DT 165GD vs 180GD

[Bravo-Four]

Bottom line, which would you consider better for personal protection from humans. DT 165 Gold dot, or 180gr Gold dot?

ps: Double tap has great pricing on their 500rd 180gr TMJ practice ammunition. Any shot they could offer even better deals on 1000rds?

[C.Smith]

I would use the 165grn. I worried about over penetration with the other loading and that's what swayed my mind. And yes I know, two holes bleed faster than one.

Corey

[Akita]

I carry 165's in the summer and 180's in the winter when I may have to shoot thru heavy coats etc. I think either is a fine choice tho.

[agtman]

Agree with Akita.

I look at the 165gn & 180gn GDs the same way I've viewed Mike's early 165gn & 180gn Golden Saber loads.

DT's 165-grainers generally are an excellent, "all-around" defensive load. But the specific circumstances of your daily carry scenario, like being out and about in cold weather in the northern and midwestern states (or even Alaska), might dictate the need for more insurance in the penetration department if intermediate barriers can be anticipated, such as heavy, bulky or layered outer clothing (in addition to thicker base materials, like leather and denim).

OTOH, your specific circumstances might indicate the need for minimizing penetration in order to hedge against the possibility of "overpenetration" in a defensive shooting inside a dwelling. While I've said before that, statistically, "overpenetration" is a nonevent (esp. in LE shootings) compared to the greater danger posed by the ratio of rounds fired that miss the bad guy (much more frequent), still I understand many 10mm fans have a concern. So, for example, for those residing in dense urban areas or whose residence is in a thin-walled apartment building, DT offers the 135gn 10mm Nosler HP load. Devastating wounding potential, with only something like 10" of penetration.

But back to the original question: my G20 is usually stuffed with the 165gn GD or GS load. But it shoots great with the 180gn loads too. I switch around, depending on what I might be doing.

Bravo, as for the 180gn FMJ training ammo, while Mike might run a "special" now and then, the best deal is realized by your savings on shipping with a volume order. On orders of 1000-rds or more, shipping is FREE. :thumbsup: My last order for the 180 FMJ load was 1500-rds. :)

[Hoopty]

According to Mike's gelatin testing there really isn't much difference between the two.

DoubleTap 10mm
135gr JHP @ 1600fps - 11.0" / .70" frag nasty
155gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1475fps - 13.5" / .88"
165gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1400fps - 14.25" / 1.02"
165gr Golden Saber JHP @ 1425fps - 14.75" / .82"
180gr Golden Saber JHP @ 1330fps - 16.0" / .85"
180gr XTP @ 1350fps – 17.25” / .77”
180gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1300fps - 15.25" / .96"
200gr XTP @ 1250fps - 19.5" / .72"
230gr Equalizer @ 1040fps - 11.0" and 17.0" / .62" and .40"

[steel]

I go with 180 year round. I like the greater penetration.

[nickE10mm]

I used the DT 165 GS personally, however, I don't think it will make too much of a difference. Thats the beauty of shooting (and the 10mm specifically): We have the choice!

[Bravo-Four]

What would you cite as the differences between GS and GD? Or is it just splitting hairs basically?

[nickE10mm]

The Golden Saber is a non-bonded bullet, whereas the Gold Dot is bonded. The Gold Dot opens up a little bit faster I would say. Draw your own conclusions from that. I think the GS would penetrate a little better b/c it seems to be a tougher bullet but it may very well be just splitting hairs. They are both excellent rounds. Try them both!

[agtman]

Agree with nickE about the Golden Sabers. Although they do open up, Remington states in their literature that the GSs were designed to enhance penetration before mushrooming.

My limited testing of DT's 165gn/180gn GSs seems to bear this out, as described toward the end of this piece:

http://bren-ten.com/agtman/id6.html