AMMO REVIEW: 9mm G2 SPEER GOLD DOT (FBI 2014 PRODUCTION)

2015 review of the 9mm G2 Speer Gold Dot, 147 grain JHP. Chronographed velocities are from a Glock 19, 4" barrel. The ammo used in this video has a 2014 headstamp; lot #M10V21. It was purchased online from Streicher's.com for approximately $31 per box.
PLEASE NOTE: Speer has supposedly corrected issues with the initial releases of this ammo and it is evaluated and adopted by law enforcement agencies.

[@danielhenderson8316]

I know this is from several years ago, but have you considered a retest after all of these years? It seems you've figured out how you need to set up Clear Ballistics blocks, and Speer has had 3 years to fix any issues with this.

[@donaldtrump745]

YGTBSM

[@marsman87]

He doesn’t make videos anymore to do a retest.

[@edwardbiasi37]

Because it performs badly.

[@olympicfarter1]

This ammo is absolute garbage. Why the FBI chose this crap is beyond comprehension.

[@Joetrout]

NATE BRADFORD they just came out with another now 135 grain g2

[@tnoutdoors9]

FEBRUARY 14 UPDATE: I've been informed via a third party that Speer would like to speak with me regarding this review. I'll be in touch with one of their product specialists and will post updates as necessary.

[@10ring]

Considering this ammo's consistent failure everywhere I've seen it on the net, I'm definitely curious to see what speer's next moves are going to be. Keep us updated on your talks with them, and thanks for years of top notch testing!

[@ghostrider1krr]

I'm thinking "G2" must stand for "Gimmick x 2" or "Gimmick Squared". The FBI keeps trying to find a gimmick, low-recoil 9mm round so that their agents, many of whom are nothing more than lawyers and accountants, can qualify. No thanks.

[@WisconsinEric]

Thanks for the honest review. I think I will stick with the 124gr+p Gold Dots I have been carrying for years.

[@bluegill6644]

Speer probably shit their pants when they saw your review...... Great to see some honest testing though. I'll stick with the HST and original Gold Dot. Thanks tnoutdoors9.

[@kabloosh699]

BlueGill Especially since tnoutdoors9 is like the premier ammo tester on youtube.

[@tnoutdoors9]

NOTEWORTHY......The ammo used in this video has a 2014 headstamp; lot #M10V21.

[@stephenrussell2013]

Another excellent video... though, for some reason, I didn't see any adds this time for young Asian girls. I must assume that the poor performance of the G2 was somehow to blame.

[@corpsie666]

Stephen Russell - so I'm not the only one seeing those Asian bride ads

[@l3arrett82]

any plans on testing lehigh defense 9mm xp? its a solid copper projectile that performs like a hollow point but penetrates like a fmj. the 380 round seems like a really good choice for a back up gun but i am not able to find 9mm testing.

[@arcflashed]

Interesting Speer would create a new round that performs so badly compared to their current Gold Dot. Seems it hit the market before they were finished developing it.

[@corpsie666]

arcflashed - or that batch is crap and will get recalled

[@jeffa1961]

The heck with the video, the more important question is how are you doing? Are you taking care of yourself? Take it from a severe gun loving diabetic that did not take it seriously and almost paid for it with my life. Needless to say I am glad you are back, there is NOBODY that does a better job than you, but take care my friend, we all want you around to continue educating us. ps great video, and I was very shocked at the results.

[@tnoutdoors9]

***** Thanks for asking. Doing great. Having to monitor myself much closer during flu season. Eating healthy and getting plenty of rest are probably the most overlooked factors for staying healthy.

[@jeffa1961]

***** I understand, I monitor myself throughout the day as a diabetic, but you hit it on the head, eating right and sleep is important. Stay healthy!

[@1guyin10]

***** I find that almost any sort of bug really throws me off. Have to really monitor things closely during those times.

[@gunlovingliberal1706]

My brother in law died from diabetic complications. My wife and I miss him dearly. He did not want to monitor himself and control his intake (espeically alcohol). Please take care of yourself.

[@Dakota-je9os]

Loving that new camera. The quality of your footage is superior to all other ballistics tests on KZbin. Glad you are back by the way.

[@tnoutdoors9]

Dakota Kunkle Thanks for noticing. The 480p footage is good enough to watch without straining the eyes. 1080p has been kicked up a few notches compared to what I used to load.

[@sarinhighwind]

***** Yes, The footage is super!

[@MrAutochamber]

I know new Tnoutdoors9 videos In hi quality video are like Christmas in February!!!!

[@gapster46]

***** I didn’t even think of watching it in 1080p till I read these comments, so I watched it again in 1080p in full screen on my 24-inch monitor. Impressive. Added that Sony HDR-CX900 to my short list. The testing before they released this round had to be extensive, so one has to wonder what the real purpose of this round is. I’ll stick to the good old Gold Dots.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Great video as always.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

Glad you are back and doing well! You and hickok45 are two good reasons to stay on YT. :)

[@johnhope9319]

Wow.....was not expecting such inconsistent and poor results from a speer product. Very surprised. Looks like they may need to tweak the G2 quite a bit before it performs on the level of their gold dot or the HST. I'll stick to the HST for sure after watching this. Not sold at all on the G2

[@tnoutdoors9]

John Hope My off-camera comments following both of those clear block shots were a little raw, to say the least. Nothing like almost getting electrocuted recording a KZbin ammo test. Would make for a great PPV video.

[@KarlUshanka]

I agree. I don't know how Speer could release this product, nor how the FBI could approve it. In the past, new ammo designs often meant better. We've come full circle now.

[@Ionatan667]

I'm sharing the sentiment. I tend to stick to Remington Golden Sabers since they're easier to come by here, but I've always liked Speer. This is disconcerting.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Karl Ushanka Full circle. That's pretty much how the FBI operates. Don't take them or their statements too serious.

[@frank1982norm]

Your ammo testing videos are second to none! Great job, as always! As many have mentioned, this was a surprising result. I continue to carry 124 gr HST.

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Tn, what would us shooters do without your testing, I also use the Gold Dots and the HST's because of your testing. I heard you might not do anymore testing and I am hoping what I heard was incorrect, you are without a doubt the best ammo tester on youtube and from what I see you are a better ammo tester than the FBI lab tester, because if they chose this new load and are betting their lives on it then I would say they need to watch your test on the G2 Gold Dot. And I think the Winchester PDX-1 is also a great carry loading. Thank you for taking the time to put this video together for your viewers, your opinion carries a lot of weight with us shooters...Please don't stop your testing tn....Again Thank You.

[@Beamos12]

Welcome back TN! I was so excited to see you have a new video out! Great job! Kinda sucks about that new speer ammo. Can't wait for your next video!

[@alexsmart5452]

I miss watching this guy's almost weekly new ammo reviews that if I remember came out every Friday night(along with ScubaOz and Shootingthebull410). Golden age of youtube ammo reviews.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

So good to see you getting back into ammo tests. I sure hope your recovery from Lyme's Disease is complete.

[@ChuckHydro]

"New and Improved" - New Name, Fancier Box, More Expensive and Less Effective.

[@ocalavictory3728]

I can't think of any ammo that would perform any worse, including the low-price, budget stuff.

[@troy9477]

Glad u are back! Surprising how inconsistent the performance was. Very unusual for Speer. I like the idea of purchasing off the shelf ammo at random places. Much more representative of the product. a mfr can always hand load specific rounds for testing, or run many tests until they get a picture perfect one. Mark Brooks, absolutely right on the Miami Shootout. The FBI attempted to scapegoat the 9mm Silvertip, while ignoring poor tactics and positioning (training has come a long way since then, but at what cost?) The ST did everything it was designed to do, and all u could ask of a handgun bullet back then. The good that came out of it was methodical and scientific study of ammo performance, and massive learning about bullet design, leading to the great ammo we have today. STAY SAFE!!

[@tnoutdoors9]

I would much rather have money for retirement.

[@deletdis6173]

Safe to say original Hydra-Shoks are a better choice than this? 😅

[@PurpleMtOutdoors]

Wow TNOutdoors, your vids have always been impressive, but this is taking it to the next level. Thank you for posting, I was curious about these rounds. I'll stick with my HST 124 and Critical Duty 135 thank you very much. Both on your recommendation. Keep up the good work, glad to see you're back!

[@loves2shoot]

So glad to see my favorite ammo reviewer ... I know you are coming back in a diminished capacity but we'll happily take it. So glad you are doing so well, happy to have your fair unbiased work back available to us!

[@GetMeThere1]

Wow, wow, wow!! First, I hope many will agree that your videos have progressed over the years to the point where they are clearly the ultimate, goto youtube ballistic test videos -- which is quite something, since there are some REALLY nice videos by other folks too (brassfetcher gets the awards for high-speed camera work and mathematical analysis). Second, for so many reasons, it's just GREAT that Speer picked up on your video and will respond. Obviously, they respect their customers and want to interact with us. Third, this video actually makes me lose a bit of confidence in ballistic testing. Apparently here, a small difference in gels made a big difference in observable performance. Given that, it's not at all easy to extrapolate into real-world use. Even relative analysis between bullets is less meaningful: you could show two bullets are different, but a case for which would actually be "better" on a human is not necessarily easy to make. Finally, a tiny quibble: I think muzzle flash analysis is important (potentially life and death important!). I think an actual test and report, where you give us an opinion on your personal "night vision response" to the flash, would be a lot more useful than simply a few shots shown in the dark. Great, great work, tnoutdoors. Thanks for all your efforts!

[@ejsgarage]

Finally you did a great job again! Thank you very much for doing this review!

[@jimsills4129]

Welcome back and many thanks for doing this. A great service to the community. I think most of us would assume a Speer Gold Dot product would be safe, however, that does not appear to be necessarily true. A good red flag for those of us concerned with over penetration. Speer should do something about this to protect those who have not seen your review.

[@Navigator0050]

Fascinating and surprising results. Thanks for doing one more 9mm video. You've already done a lot to help a lot of people understand ammo choices, whatever you feel like doing is appreciated.

[@chiefof]

So good to see you back with your usual well-produced ammo testing video. I share your misgivings on the G2. Speer Gold Dots are my carry ammo for .45 acp and Speer Gold Dots Short Barrel +P .38 Special for my J Frame snubby.

[@mnubs7975]

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Gold Dots and HSTs have been working great for the LE and civilian community. I understand that they are both a little older when compared to some other products, but they still work. Great review/video!

[@cquickstad]

Thanks for doing the work for this and all of your ammo reviews. There is so much hype and conjecture, but data is what matters.

[@thedevildick1]

So glad to have you back man. Glad you're healthy and doing well. I'm a long time subscriber and your channel is my favorite. Thanks again, James.

[@Andy_Yates]

Man, so good to see you making videos again. Easily one of my favorite firearms channels

[@KingArthur72076]

Its good to see your ammo videos again. I was excited to see Speer's new ammo but based on what I saw here... I'll stick with the HST's until I see Speer has fixed some issues. Thanks for the video

[@winteric]

Thank you TN!! Helping people make educated choices of carry rounds, your helping a lot of people protect themselves with confidence.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Outstanding job as always. You continue to be one of the most informative channels in all of youtube.

[@VFRSTREETFIGHTER]

Can I just say, probably for the ten thousandth time you've heard it today, its good to have you back! Hope all is well.

[@hawkboy1792]

I think i can speak on behalf of everyone, when i say that it is so good to have you back :]

[@southcoastarms3900]

Thank you for the reply but I hate to hear that may be done there. I've been watching your channel since I was in Gunsmithing school and yours is the only one that I've found that demonstrates terminal ballistics of multiple calibers and projectiles. I've always found what you've done helpful as well as thorough. All that is to say Thank You for what You have done You've taught a lot of folk TB I for one will miss new tests.

[@doneime875]

New and improved? Not so much this time. Thanks for taking the time and man, sure is good to see a TNOUTDOORS9 video!

[@yankee1985524]

I think I'll just stick with my HSTs. Great video happy to see that you're still doing them!

[@BigDaddy1957One]

I'm always skeptical at the latest and greatest in anything. I'd like to see more testing, so far I will only use 124 +P HST & gold dots and 147 HST SP & +P depending on the gun. Your honest and scientific testing is gaining respect in the industry. Please keep doing these tests. People need to know and understand what type of ammo to use in their defensive handguns. Maybe you saved a life by providing people with the proper information and them having the right ammo in their gun to defend themselves. If it helped one person save a life all this effort was worth it.

[@dadeo3162]

Glad to see you back in action! I cant wait to see more of that remington 870 slug gun!

[@Dimitrius001]

Glad to see you're up and around. You're looking good brother, hope you're feeling better.

[@lionelhutz3142]

Been a long-time fan. Still one of the best ammo tests on YT. AND we get results from Clear Ballistics and Sim-Test gel. Awesome! Thanks for the hard work and money spent putting the G2 hype to the test!

[@TopDog8762]

Outstanding video quality. I am very glad to see you back making videos. Missed the great information you provide. This video just confirms that my first choice (Gold Dot) and second choice (HST) of defensive ammo are good ones. Hard to improve on fantastic quality to start with.

[@chopinbloc]

Nice to have you back, hope you're doing well. Another great video. Love your comprehensive, but concise, information dense format. I wonder how much, if any, effect the various media had on performance. Brassfetcher demonstrated a marked difference between the Clearballistics product and real gelatin but I'm not convinced that's the whole story. Even if the problems were due to use of different media, I wouldn't be too confident in a bullet that *only* performs adequately in 10% ordnance gelatin. For the time being, I'll stick with 180 gr Gold Dots for my G23.

[@whiskeypapa8842]

Perhaps another example of why "new" dosen't always mean better? Excellent video sir.

[@jamesgarvey8402]

First off, Sooooo stoked you're back man! Now that that's out of the way, I had high hopes for the G2 and as usual my curiosity was with how these bullets would fare in hot 10mm. Underwood specifically. After watching those petals tear off at under 1000fps I can only imagine this designs apparent achilles' heel would only be exasperated with more velocity. It's a shame as I'm still waiting patiently for one of these manufacturers to design a .40 bullet for 10mm velocities. Oh well.

[@Kfinnerty127]

So glad you're back TN! Great review as always! I'm sticking with HST or the orig. Gold Dot.

[@joes.7536]

You sir are the reason this is on clearance almost every time I see it for sale online. Lol. You did the right thing and gave it a fair test.

[@tnoutdoors9]

I seriously wonder how long Speer will mfg this ammo. Could be short lived. This could be why it's on clearance.

[@MPGunther1]

The GD and HST's are definitely my favorites also. I'm curious why they seemed to embrace such a poorly designed load when they already have such an excellent product. Thank you for your review and efforts.

[@dennisjones8447]

It REALLY is great to see you back and it good health!

[@dmax5678]

I know your tired of doing the ammo reviews, but I just want you to know us viewers truly appreciate the reviews and your hard work. Also note that you have set the standard for internet ammo testing. Whenever I view an ammo test from someone else they are almost unwatchable lol.

[@jardinero9112]

Hey brother I cant tell you how much I love your test. Im a LEO in south florida. We have used the speer gold dot 180 grain for quite some time as we use the glock 22. I was s little suprised at the results. Again thank you so much for what you do, I hope your feeling better as I really love what you put out.

[@angerboy2957]

best ammo reviews on youtube period. I think i would just stick but the HTSs if it aint broke dont fix it

[@tonymarinelli7303]

Sir, I must say, I have been watching you for a very long time and you absolutely do a BEYOND phenomenal service and job on your videos.

[@tnoutdoors9]

+Tony Marinelli Thanks Tony!

[@IAm010110]

I really appreciate your reviews. I personally carry a 9mm Springfield XD (over a glock) and load it with 9mm Speer Gold Dot +P 124 JHP. I decided on this ammo for defense based on a previous test and review that you did. The expansion from this ammo was much better than what you just tested here with the G2. Not sure why they would adopt this ammo. Thank you!!

[@TheWoundChannel]

I think people should keep in mind that some agencies ammo choices are based on price, wear and tear on the gun, and the fact that some rounds are "good enough" even if they are not quite the best. I wouldn't take ANY of that into consideration when choosing a defensive round/pistol. For the amount of practice I am comfortable with, I will gladly pay for the best of the best. This ammo is clearly not that.

[@Cbirding1950]

Good to see you out and about... Based on the results of this test, I'll be sticking with the HST. Thanks...

[@PeaceManBro]

Great to have you back TN, awesome videos as always.

[@majorlazer914]

Man I can not say how glad I am to see you doing videos again hope you're doing ok. Keep them videos coming you do some awesome reviews.

[@MrSirUndersteer]

Good to see you making ammo testing videos again! I was kinda sad that you said you weren't going to make any more of these in the future from your last video, but you surprised me with a new one! Thanks! Keep up the good work!

[@KP-ty9yl]

tnoutdoors9, thanks so much for reviewing this ammo! I have seen other tests in water and they offered the same disappointing results.

[@indianabob7166]

Your video was wonderful as usual. But more important to me , glad to see you back doing what you seem to love to do. Keep up the good work.

[@stanborough0311]

Great to see you back, hopefully more videos to follow.

[@civicguyex]

Wow. I was expecting so much more from this product. Thanks for putting this out before people start buying it up!

[@Yurimaster]

I saw this G2 at the gun show last month but didn't buy it since I had to go home and do some research first. Thanks again tnoutdoors9 for coming back and making this video. I'm sticking with the HST 147gr and Winchester Ranger T 147gr which are one of the best defensive 9mm bullets out there. Also want to comment on the gelatin. It's better to use the organic 10 % calibrated FBI specs ballistic gelatin to get some real results. The youtuber ShootingTheBull410 always use the same kind of gel for each different caliber. Sometimes it might not be cheap and easy to prepare this type of gelatin.

[@ZombieTactics]

You do such good work.

[@burnsyville]

I love your videos. I almost bought these today and am glad I came back home and researched on your channel. The HST still remains my choice caliber for 9mm and 357 sig. Thank you for the education

[@tnoutdoors9]

Speer went back to their engineers in 2015 and redesigned the G2 for the FBI. I have no first-hand experience with the redeveloped load, but I've read in various forums that the problems exhibited here have been resolved. It might be worth a try if you prefer slow-moving heavy-for-caliber.

[@burnsyville]

I wont buy until you review it first. Lol

[@TheCowboyfromhell87]

Great to have you back TN9!

[@mitzi2500]

I am so happy to see you back -- you've been missed! Thank you for testing this Speer G2 ammo. I am indeed underwhelmed by the results depicted in your video. At this time, this particular ammo is a "no go" for me.

[@swakks]

Glad you are getting better Mr T. Love all your vids. Grow up in the Deep South and love all the northern Tennessee videos from all you boys up there including Hickok. Your vids are top shelf sir. Thank you. Jawga boy in the Midwest and missing home

[@chengteh]

That seems to be a terrible round...not sure what Speer was thinking about with this one. Glad to see that your channel will still be continuing on, I've spent a great deal of time watching your videos, and am relieved to see that you'll still be doing videos! Hope all is well, and that you can find the time to work out the videos! Thanks for all your quality content; I've learned a lot as a result of this channel!

[@smitty4699]

Great to see you back tom, and great video as usual.

[@Solwa54]

Great to see you back making videos.

[@jhercey]

Thank you for posting this I had similar results on the bullets shooting into jugs of water. You do an awesome job! Thanks again

[@stingygunner]

Great to see you back, TN. I hope you're doing well.

[@elblancobasura]

Man, am I glad to see you again. Thanks for the vid. Excellent.

[@ronc1231]

Nothing there to change my daily carry preferences. Thank you for posting. Your body of work offers a library for new and experienced shooters, invaluable!

[@joshuawebster2521]

Your vid was enough to keep me away from this particular bullet from speer. Thanks!

[@ineedtochangemyname5803]

Glad to see you're doing well. And nice quailty camera!! Super high def.

[@secsiethomas]

Seeing that you posted another video made my day :) awesome to see your back making videos keep it up.

[@Maineliven]

Thanks for the test! Was so happy to see you took your time to another ammo review as I assume you knew we would be looking for this one! I as well of I am sure all the youtube gun community Really appreciate it! Thanks for this!

[@ashawnc]

I'm so glad your back doing videos. I really really appreciate you. What can I do to help out?

[@shug831]

Glad to see you are back to doing what you do best, Good Test.

[@4lhardware718]

Thank you for keeping us up to date.

[@DC2Megaboost]

Great to see you back bro, thanks for another great video

[@jwatt3rs]

I have some new production G2 with the 16 headstamp and I did my own ballistics test with properly calibrated ballistics gel (not clear ballistics), and with a Glock 19 through 4 layers of denim this bullet performed perfectly. Great uniform expansion and penetrated a touch over 16.5 inchs.

[@rls303]

It's great having you back, Thanks

[@jaconbits]

The recovered bullets look similar to what you see from bullets traveling at much higher velocities than intended (buffalo bore +P+ loads and the like). I wonder how these would perform out of a G26 or other sub-compact gun with less velocity. Thanks for the great video as always.

[@427SuperSnake1]

Regardless of the spew of rumors that this was faulty not for resale ammo.. I have zero intentions of leaving my Ranger T's or HST's behind for crap like this. If I wanted to use FMJ for defense, then I might consider purchasing these. But then again PMC Bronze would be cheaper for 50 rounds.

[@stevewonderful]

On a blog that Doc Roberts frequents are comments regarding early batches having some problems. The later version is suppose to be much improved. Not sure where your lot figures in the mix. Thanks for another terrific test.

[@Dekota_Oechsle]

Glad to see you uploading again! Thank you for your effort and great vids!

[@Neutercane]

It's great to see you back on KZbin. I didn't think you could improve on your already high previous work, but you have and I am impressed. Looking forward to more testing whenever you get the opportunity.

[@_DST0NE_]

So I did some digging, and apparently Speer did recall this ammo or at least certain batches of it. I realize this is probably old news but might help another new viewer like myself. I wish there was a recent test of the post recall batches of G2. Everything is pre recall tests.

[@samtaylor7800]

what did they recall it for?

[@MolsonMuscle]

Glad to see another video from you, tn. Your ballistic tests are without equal.

[@plusone_jhp1963]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. This hybrid version seems like a total fail

[@mmckenzie495]

Great to have you back Mr. T. And as usual, very thorough and objective vid. Surprising results, especially if the goes with these. Think I'll stick with standard 124 grain Gold Dots.

[@Spartan536]

The G2 bullet has resemblances to all 3 major FBI spec competitors, the HST (the petals and canneleure), the original Gold Dot (the bullet core), and Hornady's Critical Duty line (polymer filling). Its a sound idea in theory that just does not seem to hold up in spec testing, from either tnoutdoors9 or ShootingTheBull410, with tnoutdoors9 he used a full sized service pistol, with ShootingTheBull410 he used a subcompact pistol. Both sizes failed the ballistics media testing for design and desired performance, this can NOT be simply a bad batch of ammo, this ammo needs improvement. I will still stick with my Federal Tactical HST's for now.

[@tomslovenski]

Very glad to see you back! Thanks for testing the G2. Wonder if the Feds were trying to get an "all around" round (i.e.: one that would pass through car doors and windshields yet expand in tissue)?

[@Rotativo25]

Glad to see you back sir! This has always been my favorite channel, for sure. Hope all of well in the health Dept. As for the ammo test, I was definitely expecting more from this manufacturer. You would think that they would do a little more R&D before releasing the ammo. But, we may be missing something here. Maybe it was an out of spec lot. Who knows. Definitely looking to see what results other get. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you and yours.

[@hunterdka]

You cant beat the HD sights!!

[@tnoutdoors9]

hunterdka You get tonight's prize. Those are the Trijicon HD sights that I've had for a couple of months and they are fantastic. I do plan to post a review.

[@thekissrule]

***** I love them on my G19 as well.

[@hunterdka]

***** After using the HDs I haven't looked back I want a set on all my handguns. Looking forward to the review.

[@NarcolypticNinja]

They really do stick out, even during daylight. I'm going to use my 40% off mil discount with Trijicon and get a set for my VP9.

[@clfolsom1276]

Tn9 ammo testing is back! Life is good. Whoops, wrong catch phrase. That belongs to your nurse. Nice to see you again.

[@SCAR16s]

Excellent video. Glad to you're still at it.

[@crafty714]

I agree. I'm issued Hornady Critical Duty 9mm, 135 +P. I'll stick with that. BTW, One PitBull downed with one round, muzzle to snout, about 13 inches (officer was able to clear his holster and fire). DRT. The Pit BUll had already attacked 2 people, sending them to the hospital.