Speer LE Gold Dot 223 64gr Ballistics Gel Test & Results

Mrgunsngear · November 14, 2012, 04:07 PM

Just finished up the testing of the 223 Speer Gold Dot 64gr soft point round. Here's a summary of the conditions and results.

Test conditions:
-16'' PSA mid-length chrome lined barrel
-70 degrees
-300 feet above sea level
-Test rounds fired from 7 feet
-FBI spec Clear Ballistics gel block (more on this below)
-4 layers of denim

Results:
-2,753 fps average velocity
-1076 ft/lbs energy
-18.5'' penetration
-Maximum expansion measurement: 0.48''
-Minimum expansion measurement: 0.35''
-Retained weight: 54 grains

The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing. I calibrate my gel per their specs prior to testing and use 4 layers of denim per IWBA protocol.

However, by no means am I saying this test is a substitute for the great work industry professionals like Dr. Roberts and others do. I'm just a shooter that likes to learn about the products I use.

Here's the video showing the test, the permanent cavity, and a discussion of the results:

64gr 223 Gold Dot HD Video Test Link

I welcome your thoughts/recommendations for future testing.

stevedscross · November 25, 2012, 08:55 PM

good stuff thanks for the post. Glad to see that I am not the only one who tests bullets. Though I have never fired that specific load I am aware of it, and what it is suppose to do. Do you plan on using it for a duty load, hunting, home protection or just like to shoot stuff with bullets? From the research i have done they are marketing the .223 Gold Dot for a duty load to be able to shoot through car windows and such. I wonder what the penetration would be after fired through auto glass. If I were to make a guess based on what you posted and my own research our of your rifle and into a gel block I would bet on about 11-15 inches penetration which seems about right for the purpose of the load.

November 14, 2012, 04:07 PM	#1
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	Speer LE Gold Dot 223 64gr Ballistics Gel Test & Results Just finished up the testing of the 223 Speer Gold Dot 64gr soft point round. Here's a summary of the conditions and results. Test conditions: -16'' PSA mid-length chrome lined barrel -70 degrees -300 feet above sea level -Test rounds fired from 7 feet -FBI spec Clear Ballistics gel block (more on this below) -4 layers of denim Results: -2,753 fps average velocity -1076 ft/lbs energy -18.5'' penetration -Maximum expansion measurement: 0.48'' -Minimum expansion measurement: 0.35'' -Retained weight: 54 grains The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing. I calibrate my gel per their specs prior to testing and use 4 layers of denim per IWBA protocol. However, by no means am I saying this test is a substitute for the great work industry professionals like Dr. Roberts and others do. I'm just a shooter that likes to learn about the products I use. Here's the video showing the test, the permanent cavity, and a discussion of the results: 64gr 223 Gold Dot HD Video Test Link I welcome your thoughts/recommendations for future testing. __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel Last edited by Mrgunsngear; November 14, 2012 at 10:17 PM.

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November 25, 2012, 08:55 PM	#2
stevedscross Member Join Date: June 5, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 48	good stuff thanks for the post. Glad to see that I am not the only one who tests bullets. Though I have never fired that specific load I am aware of it, and what it is suppose to do. Do you plan on using it for a duty load, hunting, home protection or just like to shoot stuff with bullets? From the research i have done they are marketing the .223 Gold Dot for a duty load to be able to shoot through car windows and such. I wonder what the penetration would be after fired through auto glass. If I were to make a guess based on what you posted and my own research our of your rifle and into a gel block I would bet on about 11-15 inches penetration which seems about right for the purpose of the load.