At GunDigest, we independently review products. However, we may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. Learn More
First Look: Speer Gold Dot Ammunition Line
Boasting the revolutionary G2 bullet, the Speer Carry Gun line of ammo takes sub-compact and compact guns' performance to a new level.
How The Carry Gun Line Is Optimized:
- Precisely loaded to achieve needed velocity for the projectile to penetrate and expand.
- G2 bullet's elastomer-filled cavity ensures barrier material won't foul expansion.
- Bullet developed to achieve better FBI-protocol test scores than the original Gold Dot bullet.
While compact and subcompact pistols make for more comfortable carry pieces, they can have drawbacks. Aside from an abbreviated sight radius, their shorter barrels can eat away precious velocity. Not good, given velocity is the key variable in making certain defensive ammo performs up to snuff in the penetration and expansion departments.
Speer has tackled this issue with a redesign of its renowned defensive ammunition lines, giving those who pack petite self-protection pistols a premium option. Known as its Gold Dot G2 Carry Gun line, the ammunition is optimized for performance out of short barrels though some interesting engineering. In particular, Speer has jettisoned the large traditional hollow point design of the Gold Dot bullet, instead opted for a shallow cavity in the nose filled with a durable elastomer of the G2 bullet. The polymer prevents barrier materials from filling the cavity and initiates expansion for consistent and dependable performance.
A recent evolution of the Gold Dot projectile, the G2 bullet was developed to achieve better FBI-protocol test scores than its forerunner. While it’s somewhat a break, the new bullet does still retain the original UNICOR construction that helps the projectile retain mass for a devastating wound channel.
“Speer’s Gold Dot family of ammunition has been the leading choice of law enforcement professionals for almost three decades because it offers exceptional terminal performance and unfailing reliability,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “Last year, we began offering the enhanced Gold Dot G2 ammunition—which had previously only been available to law enforcement—to the public.”
Speer is releasing a full lineup Carry Gun ammunition, including a 135-grain 9 mm option, 165-grain .40 S&W and 200-grain .45 ACP +P. Overall, it the price falls in line with other Gold Dot offering, with the MSRP ranging from $28.99 to $33.99.
For more information on the Carry Gun line of ammo, please visit speer-ammo.com.
On-Target Ammunition Information:
- The Blistering Hot 30 Nosler
- The .280 Ackley Improved
- If You Had To Pick Just One Cartridge, What Would It Be?
- Loading the .308 Winchester
