40 Gold Dot

[mvriley315]

Does anyone have a recipe to duplicate the Gold Dot loading in 40 S&W? I have placed an order for a couple hundred Gold Dot bullets and I want to try to duplicate that load since that is what I have decided to carry. You know, practice with what you carry. Thanks for any suggestions!!

 

[XtremeVel]

I would definitely recommend referencing a Speer manual if using the Gold Dot. A current manual will have much data for all the Gold Dot weight's. Also, the manual will also give you safe OAL's with that aggressive style bullet profile.

One of the powders they list for top velocities is Blue Dot. While Blue Dot is (1) of of my powders of choice for another caliber or two, I would not suggest it in a caliber you are going to carry. While I found it to give great performance in the .40, it did throw out a huge flash. If I was still trying different loads in the .40, I would probably look toward Alliant's power pistol.

 

[357 Terms]

Speer produces the .40 Gold Dot in 155grn,165grn, and 180grn.

Do you have a specific bullet weight in mind?

I use the 155grn with 6.8grns of Universal in my 3.8 XDm.

 

[mvriley315]

I would probably be wanting to use the 180gr bullet, possibly the 165, but most likely the 180gr. XtremeVel, you make a good point of flash. In keeping with as close as possible to the factory load, I would also want to keep the flash down. When I carry, I will be loaded with factory ammo, but I want to practice with my loads.

 

[kludge]

If you want a low-flash powder try SR4756, No.7, Universal, in that order.

If you want big fireballs use No.5.