The Speer Gold Dot .40 S&W 165gr load is a 20-round box of self-defense handgun ammunition (Speer part no. 23970GD). Each cartridge carries a 165-grain Gold Dot hollow point bullet that Speer rates at 1150 fps from a 4-inch test barrel. The bullet has a pressure-formed lead core bonded to an extremely uniform jacket one atom at a time, which Speer says virtually eliminates separation on impact for more retained weight and penetration. Speer describes the original Gold Dot line as a benchmark for both self-defense and duty use, trusted by law enforcement world-wide. The hollow-point design is built to expand consistently through the full range of barriers, and the cartridge is loaded in nickel-plated brass with a sealed primer.

Key Specifications

• The caliber is .40 S&W, the exact designation Speer lists for this item and the one to match against your firearm.
• Bullet weight is 165 grains, the weight that sets this load’s velocity and penetration profile.
• The bullet type is Gold Dot Hollow Point, the construction Speer pairs with this weight and velocity.
• Muzzle velocity is 1150 fps from a 4-inch test barrel, the figure Speer publishes for this item.
• Muzzle energy is 484 foot-pounds from the same test barrel, a published number that makes loads easy to compare.
• Velocity at 100 yards is 967 fps, which shows how much speed the bullet carries downrange.
• Cases are nickel-plated brass, which Speer pairs with a sealed primer for dependable ignition and cycling.
• The primer is sealed, which keeps the ignition system protected inside the cartridge.
• The bullet uses Uni-Cor bonding, joining a pressure-formed lead core to the jacket for retained weight on impact.
• Each box holds 20 rounds, the quantity you receive with this listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Gold Dot bullet built? Speer bonds a pressure-formed lead core to an extremely uniform jacket one atom at a time, which it says virtually eliminates separation on impact for more retained weight and penetration.

What velocity and energy does this load produce? Speer lists 1150 fps and 484 foot-pounds at the muzzle, measured from a 4-inch test barrel, dropping to 967 fps and 342 foot-pounds at 100 yards.

How many rounds are in the box? The box holds 20 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, and Speer lists the package quantity as 20.

Buy the Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection .40 S&W 165gr Hollow Point, 20-Round Box

If you want the exact Speer load named on this page, .40 S&W at 165 grains in a 20-round box, this is it. Pair it with more handgun ammunition from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop, shipped fast and insured to your door.