Golden Saber 45

[fsumach]

I have the opportunity to purchase golden saber, in 230 or 185 grain unbonded, or 185 grain bonded at an excellent price. I know i have read the 230 unbonded is the issue load for the FBI in 45, but have not seen test results.

The main use would be glock 36 (3.86 inch barrel). Also possible usage in colt officer acp and gov model, but primarily glock 36.

I am interested in the thoughts of the experts here. Flash? Feeding? Terminal performance? If it is the FBI round i am guessing it passes the FBI tests... but beyond that.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[LHS]

I have the opportunity to purchase golden saber, in 230 or 185 grain unbonded, or 185 grain bonded at an excellent price. I know i have read the 230 unbonded is the issue load for the FBI in 45, but have not seen test results.

The main use would be glock 36 (3.86 inch barrel). Also possible usage in colt officer acp and gov model, but primarily glock 36.

I am interested in the thoughts of the experts here. Flash? Feeding? Terminal performance? If it is the FBI round i am guessing it passes the FBI tests... but beyond that.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

I was in a class with a Bureau guy a few years back, and he was running his duty ammo out of a 5" 1911. At night, the fireball was pretty impressive. In fact, the instructor specifically asked him to demonstrate it for the class as an example of why terminal ballistics, while important, is not the only consideration when selecting carry/duty ammo.

[Univibe]

I've got my doubts about any .45 ammo reliably expanding in the real world. I know it's a small sample and not scientific, but I read an autopsy report lately. Multiple shots with .45 Winchester Silvertip into chest and torso of a 300 pound man from 5" barrel--all shots penetrated through and through. Scene photos showed exit wounds not much larger than entry wounds. On the other hand, he was defunct quickly, so can't complain too much.

[Clay]

I've shot a ton of the 230 gr Golden Saber. I never had a single malfunction with it. It is flash suppressed, or it used to be anyways. I did have a problem with bullet setback though. I would never chamber any of it more than once. After that, throw it in the range bag. I have killed deer and pigs with it, and it works fine. The jacket will separate from the lead core more often than not, but it doesn't seem to make any difference in its performance in tissue.

Personally, I would go for the Black Hills Ammo, Win Ranger T, Speer Gold Dot, or Federal HST load - all in 230 grain. SGAmmo.com is an excellent source, as is AmmunitionToGo.com.

[Weaver]

I've got my doubts about any .45 ammo reliably expanding in the real world. I know it's a small sample and not scientific, but I read an autopsy report lately. Multiple shots with .45 Winchester Silvertip into chest and torso of a 300 pound man from 5" barrel--all shots penetrated through and through. Scene photos showed exit wounds not much larger than entry wounds. On the other hand, he was defunct quickly, so can't complain too much.

I think this is a perfect example of the saying that "The plural of anecdote is not data."

Scientific testing confirms that there are many reliably-expanding .45 JHPs available for use - DocGKR has a list above in the Duty Pistol thread.

[vicious_cb]

I've got my doubts about any .45 ammo reliably expanding in the real world. I know it's a small sample and not scientific, but I read an autopsy report lately. Multiple shots with .45 Winchester Silvertip into chest and torso of a 300 pound man from 5" barrel--all shots penetrated through and through. Scene photos showed exit wounds not much larger than entry wounds. On the other hand, he was defunct quickly, so can't complain too much.

And that is probably why that load isnt listed on Doc's list or recommended by any reputable shooter. But to make a blanket statement that all .45 ACP JHPs dont expand is just an ignorant statement.

[RCI1911]

Multiple shots with .45 Winchester Silvertip

There is your problem right there.

[El Cid]

There is your problem right there.

Lol! Y'all beat me to it! Silvertips... In other news President Reagan was sworn in today.

To the OP, I am issued the 230gr Golden Sabers and trust my life to them. One thing the Feds do seem to get right is ammo testing. I don't see any reason to worry. That said, all my personal handguns (including several 45's) are stuffed full of Corbon DPX. No bonding needed.

[Eagle00]

FWIW, sgammo is offering the Golden Saber 45ACP for $11.95 / box of 20 rounds.

[fsumach]

FWIW, sgammo is offering the Golden Saber 45ACP for $11.95 / box of 20 rounds.

That's the thing. At that price, it's pretty easy to test 4 or 5 boxes for function. At $6-7 more/box (of 50) it becomes more difficult, but if it's worth it, it's worth it.

I saw Speer Gold Dot 230gr (non SB) for $29/box of 50. How does that round perform in the shorter barrel Glock 36?

Are there any actual published test results for the GS or GS Bonded? I haven't seen many. And given the comments on muzzle flash from some individuals on this thread...

I did read somewhere that the bonded version used flash suppressed powders.