Greatness Ain't Always Great...Speer Gold Dot .380 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

[@Mbartel500]

As good as the gold dots are, when it comes to lower velocities, the HST leaves it in the dust.

[@ToolsandTargets]

True

[@russelldaniels1797]

💯%

[@rileyneufeld7001]

Yep. Gold dots have an amazing track record... With duty length barrels! 4" and up and gold dots perform really well. 124 Hst just straight up works in anything you put it in.

[@jacksonroe8520]

Seems like speer has been shorting people on the powder. For the premium price of this ammo it should be loaded hot enough to work reliably.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@fivespeed3026]

For that price, it should be so hot that their attorneys are sweating.

[@roquri]

There are reasons I always load my own.

[@TwentyTwoSigma]

I had tested a few boxes myself. I always got a significantly bigger fireball from them. Never a dud.

[@ThorrRA3793]

It's 380....

[@chretired]

I totally agree Tools. If I'm going to carry a 4" it's going to be a bigger caliber. Plus manufactures need to get out of the office and go into the field and see what people carry and how their ammo performs in real life. Otherwise a nice test today. Be vigilant and always be safe.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@dariodicarlo8745]

Not everyone can handle bigger calibers some small women might be able to shoot a 4 inch barrel .380 well but not handle 9mm. Frankly having my lady run the .380 auto I always spend the extra buck to get her some underwood extreme defender it’s a great bullet type to have for slower rounds that are just really hard to get to expand from those short barrels.

[@rileyneufeld7001]

​@@dariodicarlo8745The extreme defender is the best 380 carry round. It just works where as so many hollow points fail in either expansion, penetration, or both.

[@matts4852]

I don’t even have a 380 but I could watch these jelly tests all day haha

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother.😎👊

[@ChandlerCharityTV]

Tools, I was one of the people who asked for this to be tested, thank you for doing so! Love your content. I unfortunately bought about 250rds worth of the stuff at $20 a box, on the bright side at least I got it pretty cheap. Will burn it as range ammo and then switch to HST 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir! I wouldn't worry too much. Hopefully you never have to find out, but they will still poke some holes and do the job if you put em in the right spot.😎👊

[@gunswnc]

@ accuracy by volume? LOL

[@JJ_SDWR]

Good test Tools. When I carry my Bersa Thunder, I use Underwood XTP +P, with a couple Xtreme Expanders at the bottom of the mag. Underwood knows how to make a marginally performing projectile (Gold Dot/XTP) look amazing.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@steelpunisher6944]

I couldn’t agree more my friend!! These companies need to test from common carry barrel lengths. As good as the Gold Dot projectile is, it has to hit the sweet spot for velocity. Awesome test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@leskrug9266]

I agree with you saying about the barrel links. You need to give the velocities according to what the normal average Joe is carrying instead of making your velocity see much so much higher because somebody's got a 5-in barrel instead of a 3-in barrel!!!!!!!!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Even ppl who have never owned a gun before and want to buy one will half the time ask for the smallest pistol available because for some reason they think that the better it can be hidden makes it more lethal.

[@ericbergfield6451]

My Bodyguard 2.0 loves Defiant Munitions .380 TSX defensive ammo 😊

[@mikemcmanus116]

I'll stay with the Underwood Xtreme Defender.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@TPaine1776]

Same here.

[@donakahorse]

I don't remember speer being weak back when they were the cat's pajamas, but the evidence seems to point to it.

[@JJ_SDWR]

The +P stuff is good to go in 9mm, but the standard pressure seems to be marginal. Same with this 380 apparently.

[@ToolsandTargets]

DEI 🤭

[@donakahorse]

@@JJ_SDWR I also might not have noticed, you couldn't have paid me to carry a .380 back when Speer Gold Dot was one of my goto rounds, way before HST, Underwood wasn't even a concept yet.

[@bluefalcon7296]

This and the Sig V-crowns is what I carry in my Security 380. I think the performance you demonstrated is adequate.

[@Shadow__133]

Not to mention half the cost of other defensive ammo, great to practice and ensure reliability. 👍

[@Swampytheroot]

I agree completely on the pocket 380s being wrong from smaller statured and less experienced shooters. They can be a beast. "It's only half the power of a 9." Yeah in something that is 1/3 the size and 1/3 to 1/2 the weight. They're much snappier than even a modern micro9 with full power ammo. Nice presentation

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@billj4859]

That 380 rant is completely justified.

[@TPaine1776]

Still better thana sharp stick.

[@rileyneufeld7001]

​@@TPaine1776Not when the shooter can't hit a barn from the inside of it. They can be some snappy little monsters.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@harryhellmold2512]

Thank you, thank you very much-so nice to be here.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@wickedsickfunkyfreshroller2037]

You really need that 1000 ft/s to get good expansion.

[@wealwayscarry7.0]

Tool's is definitely the coolest tool in the shed. You da man Brian. 🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@SpankyJoeHusker]

Very pertinent info for a guy with the Bodyguard 2.0! I'll stick to HST and Underwood Xtreme Defenders.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@johngrunwell]

I totally agree with your sensible comments, but we as most here appreciate!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@stevehellwood7582]

I can fully agree as to what you are saying, from a Browning BDA 380 with a 3.8 inch barrel, they do what they are supposed to - all good

[@Hanover_Fist]

Thanks Tools, I think I will stay with my good ol' ball ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@WheelieBad]

I appreciate the hunt for the best .380. Bought a bodyguard 2.0 recently, and I want to get the best I can get for the little thing. 9 is certainly easier to just blindly pick something off the shelf for, but the all day comfort of the BG2.0 is worth looking for a good round for. Appreciate the work sir.

[@MidwestPicker]

Mine loves any Underwood round

[@WheelieBad]

@ I worry with the Phillips head rounds about feed reliability, I have them myself, but wondering if the marginal difference is worth just having good old reliable ball.

[@gaylenstone9329]

Really appreciate you testing this I was carrying the Gold Dot 380 in my LCP max for the last 6 plus months and decided one day just to see what it would do when I was shooting at the range, set up a quart of water and shot it into a blanket behind it and it didn't even scratch the blanket at all, was just laying on the outside of it. Came home and immediately ordered some of the Underwood XTP plus p rounds replace my recoil spring with a 13 lb from Galloway and now that's what I carry in my max

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎👊

[@BenoitWeiss-cg8pf]

You are absolutely right, pocket 380s are way too light and recoil is punishing for someone who has never fired a firearm before. Thanks for the videos.

[@FUNKCHUNKEM]

This does a good job illustrating that .380 from a short barrel is difficult to get both expansion and penetration with. Now, granted, in its day, before expanding bullets were available for automatics, it was considered a bit of a manstopper. And it does sit right on the line between pocket pistols and service cartridges. And, as such, from a long enough barrel, straddles the line of duty cartridge performance with the tradeoff of being much easier to shoot. Stuff like the Beretta Cheetah coming back, I think it is a viable option for most people. If you could, I'd love to see a video on Federal's P380HST1. Some testing I've seen alleges that will penetrate about 14 inches from a 4"-ish barrel, and expands just like a 9mm HST, but it's not very well documented.

[@miker9043]

Thanks Tools for saving me some money !

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@2._-1.-_]

Thank you!

[@russellweber3466]

There are several videos of people shooting HiPoint .380 carbines with really excellent results with a variety of ammo. And redball 20 shot 9mm mags with work in HiPoint .380 acp carbines and pistols well.

[@brians2733]

This is a good illustration of why if I’m shooting a Gold Dot bullet, I make sure it’s an Underwood load instead of a Speer load.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Thank's Brian, have a safe weekend, best and most comprehensive test channel on Y-T 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that!😎👊

[@choppermike3329]

Great comparison and info on the .380s. We've been getting some winds here in No. Virginia. Bet it gets cold on that ridge when you get a breeze.👍🏻👊🏻🥶

[@chicorodriguez3964]

it warmed right up 40° here the past few days and melted half the snow been pretty nice out up here in Michigan but thanks for another great video

[@semichiganandy2127]

I have to agree with you. My BG is very snappy. My EZ is almost as mild as a .22. It's surprisingly effortless to use.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. Huge difference.

[@mariodesmo]

I carried a 380 LCP until I started watching your videos and listening to your 380 rants. lol That being said, I now carry a P365 in 9mm... Good Luck!

[@ManDuderGuy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but....380 USED TO serve more of a purpose because you couldn't get a 9mm that small. Now you CAN get very small and slim 9mm guns; so the only remaining niche for the 380 is VERY small guns or people who are frail or arthritic but still want the capacity of an auto. Amirite? Amirong?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sounds about right to me.

[@williammccaslin8527]

I had hope for this one as I do tote a .380 most of the time now, oh well, it is what it is. Thx for the vid TT

[@jeffreybean5363]

Good ammo test Tools on the 380acp. I have to agree with you that the manufacturer's that make these 380 rounds need to make them perform well out of a short barrel versus a longer one. Because you're right because most people are not going to carry a bulky 380 and they want a slim small 380 Tool.

[@Maddog3060]

Thanks to you I save money not buying poor performing ammo.

[@ogbobbye]

great video tools stay warm out there brother

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thnak you sir.😎👊

[@bobg.8954]

Tools, I know you won't be shocked by this but I agree 100%. I mean the original bodyguard that I now own is good at about 5 feet, like you said, make the ammo for what people are carrying not for what you decide to test it with, just be realistic! Awesome 380 video, appreciate ya Brother! 🤛😎

[@Spookybones411]

I’ve seen a lot of your videos. I know Gold Dot used to be toward the top of the list but after several tests they seem to have slipped down the list a few spots. Don’t get me wrong they’ll still get the job done but Federal HST seems to be running the game at the moment. At least to me anyway.

[@ToolsandTargets]

HST seems to have a wider velocity range where you still see good performance.

[@DougCutler-tn2ey]

I bought my wife an LC380. The added size makes it less snappy while increasing velocity.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@kerino1]

Tools - thanks for the test. From experience, everything you said today about the little 380's is very accurate.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@ponchothompson8211]

Thank you sir.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@KD-lb9bg]

Thanks for another fine round of Jelly Time testing. Underwood Xtreme Defenders or Penetrators for me when I opt to carry a 380, which is becoming less and less of the time.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍😎 Better late than never!

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍 Thanks Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother.😎👊

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

The only 380 I own is a micro so ball is my ammo of choice as HP’s are so inconsistent. Thanks for the jelly test Tools!

[@jeremymcauliff8485]

99 grain HST is my 380 carry loading.

[@catshark12]

Thanks again!

[@andrewnesbitt2523]

This is great info. I've been considering getting the Bodyguard 2.0 for my girlfriend, but clearly one has to take a closer look at specific ammo performance when it comes to .380 and the specific barrel it'd be fired from. When you think of Speer Gold Dot, normally it's usually a no-brainer, but this proves otherwise in some cases. Not to mention considering the snappiness factor of the Bodyguard 2.0 like you said. Thank you for the test!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@Bob.W.]

Thanks sir. .380 too iffy for hollow points.

[@Kaelland]

Alright, boys, we can put away our 10mms. We have a new contender to the 50-yard powerhouse throne. The Bodyguard 2.0 cranked out an average of 883 feet per second at 50 yards for an average kinetic energy of 155 energy foot pounds. The Shield EZ produced a smoking 941 feet per second on average at 50 yards for a massive average kinetic energy of 176 energy foot pounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤯 Physics defying power!

[@urielmaldonado2677]

You know, i like these 380 tests. I have a beretta 80x tactical urban with a 4.5 inch barrel to really maximize velocity. Yes i know that it's not as good as a 9mm but I'm always in urban environments so i dont want to risk over penetration. Plus it's smaller, lighter, and shorter with that 4.5 inch barrel than my 92x or CZ75 compact. I can maximize followup shots while maintaining a round that can get me over that 200 ft-lb of energy threshold

[@mikeellis4158]

I don't understand why gold dots have started getting bad. They used to be the number one round in law enforcement. NYPD used the 124 gr gd and had good performance from it. I wonder if to save money, they have changed the powder the use or loading a little less ? Who knows.

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤷‍♂️

[@nadineherrell5426]

You are right. Period!!! Michael Herrell

[@30rdmaga]

100k subs coming up soon!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@rico300zx]

Thanks! I enjoy your .380 videos the best for some reason

[@curtshelp6170]

I tested the 380 GD last week through two layers of 12 oz duck canvas into water jugs and it expanded perfectly but got stock between the second and third jugs out of my Max.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Tools you need to have a ranting and raving chat live soon

[@henrybobswillikers]

Yeah Boy ! Love your content brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Thanks a bundle. 380 can difficult to get reliable expansion. Nice when it does it's job.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@andrew_brent]

I like that Cleetus hat, you a race fan?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Not so much a race fan anymore, but absolutely love his stuff.

[@mrcnorth7149]

So for a carry .380, it is flat point fmj, or Underwood defenders or I have seen some (not all) YT good results with the XTP 90 grain bullet. Your test just proves that point more as we have seen you test Gold Dots this video and Critical Defense previously. Good stuff. To me .380 pistols are for ultra concealment, which usually means summertime, so it is better than nothing, but yeah lots of better choices. And I agree on the barrel length that mfg's should test with

[@angrysheepdog9744]

.380 acp was never designed to shoot hollow points. If you load a +p flat nosed fmj with flutes cut in you have a extreme penetrator good for 16-20” and tissue disruption similar to a decent 9mm jhp. That makes for a fierce pocket mouse as long as you can aim.

[@MidwestPicker]

Great video

[@ironidjit3266]

Hi tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yo! 😎👊

[@jasongibson8114]

Great review I'm a Bersa 380 guy.

[@عباسالشرع-ذ8ر]

When you going to test the defiant Munition 300blk 110gr tcx ?

[@ToolsandTargets]

One day soon.

[@ratagris21]

Patience is a virtue Grasshopper 🦗

[@عباسالشرع-ذ8ر]

@@ToolsandTargets thank you ♥️♥️♥️

[@ScarabaeusSacer435]

I have the bodyguard 2.0 but I am well aware of the 380's limitations of hollow points with them. For me it's FMJs-- it would be the underwood xtreme penetrator or xtreme defender which both achieved pretty ideal penetration and more disruption than an FMJ as can be seen in one of the videos Tools did a couple of years back, but I'm not made out of $1.40/rd practice money, and I wouldn't carry a round that's too expensive to regularly train with.

[@jmichaelcarbonniere9549]

Good test, Brian! Unfortunately Speer seems to load everything well under it's best potential. I'm not sure why that is, maybe lawyers, maybe just being cheap, who knows for sure? Speer sure isn't saying! I've pretty much come to expect one failure after the other out of my one and only .380, an AMT Backup. All stainkess and easy to conceal, but performance out of every ammo & bullet I've tried has been pretty miserable. Which is why I've settled on the Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo. If nothing else it has consistent penetration! I will say I'm getting a consistent velocity of 1200 fps and the destruction in my test media (ziplock bags of water) has been impressive. I very rarely carry the Backup and use it only for situations where nothing else can be concealed. The sights are useless so it's definitely a belly gun! To be honest, I only recommend the .380 in unusual situations, where for some reason it's the only thing someone can use. Otherwise, at best it's better than a stick but that's about it. I put the .380 at the very bottom of the list for self defense, while calibers such as .32, .25 and .22 lr are not even considered. And you're right, people are still going to carry those tiny calibers and feel well protected, even though they are not. Yes, if you get mugged by a fairly normal human, they will run like a rabbit if you pop your little .22 off at them! But it's that one crazy individual that refuses to be intimidated by your little pop gun that is going to unscrew your head while you are waiting for those little slugs to start working. Maybe they will in time, maybe they won't but in the meantime, you are toast! Cheers, jc

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@milehighgimpster]

Another good test. Thanks Tools for the continued efforts and videos.

[@BillyJoeJimBob-us2mc]

It's 60 degrees today, but slimy ground - at least it's not freezing in your foothill? area :P

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, it's a muddy mess but I'll take that over 20 degrees.

[@tedcollins4684]

Hit or miss. I think got a lot of hype from the lawman packaging. Thanks! Stay safe and warm brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@davidjernigan8161]

On the subject of velocity of Speer ammo, their loading data also has lower listed velocities with the same powder charge than what the powder mfg. or hand loader magazine gets in their tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Interesting

[@brandiwynter]

Another .380 video so you know what I'm going to say. I have no use for .380 and in the immortal words of Col. Harlen Sanders "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken". 😁

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤭

[@strider8933]

I have an old LCP and carry Hornaday 90 gr. Critical Defense Gold Dots are historically velocity sensitive. Them shorties just ain't got it! As always, great test and info!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@ThorrRA3793]

Gold dots are only good if you can push them at high velocities. Other ways the bonded goodness turns to bonded ickiness and basically gives you a FMJ

[@SpankyJoeHusker]

Bodyguard 2.0 trigger bite - I have two of these pistols, one bites me even in warm weather, and the other one never does. Maybe something could be done to the trigger to fix it? I know you're not high on .380 for carry. I use it as a tool for certain circumstances and see it as the "get me to my bigger gun, gun". I.E. carry in summer or low risk situations and use it to get to the truck arsenal where I can unleash holy hell.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Just the nature of the beast with some of these small ones.🤷‍♂️

[@scottsmith31]

I’ve been saying it for years, Speer is not all it’s cracked up to be. Federal HST proves time and time again to be the absolute best all around defensive ammo.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

I don’t like any of the gold dots these days with the exception of their 125gr in .357Sig.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, it doesn't seem to be all that great these days.🤷‍♂️ I do have a pretty good .357 Sig test that should be up on Sunday.

[@craigbenz4835]

@@ToolsandTargets Can't wait.

[@crsquirrely73]

As always brother I enjoyed the video but I'll definitely be sticking with my 9mm or bigger. I just bought a XDM 10mm with the 4.5 inch barrel

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎👊

[@timrobinson6573]

Live Stream Time

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@roberthill6554]

I'm surprised the SW 2.0 cycled 5 times in a row with a JHP.... also not that many people Carry a full size 380 Pistol. Most people who carry 380's carry the Mouse Guns for concealability ... LCP, the SW 2.0 etc... I'll stick with Critical Defense for now. Great demonstration as usual.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have to give it credit, this Bodyguard has been flawless as far as function with anything I've fed it so far.

[@craigbenz4835]

At least it was warm enough for the straw hat.

[@ToolsandTargets]

It sure helps with the sun.

[@rguy57]

Ok, I love your videos and test process. Unfortunately I have reached a saturation point. Can you just post a video of guns you rely on and you ammo that you carry!

[@FrankRizzo-r2e]

20-30 years ago Gold Dot was the Gold Standard but they've been de-throned. Speer hasn't kept up to the competition which has surpassed them IMO.

[@nelsonr1467]

No it's just they keep watering down their ammo

[@ElainesDomain]

I approve of this rant.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Rundu1987]

Thx Tools! I am a little bit upset because this is my carry load in my Beretta mod. 84.

[@stansdds]

Nice test. I've never been sold on carrying a .380 and I'm still not. If I'm carrying a pistol, it will be nothing less than 9x19 mm.

[@thePrussian]

Instead of near beer it’s Speer beer.

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤭

[@rogerray2545]

👍👍

[@jasongibson8114]

2nd best hst are amazing I like Federal hi shok +p+ 115GR SENT many thugs to the promised land! 3:25

[@randomfist797]

I don’t own a 380 but if I did, I’d seriously consider using fmj. I’ve just seen too many tests where hollow points don’t open yet they don’t seem to over penetrate either. And with fmj, you have a slight less chance of a malfunction.

[@richki.24]

Yay for Jelly Tyme !!!!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

My response is on X. Buffalo Bore HC, or flat nose FMJs for 380? If not, I'd go Extreme Defenders if they feed.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sounds about right to me.😎👊

[@billdye3530]

Size & barrel length does matter that's why I chose the Security 380 over smaller versions. Saying that I actually have a 2 shot 9mm Roughneck in my pocket now 😂. It weighs more than the Bodyguard. It uses the Fire 2 Load 2 Pray & Call 911 method. If fps ain't 1,000 or more projectiles may not expand. Good info as always. Thanks. 🙏👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@billdye3530]

​@@ToolsandTargetsThe Lc9s is small & very slim for concealability but hefty. But it's a handful & you learn to adjust your grip on it or it stings.

[@SniffyBT]

And then they came out with 30 Super Carry, but you can’t get a 380 sized pistol in it. They need to get on the same page.

[@UncleFjester]

*THATS SOME PURDY JELLY THERE!*

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊