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

Testing some Federal Fusion and Speer Gold Dot .223 ammo. Are they actually the same rounds? Great options for self-defense and hunting? Heavy clothing ballistic gel test using a Ruger MPR AR-15.
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[@johnanderson3405]

Beautiful performance by both for sure. I’d probably just make a decision based on price if I were in the market. Good stuff as always Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same here. Thank you sir.😎👊

[@nikos6220]

That’s the stuff you need to stockpile for SHTF. Will keep you safe and fill the cooler if needed. If it weren’t for the price… total no brainer

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep. Do-all rounds.

[@TerminalM193]

These are great rounds for sure. Perform great across a wide range of barrel lengths. I keep 75g speer gold dot for the ranch. Sadly it's too exspensive to stack like M193 & 77g Razorcore

[@Biomass1]

I use Winchester 64 gr PowerPoint and Fusion 62 gr on deer and haven't lost one yet. 1 to 5 deer yearly. I trust both out to about 300 yds or so.

[@johnstewart2011]

Another good test; thanks. And one thing I appreciate is your mentioning that tiny weight differences are likely due to manufacturing tolerances. It’s always amusing to see comments in videos that try to account for a couple tenths of a grain difference from a weighed result and what is shown on a box as if that was due to the performance in test medium.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that. I assume a lot of times that folks should know things like that, but I'm coming to realize more and more that a lot really don't.😆

[@timjohnson8390]

Making the 18" barrel great again!!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

I shot a 200lb feral hog last year with a 55gr gold dot from an FNA4, double shoulder passthrough instant drop. Also shot a 130lb-ish whitetail doe with a 62gr federal fusion MSR that same year. Instant drop, aimed for the heart but shot through mesquite brush so bullet deflected to the liver. Bullet was recovered under the back hide. I prefer the 62gr Fusion MSR, their test barrel is said to be a 16" AR on their website. The regular fusion is from a 24" barrel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@misterx8592]

I shot a Sasquatch with my Gamo .177….dropped him like a bad habit…..then I woke up…

[@cl4998]

Haha...that's good. Hopefully you donated the carcass, you know, for further research.

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

@@cl4998 all the meat went in the freezer and has long since been consumed. The dogs got the bones.

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

@@misterx8592 dang. What pellet were you using to drop em? 8gr spire point would probably be your best bet. I've seen a hog dropped with a .22 pellet gun, Keith Warren confirmed it.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Generally 5.56 is from a 20” barrel, military specification. .223 is generally from a 24” barrel SAAMI spec.

[@scpatriot5270]

Now these two are for me what i think are serious self defense rounda in ar's!!!👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir 😎👍

[@haully112]

Fusions have been my go to hunting rounds for 10+ years.

[@delles1548]

Another enjoyable ballistics test. A couple of years ago, I was able to purchase 500 Federal Fusion 62gr bullets from a reloading site who sold pulled bullets from demilled ammo. The bullets look perfect, and I intended to load them in 223 for deer, hogs and other. Since I am still using the last of my 63gr Sierra SMP's and 65gr Game Kings, I haven't used the Fusions on deer yet. It is good to see the excellent expansion, and penetration is perfect for my needs.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that. Those are definitely a treasure these days.😎👍

[@currituck]

I've uses the .223 62 gr Fusion on deer. Devastating. 2 holes right thru the lungs. Just keep your shots under 100 yards. I also use the .270 150 gr Fusion. Fantastic.

[@Biomass1]

​@@currituckI've taken them out to around 300. Winchester 64 gr PowerPoint is my goto though. Taken many deer with both.

[@DuhYaThink]

Great job bud 👍🏻 just found your channel and dig the thoroughly tested rounds.

[@normal1972]

That is awesome to see. I keep Fusions loaded in my AR for home defense and had tested them in water jugs with good results. Glad to see them do well in your much better tests. Thank you!

[@adamrodgers2377]

I don't know about the newest Federal Fusion but there older 556 was loaded with the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw. My Daughter used a 64gr version to take her first White Tail Doe when she was 9 years old. They are a very good Self Defense Load and I have no worry's taking these Southern White Tails with them out to about 100 to 150 yards.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Hey man, you're the best at what you do. Any time I ever want to know about a round, you either pop that test up, or already have it made. Thanks for all the work!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Really appreciate that.😎👊

[@darrenbishop4327]

I use the Speer in my ar15. I’ll definitely be picking up more after seeing their performance. Thank you sir for your hard work bringing us this great info.

[@stephensmith1519]

Been looking at the fusion for home defense. Appreciate this video.

[@chriswalsh9989]

Great review Tools, been waiting on this one and that federal did exactly what i like to see as well!! Extremely pleased with those results, definitely gonna be keeping a mag of those loaded around the house. Thanks for all your hard work!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@vernonbruce3722]

You have the BEST channel on you tube for ammo testing. I always look to you for making my decisions on ammo purchases in respect to defensive ammo. I look forward to your videos. Keep up the good work man.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Really appreciate that!

[@JohnSmith-ii2ct]

Amazing. Channels like yours is the reason why I watch KZbin. Excellent review AND test results to help the general public. You've earned yourself a subscriber, friend.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that!😎👊

[@peady64]

I've just stumbled upon your channel. I haven't stopped watching since yesterday. Great Channel!!! One thing about the Gold Dot 223/ 5.56 ammo, you can't find it anywhere. Federal for the win just for availability alone.

[@Mbartel500]

Now that's what I'm talkin' about…these rounds are ridin' the lightnin'

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir 😎👊

[@racecitypatriot66]

Always like a good ar test. Thanks Tool's.👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother.😎👊

[@poncho12335]

Just subbed. Really enjoy these videos. JELLY TIME love it. Have plenty of the black tip in different weights. Hard to pass on the stuff when they put it on sale. Haven't shot any yet so it was great seeing you test them. Not a bad round by any means, but like you I prefer a round that expands but holds weight. The great thing about these rounds which ever one goes on sale or is cheaper you can expect the same performance. Once again thank you for all these videos. keeps us well informed.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊

[@CircleBrewery]

Nice can’t wait to see the fusion tipped on shelves 😊

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍great job by you and both rounds. I’ve always loved soft point ammo and have been deer hunting with them for years with great success in several different calibers.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Some good stuff for sure.😎👍

[@CM-nq3so]

Excellent stuff, ammo and testing. 👍

[@rawknbearbell7032]

Cool video once again bro, really enjoying the content. Keep crushing !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, my friend!😎👊

[@billscheid8073]

Just commenting to help my favorite channel in the algorithm lol. My man deserves way more views and love on KZbin. Love the consistent testing, comparisons of rounds we actually use, and of course the host himself

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, my friend!😎👊

[@bobg.8954]

I'd be happy AF to use these for home defense! Awesome performance and another great video! Appreciate it T!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@rogerray2545]

I was wondering about that federal fusion thanks a lot brother good test

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Good stuff.😎👍

[@michaeldonivan4955]

Agree with you. Fragspansion, so to speak, is not what I am looking for in any type of defensive round. Expansion and penetration is what I want and these excelled. Will go with whatever is on sale.... because I'm "frugal."

[@ToolsandTargets]

Don't blame ya! Appreciate you joining The Range Gang!😎👊

[@jackbaird5235]

As always another great test tools!!!! Absolutely one of the best and honest channels on KZbin

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@Adam-nv9zo]

Great performance, for sure. Great video, as always, brother. 👏 👏 👏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Awesome the Ruger MPR has reappeared. Good to see it on the table. Absolute nice shot placement with really good performance in the wound channel and expansion. .223 love those test. Good commentary and video. I really like Soft Points. They are impressive. That’s what I prefer for .223 👍 use them both. You have set the bar my friend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Have a great weekend!😎👊

[@scarifrougeone7225]

@@ToolsandTargets You Too! 🫡

[@CookieMonster_1969]

Thanks again for the testing you are doing.👍 You make my ammo selection easy.😁

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@gwidwock]

Great video! Thanks!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@jmichaelcarbonniere9549]

Perfect timing, Brian! I just bought a box of the Fusion for testing out of my 16" AR but it looks like now all I have to do is get my velocity data! I agree with you 100% about the performance of these two rounds, they do seem identical. And like you, I prefer the performance of a round that doesn't explode on target. I have some but save them for varmints. Anything that bites or could shoot back gets the good stuff! And this definitely qualifies as the good stuff! Damn, I didn't realize you're a psychic, too! Great work as usual, keep it up! Cheers, jc

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice!😎👊

[@caleb6988]

Oh yeah no doubt that they are the same projectile. Both preformed excellent and expanded great. Big thank you brother tools for another excellent freedom seed test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you, my friend.😎👊

[@MeMadeIt]

Couldn't be happier with these tests, Tools! 👍 I picked up some MSR Fusion 62gr a while back when Gold Dots were really scarce. Then I lucked into a great bulk deal on 62gr Gold Dots for just under $1/rd, including tax and delivery. 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

That was a steal!

[@OldGlaseye-gf7si]

Really like your videos..the 'urban camo' one was great..Love that shirt and hat. No BS, no politics..just gear..bravo.

[@glowplugs]

Awesome informative video and both rounds are awesome too

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thanks Tool! We just need to buy whichever we can find or the cheaper one if their is a choice. 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@HWG-wm8ld]

I get better groups with the fusion than out of federal bthp gold medal match in my DD M4 and 5V1. Great show bud!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@kevindutton3676]

Jelly work on point as usual. I’m impressed even though the speed was lackin.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@davidjernigan7576]

Fusion is marketed as hunting ammo, so it makes sense that they would use a 24 inch barrel

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Another good one! Thanks!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@richardhillier442]

Great job Tools 😊

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@roosterboy7357]

If I buy rifle ammo it’s either bulk or Fusion in any caliber. Other than that, standard Remington Core Lokt is probably the best you can get. Winchester Trophy Bonded does really good when it comes to terminal ballistics but I don’t know anything about the quality or accuracy of the ammo. If you’ve got fusion or Core Lokt, you’re good to go

[@l.a.3887]

Absolutely fantastic test with those bullets they are exactly the same cool video thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@Gator69420]

Two of the best 223 rounds on the market!

[@xringarcher1440]

Fusion ammo in general is really good stuff. I’d love to see some testing done with .357 mag Fusion if you can get your hands on some. Out of both snubby and longer barreled .357s

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

Back in 2016 RMR bullets had factory 2nd gold dot bullets for reloading. I bought a few thousand 62gr and 75 gr....damn i miss the good.old days

[@steelpunisher6944]

Nice! I’d venture to say they are the same load. Which if one is cheaper than the other you can rest east buying that one. Pretty much perfect performance in my book. I like that fact they stayed together and retained full weight. Awesome test as always my friend 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@Dwayne7834]

Thanks for sharing. Both performed very similar. And either way you couldn’t go wrong..

[@bobwilson758]

Right ! Agreed - that’s the point !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir.😎👍

[@freshfowler1398]

Same bullet, different powder/powder mix for flash suppression for Gold Dot LE tactical use. Excellent test Tools!!!💯🎯🙏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@paulmo-we1mw]

Hey Tools, another awesome video! 👍👍👊

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother!😎👊

[@SwampOperator]

Usually " 223" loads are speced from a hunting lenghth barrel and 556 loads are usually spcd from a 18-20" barrel length

[@d.hayward5232]

TOTALLY AGREE!!! The fragmenting rounds are fun to watch, and effective for sure. But for my money, this is what I want to see from the projectile. Kinda wishing we reached 1,000ft/lbs of energy, but as you have said previously, I'm just nit-picking now.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@keithreese9636]

Looks same to me, both had 5 pedals peeled back. Fusion didn't shoot accurate in my 223 mod 700. But very accurate in my mod70s 308win.& expansion & weight retention are top notch. Did a jug test with 150gr in 308win@ close range, caught bullet in 5th jug, expanded over .75 & weighed 128.5 grains 86% weight retention! Fusions are great & affordable, thanks Tools great review!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@michaelbarfield528]

Great review and comparison! Speer Gold Dot 62gr are my go to AR-15 self defense cartridge......period!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Good stuff.😎👍

[@williamgaines9784]

The Federals are also sold as "MSR" using 16" barrel stats. They are pretty accurate from my 18 in. Ruger MPR, and a grandson got his first deer using the MSR Fusions in it at 100 yds, season before last. Hit her a bit high, but she dropped right there.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Congrats to the little dude

[@williamgaines9784]

@@CrashRacknShoot He was a bit smaller then, but he's almost 6' tall now! #growinglikeaweed

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@gk5891]

SAAMI Specifications 24" Barrel all Rifle Calibers with only five exceptions: 20" Barrel 7.62x39mm .30 Carbine .300 ACC Blackout .350 Remington Magnum .44 Remington Magnum (Rifle) Unless a SAAMI member cartridge manufacturer specifically states otherwise that's what barrel length a rifle cartridge was tested from.

[@williamgaines9784]

@@gk5891 Don't tell that to Buffalo Bore. They chrono test many of their ammo in actual guns, short and long. The MSR ammo specifically says 16" barrel, that does not make it outside SAAMI specs. That is a statement of particular performance.

[@rsbreeze]

Good test! All Speer soft point boat tail spitzer bullets are the best! Hunted with it forever!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Love these bonded rounds.😎👊

[@truthhurts7836]

I'll take either round with that outcome as always appreciate the videos keep them coming 👍.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. Great stuff.😎👊

[@justa3v619]

The 64 and 75 gn gold dot are great bullets too. I’ve always been told the fusion was the same Speer bullet also. And the 64gn federal power shock is the same as the 64gn Speer but idk that for sure. But I have tested all of them and all perform great

[@riflemaster1]

Great video, awesome performance from the .223 I would use them in my Henry Long Ranger

[@randyhavard6084]

Picked up some of that federal fusion a couple months back, glad to see what it's going to do in the jelly

[@ToolsandTargets]

Great stuff.

[@Bob-lq9ys]

Another great test, I reload soft points, Thank you for testing .223 rounds. Great Job

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@rjw261984]

Great results! I would use whichever one was cheaper at the time. 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed.😎👊

[@treetop.garage]

Some great performance tools ..great video buddy

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Enjoy your Sunday!

[@ReloadingMoreAD1966]

Great Testing... Have a great week

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Same, same. Good bullet. Thank you. Deer & hog in right setting. But home protection these are perfect.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. Love this stuff.

[@ronniebaughman1666]

I have both of these rounds and I was wondering if they were the same and you proved the point I would have no trouble using these on deer.

[@Mack5749]

Enjoyed thanks

[@andyeighttre]

An idea for the gel testing. Flip flop the gel so that each round uses a different block for the entry block. Be an easy way to avoid the bullet taking another bullets wound channel.

[@bobwilson758]

Those .223 rounds are nice - Will purchase . Thanks big buddy ! Good video/info appreciated !

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@homersaypian3798]

I prefer either of these for 16” or longer barrels. For a short barrel, I’d use a non bonded sp or a v-max style tipped bullet. Thanks for the video! 👍🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@DerWaidmann_]

The standard advertised velocity of .223 is usually from a 24 inch barrel, 5.56 is usually chronographed from a 20 inch barrel for box velocities

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@palmettocynic8482]

Awesome as always. The lesson here is that gold dot/fusion refutes the "AR-15 in .223/5.56 is underpowered/ineffective" meme. I have these in my house AR-15. And once again Tools and Targets answers a question I had about a week ago: since I can no longer find Speer Gold Dots, do these Fusions fill the bill? That's a YES.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir.😎👍

[@leroycaudill96]

Good shooting Tools good test and good ammo I would buy either.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@JMane3000]

I love my Ruger MPR . Good test tools 👍🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Very smooth shooting rifle.😎👊

[@semichiganandy2127]

Thanks for the test, they're both excellent performers. They probably come off of the same line.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@vernonbruce3722]

Love it. Thanks!! As always, learned something new with your videos. Bonded seems to be better at disruption and wound channel. Good penetration also. I am with you. I don't care for ammo that fragments but holds together for a good wound channel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I definitely prefer these type of rounds.😎👍

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Although i dont have that caliber(yet) was really good performance , type of round i like. Thankyou sir !

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@jeffreybean5363]

Great Ammo test Tools 👊🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@brianklamer3328]

Fusion is one of the best factory loaded ammo in multiple calibers I have shot. The price point makes them even better. Thanks for another great video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@CarolinaRimfire]

Clearly I'm not entering the right raffles! Thanks, Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

She actually won 2 different AR's on back to back raffles she entered.😆

[@CarolinaRimfire]

@@ToolsandTargets Wow! Talk about marrying up! 😂

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@CarolinaRimfire 🤣🤣🤣

[@bernardcaillouet5565]

I appreciate the video. Have you ever tested the Federal 64 grain 556 law enforcement soft point?

[@LuckyDog350X]

These are perfect, can't ask for a much better do it all round. Have a good one brother see you on the next one.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Have a good weekend!😎👊

[@jctedsap]

My primary experience with V-Max is 17HMR shooting ground squirrels. They literally explode inside the squirrel whereas hollow points never expand and just go through without always killing the squirrel.

[@angrysheepdog9744]

There's no confusion when your PMag is loaded with Fusion! 💥💣⚔ Great test TT. Federal makes a Fusion MSR (modern sporting rifle) version with fast burn powder developed for 16" barrels @ 3000fps. Standard version is for bolt actions.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@shovelhead2155]

The MSR version of the Federal Fusion lists a velocity of 2750. It also has harder sealed primers.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good to know.😎👍

[@jeffreyrobertson7652]

Another good jelly test Tools Really enjoy them Stay Safe Stay 2A Strong 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate you!😎👊

[@tomsrandomness]

Makes since to me considering Vista owns both speer and federal

[@hoffpbass]

I bet they used a 22 to 22" locked bolt test barrel. Thess seem pretty nice amd could be used for deer hunting as pwr the icon on the Fusion box. Bit for varmints, VMax os still fine especially if you want to not put a second hole in the fur. These Fusion/Dots definitely would. BTW: that was some precision shooting on the gel today, Tools. Perfect placement 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@allenbolen9705]

Now that’s the kind of performance I like! Great looking bullets. Not much on fragmenting rounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@olmangarcia943]

Guys love 77otms but for ME a good 62/75gr Bonded SP or 62/70gr TSX/GMX/CX/ Dual Performance solid copper HP is what I chose for all around 223. If a SP 223 aint enough they make em in 308 too 😆.

[@DRay-or4tc]

Great Vid. I carry 64 gr GD (it was 64 gr years back) in my Truck Gun. Has always performed well on Whitetail, and is about 1.5 MOA @ 100 yds. Works for me.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. Thank you sir.😎👊

[@NCGunguy89]

I've taken 2 deer year before last with the fusion 62gr and I can confirm, this stuff works! 160 yard shot on a doe, she dropped like a sack of bricks. Entry was the size of a .22, went thru both lungs and shoulders came out at least .5" The other one was a buck at 75 yards with a rear facing headshot. No exit wound, bullet vaporized inside the skull and blew one of the eyeballs out. Skull was split between the antlers. The wound cavity on this round is no joke. Folks say you can't hunt with a .223, think again.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@thestoryteller60]

I believe the fusion projectile is the same as the LE223T3

[@TheCrewChief374]

Tools the Gel-lo looks beautiful with those tracks in it!

[@ToolsandTargets]

I wasn't saying beautiful things when I was cleaning it out.🤬🤬🤬

[@TheCrewChief374]

@@ToolsandTargets 😂 Well the beautiful thing about that is I didn't hear one word you said when you were cleaning the fragments from the Gel-lo out! 😁