Is .38 spl. destined to be a "Tier 2" performer?

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Originally Posted by revchuck38

A "cup and core" hollowpoint is a jacketed hollowpoint, the various versions of the FBI load are non-jacketed.

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Correct in my intent. I used that term to differentiate traditional JHP construction (e.g., Hornady XTP) from newer bonded technologies (e.g., Gold Dot and HST).

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Originally Posted by Wingate's Hairbrush

I have current Remington, Winchester and Buffalo Bore version of the FBI load and like them all; my fixed site Ks and Js do, too, for POA to POI, but I standardized a while ago on Gold Dot Short Barrel in .38+P.

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How does the Gold Dot Short Barrel do in 4" barrels? I ASSume it is optimized for 2" barrels?

So, if in clear gel bullets typically penatrate farther and expand less the 125gr xtp looks pretty decent if I can get it over 1k fps

https://youtu.be/W7gyckVYUPs
https://youtu.be/1hIBOeOhs3o

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Originally Posted by RAM Engineer

How does the Gold Dot Short Barrel do in 4" barrels? I ASSume it is optimized for 2" barrels?

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My understanding is that Speer's 135gr Short Barrel loads in .38+P and .357 use the same bullet.

Per those who have contacted Speer, in the 38+P load the GDSB out of a 4" barrel should perform as designed; in the .357 load, it's advised not to use it in barrels over 3" or risk overdrive.