
| Minimum Barrel Length |
1.9 inches |
| UPC |
604544647372 |
Key Features:
The Speer .38 Special +P Gold Dot Personal Protection Short Barrel 135gr HP Ammo offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Type |
Gold Dot Hollow Point Designed for reliable expansion and penetration |
| Bullet Weight |
135 grains Optimized for short barrel performance |
| Muzzle Velocity |
860 fps Provides effective stopping power from short barrels |
| Pressure |
+P Higher pressure load for increased performance |
| Casing Material |
Nickel-Plated Brass Corrosion resistant and enhances visibility in low light |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Personal Defense: Optimized for use in short-barreled revolvers for concealed carry and self-defense situations.
- Law Enforcement Backup: Suitable for law enforcement officers as a backup ammunition in small revolvers.
- Home Defense: Effective for home defense use in .38 Special revolvers.
- Training: Can be used for training to familiarize with the recoil and performance of defensive ammunition.
- Snub-Nose Revolvers: Specifically designed for optimal performance in revolvers with barrels as short as 1.9 inches.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
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Optimized for Short Barrels: Designed to perform effectively in barrels as short as 1.9 inches, ideal for compact handguns.
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Reliable Expansion: Gold Dot Hollow Point technology ensures consistent expansion at various distances and velocities.
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✔
Reduced Felt Recoil: Engineered to produce less felt recoil, enhancing control and follow-up shot accuracy.
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✔
+P Velocity: 860 fps muzzle velocity provides increased stopping power for self-defense situations.
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Nickel-Plated Brass Casing: Enhances corrosion resistance and improves feeding reliability in various firearms.
Cons
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✘
Limited Capacity: 20-round box may be insufficient for extended practice sessions.
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✘
Not for All Firearms: +P pressure may not be suitable for older or weaker .38 Special revolvers.
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✘
Overpenetration Risk: Higher velocity may increase the risk of overpenetration in some self-defense scenarios.
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Cost: Premium self-defense ammunition typically comes at a higher price point than standard target loads.
About Speer:
Speer, founded in 1943 by Vernon Speer, has been a leading innovator in the ammunition industry for over 75 years. Headquartered in Lewiston, Idaho, Speer is renowned for its high-quality bullets and ammunition, particularly its Gold Dot line of personal defense ammunition. The company's commitment to excellence has made it a preferred choice among law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters alike. Speer's manufacturing facilities in Lewiston employ state-of-the-art technology and rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent performance and reliability. Speer's unique bonded-core technology, developed in-house, has set new standards for bullet expansion and weight retention in the personal defense ammunition market. With a focus on innovation and performance, Speer continues to push the boundaries of ammunition technology, maintaining its position as a trusted name in the firearms industry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What makes the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammunition unique?
A: The Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammunition is specifically designed for optimal performance in short-barreled revolvers. It features a 135 grain Gold Dot Hollow Point bullet that is engineered to expand reliably even at lower velocities typically encountered with shorter barrels. This ammunition is rated for +P pressures, providing enhanced stopping power in a compact package.
Q: What is the muzzle velocity of this ammunition?
A: The muzzle velocity of this Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammunition is 860 feet per second (fps). This velocity is optimized for reliable expansion and penetration from short-barreled revolvers, typically those with barrel lengths as short as 1.9 inches.
Q: How many rounds are in a box and case of this ammunition?
A: Each box of this Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammunition contains 20 rounds. A full case consists of 10 boxes, for a total of 200 rounds per case.
Q: Is this ammunition suitable for all .38 Special revolvers?
A: While this ammunition can be used in any .38 Special revolver rated for +P loads, it is specifically designed for optimal performance in short-barreled revolvers. Always check your firearm's manual to ensure it is rated for +P ammunition before use. This ammo is not suitable for standard pressure .38 Special revolvers or those not rated for +P loads.
Q: What is the primary application for this ammunition?
A: The primary application for this Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammunition is personal protection and self-defense, particularly for those carrying compact, short-barreled revolvers. Its design focuses on reliable expansion and penetration from shorter barrels, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry and home defense scenarios.