Federal Vs. Speer: 62gr 223 Bonded Soft Point Gel Test | 4k60

[@sgtmac11b]

What everybody who hunts with a 16" AR really wants to know - 62gr Gold Dot vs 62gr Fusion MSR. Velocity tests & expansion/penetration at distance. Would be great to see this side by side with a 16" and 14.5" 1-7 twist chrome lined barrel, which is what a lot of 16" ARs are. These two rounds are hugely popular and direct competitors.

[@TheKalkara131]

Don't think I have a 14.5, but I do want to do a fusion msr test

[@sgtmac11b]

@@TheKalkara131 even the 16" 1-7 would be a great test with those 2 rounds since it's the most common barrel out there.

[@TheTruth-sd8ey]

You actually hunt with 223? I feel sorry for your animals. I wouldn't trust 223 for human defense, let alone animal hunting.

[@88geauxtigers]

​@@TheTruth-sd8ey I've never had to track any animal I've shot with Fusion MSR in .223. I also don't miss my shots. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Benroe-yz1nz]

​@TheTruth-sd8ey throw a barnes or gold dot at a medium sized animal with a fast handload and it's a decent round

[@michaellewis5624]

Gold dot is amazing no matter what caliber!!!

[@arthurwilliams8371]

Great video. I personally use the Speer Gold Dot for my home defense guns. My department uses the Federal Bonded SP. It should be noted the Federal Bonded SP is more expensive than the Speer Gold Dot. But, I feel comfortable using either one.

[@steviebleckley]

Good test as always. The only thing the Federal tactical bonded does better then the gold dot is penetration threw auto glass.

[@mrdark9916]

Which is pretty important tho from a duty perspective But honestly they are both absolutely solid options.

[@sheldoniusRex]

Through

[@ahole5407]

Gold dots are not bonded barrier blind rounds. The LE223T3 are. Put an angled windshield or car door in front of that gel and see what will happen.

[@dustydee880]

Not true at all. Gold dot and fusions are in fact bonded. The jackets are electroplated to the core. They both perform very well through barriers. There are tons of test to show it. They also expand at much lower velocities which gives better range performance,

[@ryanhattaway8006]

Good comparison! Would you consider testing the Winchester 64 gr Power Point? This is the same bullet that was used in the Winchester Ranger line formerly used by many law enforcement agencies. As much as this round has been used hunting, this round is probably a decent pick for home defense (as long as auto glass penetration isn’t a requirement), but there just isn’t a good quality clear gel test of this ammo on KZbin. If you’re willing to test this one, I’ll happily send you a box.

[@timb8970]

Great video. Please keep up the good work!

[@desdenova69]

I would like to see a barrier test like car doors and glass with these 2 loads.

[@TheKalkara131]

I did a simulated FBI barrier test on the speer. It's up on the channel

[@cadamsm11]

Nice demonstration. I currently run the 55g Gold Dot, which expands to a respectable .50”. for a SD round. 62g gives you a little more heft, I’m sure. If you look at my most recent video, You can see what I got out of the 55g with an M&P-15, 16” barrel.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Your thoughts on the 75gr Gold Dot?

[@cadamsm11]

Since I use either 1:9 or 1:12 twist rifles, I tend to stay under 69 grain, but I’ve heard they’re great out of 1:7. @@JohnLee-jk5ew

[@ikemouser2580]

The issue with 62gr GD is its velocit resulting in a small MPBR, I run 12.5's supressed; weight matters, speed of rifle manipulation matters, target transitions speed matters hence the 12.5. Once you start putting lasers lights and supressors on a 16.5 you lose a ton of speed therefore I want a hot round that will give me good velocities in the 12.5. So the quest for the best overall SHTF barrier blind round continues... The Barnes 62gr TSX/TTSX is the best overall round with barrier blind capabilities(but not worth the maintenance/fouling issues in SHtF), the 77gr TMK is the best semi-barrier blind round but in the BH loading also suffers from low velocity like the gold dot loadings. Therefore looks like the best BB round is the 62gr federal fusion msr, also has much higher velocities than the 62gr gold dot loadings, it's also extremely accurate. I am interested in a 5.56 loaded gold dot but no one sells it. Could you test the fusion MSR? BONUS, it's also widely available.

[@viclashawn2201]

Agreed. However, the most devastating on bare body no barrier is the TMK/heavier grain polymer tips. Even the 77 grain TMK wouldn't perform best through BARRIERS, maybe 77gr SMK. I'd stick to mid-grade polymer tips like the 60gr VMAX's & for barriers the 62gr bonded TBBC's.. I wouldn't get too hung up on velocities outta shorter barrels. For example, most engineered rounds are capable of expanding down to 1600-1800 fps. Your 12.5 suppressed firing a 62grain ttbc at say 2400 fps only becomes non effective around like 200 yards according to jbmballistics. Velocities out of most premium bonded DEFENSE projectiles just doesn't really matter imo. Think the slower the round in target the more time the projectiles have to perform. For example imo THE BEST round performance is 75gr Speer GD, most would say the same but can't get over how slow it is at only 2500-2550 fps. But law enforcement agencies knew their not going to be taking 200-300 sniper shots either lol. Rather CQB situations including defeating barriers/body armor. Only peers I see increasing the velocities are hunters who want that performance out to longer distances. All preferences I suppose. Take Care

[@bearman000ify]

The gas farts were epic!

[@mghegotagun]

Hoping to see a federal fusion MSR test. I hear it has deceptively spicy velocities.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Depends on the box- both 62gr but one is considerably faster than the other

[@TerminalM193]

I wouldn't want to add anymore velocity to the 62g variant. It's traveling at its designed velocity, giving perfectly adequate accuracy & terminal ballistics.

[@timrobinson6573]

No doubt it's good but with tax it's $40 for a box of 20. At that price no one is practicing with it enough to be proficient. I can get 55 grain ammo at $87 for 150 rounds at it is going to do 90% of what the Gold Dot will do. It's .223, it's going to absolutely destroy any two legged target at self defense distance.

[@TheKalkara131]

You don't need to use the specific self defense load to be good with a rifle. Use cheap ammo to practice, zero your rifle with your SD load and you'll be good. There isn't exactly any noticeable difference between 55gr and 62gr at, as you said, self defense distance

[@MeMadeIt]

@@TheKalkara131 That's what I do. 62gr TBBC for SD, 62gr FMJ for range. Same with 9mm - 147gr HST for SD, 147gr FMJ for range.

[@TerminalM193]

I get them for 17-20 bucks a box online, 12 dollar shipping and usually get 200 at a time.

[@mattsterpiecenjmaflva9956]

@@TerminalM193where!?!!!!!!

[@TerminalM193]

@@mattsterpiecenjmaflva9956 I've been using recoilgunworks lately but I'll find cheaper sources here and there. I was able to grab 300rds of Speer 62g sp at botach website not too long ago for cheap price.

[@mattwalters6834]

Neat That pause at 5:05 is classic 😂

[@TheKalkara131]

Damn wind

[@bkb5668]

I like bonded soft point for hunting. I will take a case of steel case Russian soft point for self defense as I can purchase four rounds to one for the same money and I think in most situations you or whatever your firing at would not know the difference. I do not like fmj for any defense purposes but would also use it in a pinch. Bonded soft points are way to expensive to purchase/store in bulk. I bought a bunch of 62gr. 5.56 sp from sgaammo a while back and it is very good stuff. I will say inside 100 yards any expanding bullet will do, thanks for the videos.

[@nelhead4807]

You should try the fed fusion as well.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Same projectile as the gold dot

[@viclashawn2201]

Awesome video dude! ✅️ Great rounds indeed

[@TODinWY]

Gold Dots are the BOMB! Pull a few of each and swap bullets. The Gold Dots At 2850 will probably take the gel block apart.

[@TheKalkara131]

I did a video with a stock GD and a hot, handloaded one. Impressive for sure

[@zacharydance7822]

Heck yeah thanks

[@Markyymark662]

Great video and the best 2 bullets for 223 by far. I like them both about the same. Their both nickel case and they both do dang good, I’ve had a lot of gold dots for a long time and just recently found some federal 62gr so I ordered some of it hasn’t came in yet but can’t wait to try it and test it out

[@eddiearchuleta615]

I have the xm556sbct3 it’s the 5.56 version of the 223 federal bonded they use the trophy bonded bear claw projectile it’s a way tougher bullet than the Speer gold dot or federal fusion msr (fusion and gold dot are same projectile) the xm556sbct3 62 grain hit 3070 from my 16 inch

[@TheKalkara131]

If I could find any of that or the FBIT3 rounds, I'd love to pick some up to test out. I've seen some tested before, extremely impressive.

[@eddiearchuleta615]

Yea I picked up some from bone frog gun club Andrew from the chopping block tested it from a 10.5 it did phenomenal that along with the 50 grain tsx

[@HarryManback0]

@@TheKalkara131 That ammo has been impossible to find for at least a year now. I've been looking consistently to stock up on more of it. I bought 400 rounds of it in early 2021 for $1.25 per round.

[@txgreek3512]

Personally, no gel test gives a true perspective of actual damage caused by either but realistically speaking gel testing is designed for flesh a fluid like, not taking into account of bone and cartilage. I prefer the deeper penetration of the Federal Tactical as bone and cartilage will definitely slow down and bullet.

[@frankgrillo8094]

Hey bud , here's a thought- beg , borrow, or steal 😂 a 20in bbl from someone @ add to you're tests , I do believe you'll be amazed at the results- 98% of us don't need short bbl ARs-- we're not jumping in an out of Humvees, and that extra 4in really steps up the effectiveness of the round !

[@TheKalkara131]

Not sure I consider 16" short, but I know what you mean. Problem is, as much as I ramble, adding in a 20" version would probably make the video really long. I already have one though, so I'll consider adding it in

[@sgtmac11b62]

If it were me, I'd do 11.5, 16, and 20. 1-7 twist is most popular because it's mil-spec. Only two twists I'd test are 1-7 and 1-9. 1-8 is great, but not as common.

[@TreborUSCG]

I get 2746 FPS in a 16" barreled AR, out of my Speer 62 grain Gold Dot reloads in LC brass, Ramshot TAC, CCI 450 primer @ 2.250" COAL. Seems to work just fine.....

[@thatoneguy454c]

The gold dot and fusion are basically the same bullet for all intents and purposes

[@Mitsurugi2424]

I'd like to see 62gr gold dot vs 77gr mk262 mod1/razorcore I know the weighs are different but my goal is to find an optimal defense round, not compare grains.

[@TheKalkara131]

The issue is finding 62gr gold dot in stock. I swear I haven't seen any in months, maybe a year? It's been incredibly long

[@jdmbraceyourself9860]

Great video

[@eddiearchuleta615]

Try the black hills 50 grain tsx if you can get them they are amazing

[@TheKalkara131]

I'll keep an eye out

[@builtfordtough4499]

That is permanent wounding damage. It has to make a difference when both penetrate enough..

[@ramzankadyrov6035]

I prefer 62 grain federal fusion.

[@denveready3486]

How does the speed gold dot hold up against a Barnes copper in equivalent weight

[@doubled3120]

Great review.

[@itsamk18-ish]

Aim surplus has some of those Orange and some of the green lancer mags in stock if you want more. They make cool IG pics i only use them for range mags though,I’ve had too many issues with them and the rounds pop out too easy. I have some American eagle 50 gr jhp varmint & predator loads I’m waiting to use on some gel. I’m thinking out of a 10.5 they might get a little more penetration but stil break up pretty good.

[@connerm4850]

I’m getting ready to chrono/test 25.5-27.5gr w/ CFE223.

[@jeremysilcox9362]

Would you do a test on the sierra game king 65 gr sbt? I also have Speer Gold dot bonded sp in the 70 gr.

[@mblake0420]

Federal fusion is the same as gold dot, that was me that sent the ammo, 3050fps on handloads

[@TheKalkara131]

I remember you. I still appreciate it, thanks man

[@ramzankadyrov6035]

Really? Is that true??

[@mblake0420]

@@ramzankadyrov6035 yes

[@mblake0420]

@@ramzankadyrov6035 just brass cased

[@ramzankadyrov6035]

@@mblake0420 interesting.

[@beamtopz]

I was told that speeding up Gold Dot (55, 62 or 75) harms it because it's designed to expand at 223 velocity. If too fast it won't expand an act like FMJ

[@TheKalkara131]

You can push a bullet design too fast, but that depends on the bullet and how hot the company loads it. Some load it conservatively, so you can push it a lot faster than the factory load. Some companies will load a bullet almost all the way to max from the factory. It all depends

[@TerminalM193]

That's correct, I've personally contacted Speer and they said the exact same thing. The bullets design falls perfectly within the parameters of velocity and Speer went out of their way to state that the bullets design will work as intended all the way down to 1250fps but when the round is pushed further than intended velocities that's when you'll start getting a severe drop in accuracy, premature expansion which can greatly diminish penetration and performance. I'll never understand why so many people are obsessed with pushing bonded soft points at the fastest rate possible. These rounds have been specially designed to work as intended from 10" to 20" barrels out to 200 yards. The only reason I can see wanting to push these rounds at a higher pressure is maybe for a hunter that wants the round to perform at its maximum potential at a minimum of 100 yards. For everything else, leave the damn round alone and just use it!

[@MeMadeIt]

Too fast to expand is a myth. Just the opposite. Too fast and they expand explosively with minimal penetration. Too slow and they fail to expand and act like an FMJ.

[@beamtopz]

@@TerminalM193 Wow interesting! Thanks for the details

[@beamtopz]

@@MeMadeIt Ah yes that makes perfect sense, I had it backwards. Still I guess same rules apply, dont alter the velocity too much in either direction unless you desire alternative effects on target

[@Marcus2750-u1t]

If you think thats good velocity you should see my handloads using the 62 speer gd and especially out of my 24” barrel ar. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheKalkara131]

I tested some hot, handloaded 62gr GD from a subscriber before, it did good

[@Marcus2750-u1t]

@@TheKalkara131 thats great! All my stuff is within the data in numerous reloading books I have, wish I could send you some and you try.

[@TheKalkara131]

@@Marcus2750-u1t At some point, I should get into reloading. But I'm moving soon, so buying new stuff for the channel has taken a back seat

[@Marcus2750-u1t]

@@TheKalkara131 loading some 300 blk 120 tac tx right now, a killer round

[@mblake0420]

@@Marcus2750-u1t I loaded those on his video. 29.6 grains of 2000mr, cci41, at ar15 mag length (556 data )and get 3050 from 16inch. Max charge is 30.2 per Speers load data. Load at your own risk, check Speers load data they have 556 loadings (load data above) and 223 loadings with data for longer barrel

[@jameskennedy6982]

30+ years ago, the Firearms Training Unit, FBI Quantico, sent out some .223,60gr Nosler Partition, and some 62gr TBBC....neither did what they hoped....penetration of a windshield.

[@randystockton624]

Why paid so much for GOLD DOT when u can get soft point with same results at half price? I'm into buying and having large amounts of ammo and just can't afford paying 1.50 a round just ridiculous.

[@joeyphillips1181]

If you need deeper penetration in a animal or something the federal is actually better.. its just personal preference

[@angrysheepdog9744]

Gold Dot always on point except the Federal is trucking 150fps faster so increased range. Dude those gel blocks look nasty even has beard hairs stuck to it

[@ryanehlis426]

20 inches penetration is better for deer 🦌 hunting, federal performance is better.

[@RoadTraveler]

bump

[@KevinWood44]

6:53 you pointed a loaded rifle at your foot.

[@combatsolutionsgroup2021]

Guy who’s never been in a gunfight in his entire life is telling us about what to look for in gun fighting ammo….

[@TheKalkara131]

Guy who's read a bit about ballistics tells you his opinion on what to look for in self defense ammo** I love how you seem to think that being in a gunfight makes you an expert.

[@cmtwgrdk2748]

A surgion, that never went through a operation on himself, can be highly qualified to do surgery on others,, ;o)

[@lesliewoinarowicz7018]

Are you serious 🤪?