AR-15 Critical Defense vs Gold Dot!...223 Ammo Ballistic Gel Test!

[@RL-RL]

A tale of two very different results. For me, I like the way the Gold Dot ending up in the gel. Great test, and that Doppler is really paying off in real world testing.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@timrobinson6573]

Great test as usual. Your testing protocol is really coming together well.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Gotta keep it up to snuff so y'all don't fire me!😎👊

[@B_R_]

Hard hitting stuff. The jelly is good to see bullet performance, but that slowmo impact tells a bigger story. There's no doubt that either of those would successfully defend your family. Great test man.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. I really need to upgrade my jelly camera so I can have a smoother slo-mo.

[@workout1520]

My more economical Go-To for my AR15 is the 5.56 Frontier 55GR Hollow Point Match bullets. I'd love to see you test the Frontier against the Gold Dot and Critical Defense.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I know I have some Frontier rounds of some kind. I'll see what I can come up with.😎👍

[@Lucas12v]

I shoot the Frontier 5.56 75 grain hpbt's. Hornady T2 projectiles to be exact. Don't know how they'll do in gel but their very accurate in my 1/8 twist gun.

[@LKaramazov]

Yes, ifrom my 1/8 .223 wylde, the frontiers are extremely accurate with 75 and 68 grain.

[@misterfister7262]

Same.. I believe my HD ammo is 62gr frontier match

[@LKaramazov]

Yes to see how the cheaper rounds do against the high end stuff would be great. Like some versus some heavier BTHP or some v max.

[@petemidwest1071]

Proof that handguns of all calibers are designed just to bide you time to get you to your rifle! Thanks for the hard work brother!👍🏼

[@ToolsandTargets]

That's a fact! Every time I test rifles, it reminds me just how relatively "weak" all of the handgun stuff is.😎👊

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

​@ToolsandTargets well I'll tell you what I carry two 9mms with Buffalo bore 147gr +p hard cast and seismic 185gr Rounds if you're hit by either round it's going to be a lot worse than just buying you're time..

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 And they're still incredibly weak compared to a rifle round. It's not even a "conversation" worth having.

[@rob6850]

@@ToolsandTargets well said

[@ChristianConstitutionalist3192]

A 9mm May Kill Someone, But A .223 Will Rip Their Soul Out.

[@noahmercy-mann4323]

Excellent test! I've been loading the 62 grain Gold Dot in .223 for deer and pronghorn. They're GREAT on fleshy targets, performing out of proportion to the cartridge, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it for personal defense. They also have the advantage of stabilizing in slower twist rate barrels (many bolt actions have 1:12), which that 73 grain may not.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Funny you mention 1:12 twist. I picked up something pretty cool I had on order today in 1:12.

[@noahmercy-mann4323]

@@ToolsandTargets Kewl! I picked up my wife's birthday present today...it's a 1:16 😆

[@travishernandez3947]

@@ToolsandTargetswhat barrel length you using ar

[@travishernandez3947]

Btw you think the Hornady ftx good self defense?? Out a 10.5 ar

[@raybo34]

I would go with the Gold Dot because it held together and expanded nice. A half inch projectile dumping all that energy. Liking that angry joe tool. Appreciate these AR tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@abengelbrecht]

Great test! The Gold Dot apparently was designed to run in shorter barrels as well and still perform great. From this test the Gold Dot seems to be the winner overall, but both will get the job done.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Definitely some good stuff.

[@marzcapone9939]

Right on! I have the 75 gr Gold Dot in .223. I get no flash from the shorter barrels, and less noise.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊 Nice

[@TerminalM193]

Speer makes the BEST defensive use bullet in 223 / 556. Absolutely LOVE their 62&75g factory loaded cartridges. Loved the bullet design so much that I bought 100 bullets in each weight and loaded them to higher 5.56 pressures. With factory loads I can get 1.5moa out of my LWRCI 16.1" but when loaded with once fired lake city brass I'm able to get significantly more velocity while keeping accuracy right at 1-1.25moa. The extra velocity expands up to 25% more when taking on large feral hogs & coyotes and almost always drops them right in their tracks. Took my first white tail this season with the 75g. After getting hit the deer jumped almost 8' up in the air, ran maybe 25 yards and dropped dead.

[@J.Young808]

Glad to see someone else using an LWRCi. I got mine as my first AR and is Burnt Bronze M6IC DI. Is yours an M6IC DI as well?

[@TerminalM193]

@@J.Young808 Yes! I got the sportsman's dealer specific M6IC DI MLOK. The dealer specific cerekote color is called "midnight bronze". It's kind of like the burnt bronze just a few shades darker and has a very light amount of gold flake that you really can't see unless it's out in the sun. Such a phenomenal rifle, I'm very happy with it! I did change out the factory trigger for a geissele ssa and replaced the stock with a BCM.

[@rangetime6779]

Speers bonded bullet really performed well. The Lab Radar is a great addition. I rewatch some of your older videos for test results and I have to say that your quality of videos has gotten really good. Your one of the best testers on You Tube! Thanks for your content.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Really appreciate that. I hate that the quality of my early videos was so bad, but I really didn't wanna buy a bunch of recording gadgets until I knew if this would actually amount to anything. I feel like sometimes people watch an old one and assume they're still like that without watching a new one.😆

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Couple awesome rounds, really like the Critical Defense with the secondary wound channels. Haven’t tried either, but in our patrol rifles the GD is used. Another sweet test Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Impressive, I'm assuming the gold dots are bonded like the pistol cartridges, either works, but I'm leaning toward the GDs for staying together, thanks go out to Steelpunisher for the generous donation, It sounds like you're feeling better👍 Thanks Brian, I enjoyed it, and have a safe weekend, c-ya soon. 👊🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

This was one I had filmed before I caught this mess.😆 Still stopped up but I'm headin out tomorrow to do some more stuff.😎👊

[@josephpacchetti5997]

@@ToolsandTargets Sounds good my friend, I'll be there with you! 🇺🇸

[@trusttheprocess7200]

It's hard to say what type of performance on Hornady and most other brands but the Hornady performed better than I thought it would. I never have any doubts with HSTs, Gold Dots, or V-Crowns, but it's always nice to see their performance. Another great test! Appreciate it!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@dennispiert5742]

So true… years ago Hornady got me on their packaging/marketing… their almost like a round in between a HP and a FMJ. We should nickname them “the dice”

[@everett123hawj2]

Gold Dots for me for my toys!

[@jcnikoley]

For most .223 Rem, the velocities listed from the maker are from a 24” test barrel. 5.56 is often from a 20”.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sounds about right.😎👍

[@sloanmagnum5009]

Exactly. This is why I don't understand why some people are surprised by the slower velocity from a 16-inch barrel.

[@GunsmithSid]

And the AR likely has a larger volume chamber with more freebore. No surprise here.

[@RepublicofTX]

Also, people don’t realize when you’re making homemade fried potatoes that you should soak peeled, washed, and cut fries in cold water overnight to remove excess potato starch. Which prevents fries from sticking together and helps achieve maximum crispness.

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@RepublicofTX Mmmmmm, french fried taters.

[@randy206]

Most .223 boxed ammo is tested from a longer barrel like 20-24". Ammo marketed as 5.56 is usually tested out of a 16-18 in barrel. So while 223 ammo usually has a higher print d velocity than a similar load in 5.56, the 5.56 often has a higher actual muzzle velocity.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

I bought 100 rounds 5.56 Gold dot ammo from PSA back in the day and I still keep them in magazines for SHTF (hopefully it NEVER happens)…your “jelly time” video reinforces my point that I made a good purchase 👍👍👍…thank you Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. It's loaded in my main grab AR.😎👊

[@ledsled01]

Nice test! I'm amazed at how you can make the bullets travel so level in the Jelly way down range.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thanks! I am too sometimes.😆

[@anthonyguidas2012]

Both rounds preformed very well, but for my money the Gold Dot really impressed me 👍 another great video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. Thank you sir.😎👊

[@beretta92x93]

.223 remington is tested from a 24 inch to 26 inch barrel per saami specs. 5.56 is tested from a 20 inch barrel. Great video and great channel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@bobwhite4671]

First AR14 test ever, thanx brother!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@dougiefresh3767]

Blacksburg, Virginia here! I knew there was a reason I loved your channel. Keep up the great content.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. Appreciate ya, brother.😎👊

[@dougiefresh3767]

@@ToolsandTargets Virginia's for gun lovers. 😆

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@dougiefresh3767 😂😂😂

[@steelpunisher6944]

Nice! Fantastic performance from both of those. This was the perfect head to head test! I like the CD but I will be ordering some of those Gold dot when I’m done writing this. Lol. They were just about perfect in my book. Thanks for testing these. Awesome work as always my friend 👍🇺🇸

[@josephpacchetti5997]

👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate you sending them!😎👊

[@steelpunisher6944]

@@ToolsandTargets ….. absolutely my pleasure. Thank you for doing all you do for us to learn and enjoy. You are very appreciated good sir 👍🇺🇸

[@thomasjefferson4662]

223 velocitys on boxes are from 24 inch barrels and 556 unless marked is usually from a 20 inch.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@caleb6988]

Brother tools you are definitely a first class freedom seed tester on KZbin. Another excellent video brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that!😎👊

[@tadmoto]

I appreciate the time and effort you take making ballistics tests on so many different and brands types of ammo, sure does make it easier to make a choice of the best ammo available.

[@alquinn3562]

Been a fan of Speer gold dot for a while now. Taking the wife out deer hunting this year. She’s a great shot, but a bit recoil shy I’m anticipating. So seeing the 223 GD do what it did tells me that this will be what she will be shooting this year. Thank You sir.

[@bobwilson758]

It is very evident that you put a lot of effort , work , & money into making your videos for us . Just wanted to thank you for going for it in your professional way ! Good stuff … see ya ! Bob in Florida - yeah , it’s hot as , well , normal for July !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Really appreciate that!😎👊

[@stevesmith756]

Love your videos. Very informative. Our department uses the gold dots. Nobody has ever walked away from one of those 😮

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have no doubt.😎👊

[@nigeltheoutlaw]

WOW that Speer .223 was textbook perfect performance. I've never seen a .223 soft point stay together like that before after hitting something. But any .223 is going to ruin your day, no doubt about it. Thanks for the test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. Great stuff.😎👊

[@garrettschienschang4399]

I remember you doing this same test in 308 a while back. Can’t wait to see the results. Will watch after birthday dinner with the family

[@ToolsandTargets]

Happy Birthday!🎈🎉🎂🎉🎈

[@garrettschienschang4399]

@@ToolsandTargets thanks

[@Ripskiis]

I like the hornady for if i had to use it in a house or soemthing. Pretty ideal in my opinion.

[@rico300zx]

Thanks for this video I just picked up a PSA PA-15 16"NITRIDE M4 CARBINE 5.56 NATO MOE AR-15 RIFLE, OD GREEN from Palmetto state armory. Now I have to start watching your 5.56 vids!!!

[@rob6850]

Very impressive, particularly the Gold Dots, even if they didn't seem that amazing on paper. Any chance you can show us the difference between the various AAC 77 gr offerings? (They are typically a lot cheaper than these...)

[@ToolsandTargets]

Have some of those on the list.😎👍

[@greedygolddigger3650]

@@ToolsandTargets do iwi razorcore plz

[@contractor556]

Second that! 62g black tip, 77g OTM, 75g BTHP etc

[@nikos6220]

Maybe the weak loading is a feature 🤔. Both are designated SD rounds and they stick to the FBIs favorite penetration depth. Both are great, but if I had to chose one I would go with the Gold Dot. More and straight line penetration. Plus is stays together which bodes well in case there is a barrier

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I'm really curious to see what these GD do through a hard barrier.

[@bobg.8954]

Really good test, I'm digging that new Chrono more and more! Great video

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. It really takes a lot of stress out of rifle testing.😎👊

[@danielrodriguez5463]

“ slower than the box but it should still rock the block jelly time” priceless!!👏👏👏

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@tufelhunden5795]

Glad to see the gold dot does so well. It’s what’s sitting in my Tavor for home defense. I feel better as I wasn’t too sure if it was worth the squeeze when I bought them. I know it was not. 👊🏻

[@sylviacandler5541]

Your testing just keeps getting better an better

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@tristanpedersen9056]

Likely a 20"+ test barrel, the box posted velocity chart should say in the fine print.

[@Biggestmac27]

Found your channel a month ago and you have hands down the best tests on KZbin 💪

[@billlewis8884]

Im glad I caught the video....I ran into you at the gun shop right after you did this testing and you were showing those 2 bullets....I was really impressed with the Gold Dot performance, but I gotta say, that wound channel from the Crit Defense is absolutely nasty....great vids, I'll look forward to seeing more....

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Good meeting ya!

[@materferguson]

Some of the best ballistic testing I've seen, I believe given the choice I go with the Gold Dot. Thanks for the great video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@Lexicologist1971]

I have the 55 grain Critical Defense. Paul Harrel came up with some very good results with it. If I lived by myself, I'd choose the Gold Dots. For multiple occupancy homes, I'm going with the shallower wound of the fragmenting round.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Steamrunner]

From what I can find, Hornady's .223 speeds on the package are out of a 24-inch barrel while the 5.56 is out of a 20-inch barrel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@chretired]

Very interesting results Tools. Either of these rounds would do the job, that's for sure. I'm torn by which one I prefer, I'm leaning towards the Gold Dot. My biggest gripe, as usual, is the listed speed. They test in optimal conditions and usually with a maximum barrel length. Hell they usually use just a barrel and receiver in a fixed rest. Like cigarettes, they should be required to post a discloser statement on the box. "WARNING, don't expect to see these results." Be vigilant and always be safe my friend.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, it aint like it's a surprise, but they really should test something labeled as "defensive" rounds out of the most common barrel length in use for that purpose. I'm willing to bet that would be a 16".

[@SlowSpyder]

Took me a second... where have I heard "dog faced pony soldier" before... then I lol'd. Great lower!

[@darkstarninja5978]

I'm stuck with what I got in my area so i will pick the critical defense lol. Unfortunately I only have 2 boxes cuz I don't ammo hunt anymore and im saving up for future projects. Great testing there tools.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. They would put a hurtin on something.😎👊

[@MeMadeIt]

Agree - both performed well as do most 223 SP. But the Gold Dot 55gr/62gr/75gr is the standard all others are judged by. And that is why I have a small stockpile of Gold Dot 62gr and a smaller 'backup' stockpile of Federal Fusion MSR 62gr for home defense. 👍😁 And yes, when hunting for meat, a fragmenting round is definitely not desirable. 😵‍💫

[@ToolsandTargets]

Ther some great stuff.😎👊

[@BuckF0eJiden]

Most of your velocity numbers are measured by the factory out of a 24" barrel. The only exceptions I've found to this are from manufacturers that actually manufacture milspec m193, m855, mk262, m855a1 etc. Those are tested in a 20" barrel, if memory serves.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@egyptianredneck4765]

Nice test as usual I would personally go with gold dot boss but 75gr for me

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Might need to try some of those.😎👊

[@southerntriplej8061]

The Gold dot is my favorite bullet in my 6.5 Grendel's. its a awesome hunting round it really does a great job on hogs.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🐗💥

[@Golden_Patriot]

what i hate about factory loads is that they are most likely tested out of a 24" barrel sometimes 20" barrel

[@homersaypian3798]

I think Federal Fusion would be a better comparison to the Gold Dot. Between these two, I’d pick the GD for defense or hunting and the Hornady for defense only.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@allenbolen9705]

The gold dot has a sealed primer. I couldn’t tell if the critical defense is sealed.They probably tested them from a bolt action rifle to get those speeds.definitely prefer the gold dot myself. I bought some Markron bullet and primer sealer. For hunting or carrying like those sealed primers! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻another great test!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@paulanderson771]

I imagine they do the velocity test with a standard 20" barrel. That was the standard length for AR15s for a lot of years. 16" are everywhere now though. I wonder if they make Federal Punch in 223! With 223, I'm not picky - I'd grab whichever one was on sale!

[@rogerwood5228]

From what I understand,.223 is usually velocity tested from a 24" barrel, and 5.56 is from a 20" barrel

[@WaterZer0]

Yeah these are loaded with quite slow powders for the M16 or a 24 inch bolt action. You'll usually see a pretty big jump going from 16 to 20 inch barrels with factory ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. Most any 223/556 is gonna be a bad day for the recipient.

[@jedironin380]

Very well done testing, thanks for all the effort. "Fragspansion" I'm keeping that one! 😁

[@Adam-nv9zo]

Nice results from both. If i had to choose, it would be the Speer for me. Great stuff. 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@30rdMAGA-vl9ul]

I always wondered if you were in Virginia. My dad lives in lovingston and it looks a lot like where you're at. Awesome video as always can't wait to see the AAC ammo tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Gonna try to get some of that done next week if it doesn't rain every day.😆

[@billyj.williams2341]

That 62gr Gold Dot is a great performer..... Have loaded some myself over max charge of TAC as my poor man MK318 SOST clone. Great test. Thx.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Dwayne7834]

Good test as always Tools. Both will definitely put a hurting on someone. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@rogerwood5228]

Excellent timing Tools, I just bought a few boxes of the Hornandy a few days ago at Academy.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. They did the thing.😎👊

[@rogerwood5228]

@ToolsandTargets hey, of a different caliber, but do you have anything that can safely fire 45 Super? I've been using Underwood's 135gr Lehigh XD 45 Super in an FNX45, and I've been asked by a few people if I know of any testers that have shot that particular cartridge in gel. I've seen some of their earlier 120gr XD 45, but nothing of the 135s.

[@rogerwood5228]

@@ToolsandTargets PS and I'll provide the cartridges

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@rogerwood5228 I don't actually. Haven't looked into that so far.

[@rogerwood5228]

@@ToolsandTargets ok, thanks for responding and keep up the great work

[@Biomass1]

I use the 73 Hornadys and the 75 Gold dots. Both are awesome rounds.

[@Tennessee_est1983]

I thought working at a gun shop was a cool job and I love it but you are living the dream getting to shoot all these nice guns! Thanks for all the great videos you are doing a great job!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@Tennessee_est1983]

@@ToolsandTargets no problem brother you are putting out some great content!💯💯💯

[@peady64]

Great testing, and good ole Southern Hospitality. It don't get no better than that.

[@timparkhurst8661]

If I had to pick? I want the one that holds together better for barrier and it is the lighter one for more twist options. Knowing the capabilities though, grab whatever like you said. I don't like the overly optimistic velocity claims, but that fragmentation shortstop energy dump can be used to great effect also. Clean shots, as others commented tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that!😎👊

[@jeffroberts760]

My home defense AR is loaded with 73gr CD - I have hardly even shot any (I know, I know, I should run a mag or two) but my AR has never malfunctioned, and I’ve mostly shot steel case out of it. Thanks for the effort brother

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Life_Is_Torture0000]

Personally, if I'm using the AR for home defense, I prefer less penetration and more fragmentation. Reduces the likelihood of collateral damage.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@filipinophreak]

What bullet would that be sir ?

[@1erinjames]

Nice AR Tools!! Always great shooting from you! I don’t know much about 223/556 loads. Thanx for the helpful info :)

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you ma'am. They definitely hit with authority.😎👍

[@tedcollins4684]

Jelly time! I picked up a like new Astra .32acp for my range.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice.😎👊

[@chrislang5659]

Nice! I've got one box of Gold Dot duty ammo that I've been saving for a while!

[@waynefelton6413]

Thanks AGAIN Tools for a great video. Appreciate ALL your efforts and presentations.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@scarifrougeone7225]

It is Rock the Block gelly time. Love the .223 / 5.56 testing. Really appreciate you testing all the variety ammo types of the .223. Love them messes in the Gel. I know it is hard to clean but I’m sure you have a good system down for all that. Lol😂. It also gives me a great idea for what defense ammo to buy and if it it worth it. Gold Dot great choice. Be safe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️😎😎

[@calangel]

Hornady ammo typically never meets the box velocity 😅 Anyways, critical defense is a good home defense option. That gold dot is a great duty option.

[@ChadCooper03]

Random question, but where did you get that hat? It’s awesome! Good test!

[@raleighthomas3079]

Great video! Either will work for defense but the Gold Dots staying together are better for hunting, in my opinion. Love your real side by side tests for actual info on performance. And yes a rifle is a real fighting tool, as well as a shotgun.

[@garrettschienschang4399]

Great video. Both did well. I would prefer the critical duty for two leg defense. Even if it’s slower it got decent penetration and I like a bit of fragmentation with rifle rounds. For hunting anything bigger than a coyote I would probably go with the gold dot for the better penetration that you get with that bonded round.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@WayStedYou]

On Hornadys website the 2790 velocity is from a 24 inch barrel. "Test Barrel (24") Muzzle 2790"

[@ToolsandTargets]

Figures.😎👍

[@tysonc6422]

Great video! Would be interesting to see the same two projectiles pss through a 1/4 inch board first. Might be wrong but I understand that the tip on the hornady bullets is supposed to help with barriers.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

Both performed well, Tools, but my AR prefers the 55 to 62 grain projectiles. Between the two, the Gold Dot does it for me...

[@walkercustoms]

I'd prefer the Gold Dot both for hunting and defense. I do sometimes hunt deer with my AR. I definitely want to get some especially for hunting.

[@stephensmith1519]

Love the channel and info bro. Keep doing these defensive rounds for 223/5.56. Great info

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that. I have a big ol pile still to work on.😎👊

[@Nick-sx6jm]

I firmly believe that the gold dot line is best overall bullet in .224 diameter. I handload and just picked up a few hundred for 0.20 a piece which is an amazing deal considering you get the best defense/hunting bullet in .224 for about 0.40 loaded. On top of everything they are insanely accurate. I instantly started getting .5moa groups or better with my 16in gun. Also helps that I push them at 3050fps.

[@ke3552]

Nice work, thanks. Longtime Gold Dot fanboi here. Have you tested the Black Hills 5.56 50TSX load? Also a fanboi of that one as well. Thanks.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I haven't but I do have some 70 grain TSX on hand to test.

[@choppermike3329]

Thanks for another informative test. Looks like you had another great day. Appreciate it Sir.😎👍🏻👊🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Gonna try to head out tomorrow for another batch.😎👊

[@semichiganandy2127]

Thanks for the test, as usual it' was informative and enjoyable. I'd pick either for self-defense. They're both very effective, so good enough is good enough.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@bebop_557]

Both excellent bullet makers with literal decades of real world data behind them. Personally, I think that the Critical Defense here is meant for shorter barrel ARs from everything I've seen about it. Like, the shorty AR "pistols" people like to run. While the Gold Dot seems much more in line for duty length carbines. Which tracks, given how Hornady's duty line is the TAP not the Critical Defense and Gold Dot has been duty ammo for literal decades. Still, I don't think either of these would be a poor choice at all. Excellent test!

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Buddy traded me a Axis 223. Thinking about sitting with it and some of the Speer 64gr GDs ( don't think they offer them anymore). Should do well with the right placement 👍

[@charlesdriggers199]

I would pick the GoldDot for double duty. That round impressed me.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Gold Dot without hesitation! I've seen prior tests of these and they impressed me so much i bought an entire case of them before prices and availability went crazy. This is my buy once cry once round in this caliber for expanding ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Don't blame you. I bought a good stack of em myself.😎👊

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Excellent results and excellent choice with both for self defense. But Gold Dot for hunting. Thank you.

[@kimness7796]

Nice test!!! Both look good for AR pistols too. 10.5" bbl.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Got a 10.5" test tomorrow with those Hornady Black SBR rounds.😎👍

[@riflemaster1]

Like the .223 have a Henry Long Ranger in .223 1-9 twist love it that ammo would work great in it right now I have Hornady Zombie max in it

[@montywomack9535]

Definitely like the gold dot I like to keep weight retention if possible also use it in my 9mm.

[@tommyofthehillpeople]

That was a great test. Ive used the Gold Dot for deer and it worked perfectly. I dont want to get surprise fragments in meat so staying fairly solid is a plus. I think i would use it for defense as well without any concern. However, i would for sure use the critical defense for defensive purposes if thats whats available. Like you said, both performed well. Hope you are feeling a bit better today. 💪

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Think I might be unclogged enough to get out tomorrow for some range time.😎👊

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Nice results , would work for self defense or hunting ! Enjoy your weekend, father's day !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. You too!😎👊

[@newmeaning482]

I keep the Critical defense stocked up for my 11.5 HD gun and the speer in my "recce" gun. Cool to see both at the same time.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sounds like you've got the bases covered.😎👊

[@ftdefiance1]

Perhaps because of my generation but I have a great deal of 5.56 on unarmored targets. I am sitting on XM 193 55 grain 5.56 ammo like I was issued in the day

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have several thousand rounds of 193 stockpiled just in case. Wouldn't hesitate to use it for whatever I need to get done.😎👊

[@tires2burn]

Great info. I think all that shrapnel is why people are using solid copper bullets for their dinner.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Makes sense.😎👍