Speer Gold Dot .38 Special 125gr JHP Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • JHP • MPN: 53722
Speer Gold Dot .38 Special 125gr JHP Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • JHP • MPN: 53722
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 865 fps | 207 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 860 fps | 205 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 10 yds | 855 fps | 203 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 15 yds | 851 fps | 201 ft-lb | +0.2" |
| 20 yds | 847 fps | 199 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 842 fps | 197 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 838 fps | 195 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 35 yds | 834 fps | 193 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 40 yds | 830 fps | 191 ft-lb | -1.2" |
| 45 yds | 826 fps | 189 ft-lb | -1.8" |
| 50 yds | 822 fps | 187 ft-lb | -2.6" |
| 55 yds | 818 fps | 185 ft-lb | -3.4" |
| 60 yds | 814 fps | 184 ft-lb | -4.5" |
| 65 yds | 810 fps | 182 ft-lb | -5.6" |
| 70 yds | 806 fps | 180 ft-lb | -6.9" |
| 75 yds | 802 fps | 178 ft-lb | -8.3" |
| 80 yds | 798 fps | 177 ft-lb | -9.9" |
| 85 yds | 795 fps | 175 ft-lb | -11.6" |
| 90 yds | 791 fps | 173 ft-lb | -13.4" |
| 95 yds | 787 fps | 172 ft-lb | -15.4" |
| 100 yds | 783 fps | 170 ft-lb | -17.5" |
Product Overview
Speer developed the Gold Dot line for law enforcement, and this 125gr .38 Special load carries that same bonded-core design into a standard-pressure cartridge. The bonded jacket stays attached to the lead core during expansion, which prevents the fragmentation that can reduce penetration in defensive encounters. At 865 fps from a 4-inch barrel, it generates 208 ft-lbs of energy and meets FBI protocol penetration standards in calibrated gelatin.
The standard-pressure rating is the real advantage here. Many .38 Special revolvers are lightweight J-frames or alloy-framed snub-noses that their owners carry daily. +P loads in these small guns produce sharp recoil that makes practice unpleasant and follow-up shots slow. This Gold Dot load delivers genuine defensive terminal performance without the extra pressure, so it shoots more comfortably in the lightweight revolvers people actually carry.
Speer loads this round in nickel-plated brass, which resists corrosion from body heat and humidity during long carry cycles. The nickel also makes chamber checks easy in low light. For anyone who carries a .38 Special revolver and wants a proven defensive load that does not beat up a small-frame gun, this Gold Dot fills that role well.
- Bonded-core bullet resists fragmentation for reliable penetration
- Standard pressure is safe and comfortable in lightweight revolvers
- Law enforcement pedigree with real-world performance data behind it
- Nickel-plated brass resists tarnishing during extended carry
- 865 fps is slower than +P defensive loads, reducing energy on target
- Expansion from short-barrel snub-noses can be less consistent than from 4-inch guns
- Premium defensive ammo pricing compared to practice loads
All Speer Gold Dot .38 Special 125gr JHP Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 50 | $40.00 | $18.43 | $58.43 | $1.17 |
Firearms Chambered in .38 Special
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