Best SD .45 GAP Load?

[PAGunner]

I'm thinking about buying a G38, within a month, so now its time to find out what I want for carry ammo. Here are my options:

1. Federal HST 230gr.
2. Ranger T 230gr.
3. Gold Dot 200gr.*
4. Gold Dot 230gr.*
5. Gold Dot 185gr.*
6. Double Tap FMJ 230gr.

*These are double tap rounds that use the Gold Dot bullet.

Keep in mind my two biggest concerns are reliabity in the weapon and penetration. I'm good with anything that can consistently get me 12" of penetration in gelatin. Expansion is cool and all, but it is of secondary concern. Links to ballistics charts with any of these rounds would be appreciated. I'd also like to know why you believe a particular round to the best. I'm basically looking for opinions that are based on something (facts).

Btw, I used to think 230gr. was the only way to go, but today I opened my mind to lighter rounds based on ballistics info I hadn't seen and limited street success (NYSP has stopped threats with the 200gr. Gold Dot round out of the G37 pretty effectively).

[glock20c10mm]

I don't have specifics for you, but you may find this interesting(lots of charts, graphs, bullet pics.....all on the 45GAP) -
http://le.atk.com/pdf/45_GAP_TechBrief.pdf

You know, at least on GT, it seems the supposedly "rare":shocked: 10mm cartridge has a greater following than the 45GAP.:dunno: Well, I guess with a 20year headstart, and a little push from the FBI, it probably ought to. Who knows, maybe one day the 45auto will be taking a back seat to the 45GAP.:whistling:

[PAGunner]

I don't have specifics for you, but you may find this interesting(lots of charts, graphs, bullet pics.....all on the 45GAP) -
http://le.atk.com/pdf/45_GAP_TechBrief.pdf

You know, at least on GT, it seems the supposedly "rare":shocked: 10mm cartridge has a greater following than the 45GAP.:dunno: Well, I guess with a 20year headstart, and a little push from the FBI, it probably ought to. Who knows, maybe one day the 45auto will be taking a back seat to the 45GAP.:whistling:

Oh, the 10mm is on my radar also, if only I had more money, I'd buy a G38 and G20 at the same time, but then again, if I was given a wish list of all the guns I want, that list would include at least 60 maybe 100 guns.

Great chart, this is great data. Looks like 200gr. Gold Dot more than meets my needs. Thanks.

[glock20c10mm]

Oh, the 10mm is on my radar also, if only I had more money, I'd buy a G38 and G20 at the same time, but then again, if I was given a wish list of all the guns I want, that list would include at least 60 maybe 100 guns.

Great chart, this is great data. Looks like 200gr. Gold Dot more than meets my needs. Thanks.
No problem. It's kind of funny though, I was looking for other info when I accidentially came across the data I linked you to, then get back to GT and see your post. Who would have thought?:supergrin:

[carbofan21]

PAGunner: I'm thinking about buying a G38, within a month...

cdnn has the g38 and g37 nib for $399.99 :wavey:

[carbofan21]

i've never purchased from this source, but someone else posted this link the other day. best price i've seen on .45 gap ammo:

http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-411-45-gap-federal-prem-hst-45gap-230gr-hst-hp.aspx

[PAGunner]

cdnn has the g38 and g37 nib for $399.99 :wavey:

How do you order from them?

[carbofan21]

call them up: 800-588-9500. i've ordered a few from them, they are top shelf

you can also download their catalog. it's a bit dated, and it doesn't list prices, so it's best to call

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/dowournewcat.html

[MSgt Dotson]

I'm good with anything that can consistently get me 12" of penetration in gelatin.

For those that believe the FBI's 12" min standard in denim covered gelatin is the standard by which non-LEO types should also choose, then, I'd recommend any major manufacturer's 230 gr JHP bullet....

(I personally like the 200 grainers as a compromise slightly tilted towards more expansion)

True or false, though (as food for thought!):

To the feds, an FMJ bullet that travels 32" thru gelatin with zero expansion passes, but a JHP design that stops at a 'mere' 11" with an expanded diameter of .84" ....sucks/fails/is unacceptable?

:-)

[Rugby]

For those that believe the FBI's 12" min standard in denim covered gelatin is the standard by which non-LEO types should also choose, then, I'd recommend any major manufacturer's 230 gr JHP bullet....

(I personally like the 200 grainers as a compromise slightly tilted towards more expansion)

True or false, though (as food for thought!):

To the feds, an FMJ bullet that travels 32" thru gelatin with zero expansion passes, but a JHP design that stops at a 'mere' 11" with an expanded diameter of .84" ....sucks/fails/is unacceptable?

:-)

False.

[PAGunner]

For those that believe the FBI's 12" min standard in denim covered gelatin is the standard by which non-LEO types should also choose, then, I'd recommend any major manufacturer's 230 gr JHP bullet....

(I personally like the 200 grainers as a compromise slightly tilted towards more expansion)

True or false, though (as food for thought!):

To the feds, an FMJ bullet that travels 32" thru gelatin with zero expansion passes, but a JHP design that stops at a 'mere' 11" with an expanded diameter of .84" ....sucks/fails/is unacceptable?

:-)

Its been a while, but I believe the FBI report believe in OVER penetration at a certain point, I'm pretty sure 32" qualifies as too much penetration. That being said, I'm not worried about overpenetration, thus, considering the 230gr. FMJ load from Double Tap Ammunition. At least you know if you have good shot placement, the round will leave an exit wound, thus hitting any vitals in its path.

IDK, judging by the report Glock20 posted, the 200gr. Gold Dot seems more than sufficent with regards to penetration.

[PAGunner]

call them up: 800-588-9500. i've ordered a few from them, they are top shelf

you can also download their catalog. it's a bit dated, and it doesn't list prices, so it's best to call

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/dowournewcat.html

Thanks, you can't beat the price you listed, so if they are still going for that, I will purchase through them.

Btw, I love HST rounds, did see that source, just wasn't sure it was the best GAP round (I have a hunch its good though).

[novaDAK]

Who knows, maybe one day the 45auto will be taking a back seat to the 45GAP.:whistling:

That'll never happen. :wavey:

[PAGunner]

That'll never happen. :wavey:

Never say never

[Brass Nazi]

Best SD .45 GAP Load?


The one labeled .45ACP.

[carbofan21]

Thanks, you can't beat the price you listed, so if they are still going for that, I will purchase through them.

Btw, I love HST rounds, did see that source, just wasn't sure it was the best GAP round (I have a hunch its good though).

my pleasure. always happy to throw a little business their way too.

fyi - federal lists the 230 grain HST .45 gap load as having identical numbers to the standard pressure 230 grain HST .45 acp load, which seems to have a solid following among many people here.

[PAGunner]

my pleasure. always happy to throw a little business their way too.

fyi - federal lists the 230 grain HST .45 gap load as having identical numbers to the standard pressure 230 grain HST .45 acp load, which seems to have a solid following among many people here.

Yep, I have standard pressure and +P 230gr. .45 ACP ammo, I love both. I'm conflicted at this point. I love HST, know the ACP and 9mm stuff is good, have no douibts the GAP is also. I've been leaning toward getting ball ammo (hence double tap FMJ), I know for a fact that will get me the penetration I desire, yet NYSP have used 200gr. Gold Dots out of their G37 and are 3 for 3 against BGs with it, small sample, but pretty good anectodal evidence for that cartridge. We all know the Ranger T's are supposed to be good (although I believe they are a bit overhyped). IDK, I guess all the loads I mentioned are good, but at this point, have ruled out the 185gr. Gold Dots (for the simple fact lighter bullets in general get less penetration and penetration is my major concern).

Once again, thanks for the heads up on CDNN prices, that is an outstanding price.

[SDGlock23]

I've always liked the 200gr Gold Dot, and 230gr HST's and Winchester Rangers.

[novaDAK]

Never say never

NEVER!!!! :supergrin::supergrin:

[Butch]

Who knows, maybe one day the 45auto will be taking a back seat to the 45GAP.:whistling:
That'll never happen. :wavey:
Best SD .45 GAP Load?

The one labeled .45ACP.
Induced GAPophobia (http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661542)?

:)



:patriot:

[engineer151515]

Data for reading

http://home.comcast.net/~petej/

[PAGunner]

Induced GAPophobia (http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661542)?

:)



:patriot:

I've never understood that phenomena, GAP will never completely replace the ACP, particularly in the 1911, but I personally think it was a great idea and a great round. I've never been a fan of the oddball sizes of the Glock .45s, so the GAP makes perfect sense. I see the GAP only gaining in popularity also, but at a very slow rate. There is now 4 state police agencies using it, so thats a good sign.

IDK, call me crazy. I've been flirting with the GAP idea now for several months, hell, I may even trade my USPc .45 in a go all in on the GAP (get a 38 and 39), the only thing that was kinda turning me off was readily available practice ammo and high prices for ammo, but screw it, I think its a good gun. Might just be the round that gets me into reloading, but enough of my "pro GAP" rant. :cool:

[Ak.Hiker]

I would try out several different loads in your gun and carry the one that shoots the best for you. One idea would be to compare the 230 Gold Dot to the 200 grain Gold Dot as well as run some of the 230 DT TMJ's in your testing. Then pick a load. I still like the 230's in a 45 but it sound like the 200 grain Gold Dot is a good load as well.

[PAGunner]

I would try out several different loads in your gun and carry the one that shoots the best for you. One idea would be to compare the 230 Gold Dot to the 200 grain Gold Dot as well as run some of the 230 DT TMJ's in your testing. Then pick a load. I still like the 230's in a 45 but it sound like the 200 grain Gold Dot is a good load as well.

Speer's ballistic tests for the 200gr. Gold Dots are out of the 4inch barrel (Glock 38) and they lived up to what they have on paper, good expansion and at least 12inch penetration in all the typical tests. NYSP carry 200gr. Gold Dots and already have had very impressive street results. I'm open to any of what I mentioned above, but right now I think I'm leaning toward 200gr. Gold Dots (non Double Tap, no need IMO), since they are proven and readily available.