Speer Gold Dot 45 Auto 230gr (23966GD)

Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection, 45 Auto, 230 Grain, Gold Dot Hollow Point, 890 fps

Speer Gold Dot 45 Auto 230gr (part number 23966GD) is a 45 Auto (.45 ACP) personal defense cartridge loaded with Speer’s 230-grain Gold Dot bonded hollow point. Speer lists it in the Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection line.

Specifications (from Speer): 45 Auto (.45 ACP) · 230 gr · Gold Dot hollow point · 890 fps (5 in test barrel) · 20-round box · nickel-plated case · sealed primer · part # 23966GD. Price and availability reflect our catalog.

Speer product overview (manufacturer description)

Speer describes the Gold Dot line as a benchmark for self-defense and duty use that has earned the trust of law enforcement worldwide. According to Speer:

• The pressure-formed lead core is bonded to a uniform jacket (Uni-Cor process), which Speer states virtually eliminates jacket/core separation on impact for retained weight and penetration.
• The Gold Dot hollow-point design is engineered to expand consistently through the full range of barriers.
• Nickel-plated cases and sealed primers are specified for reliable ignition and cycling.

These are Speer’s published statements, presented for reference. Independent ballistic-gel tests of Gold Dot are widely available for third-party results.

Specifications

Source: Speer Ammunition product page, 2026-09-25. Price and stock from our catalog.

Ballistics

Speer’s published data for 23966GD (5 in test barrel). Charts rendered from Speer’s figures; real-world results vary with barrel length and firearm.

Velocity (feet per second)

Speer Gold Dot 45 Auto 230gr velocity vs distance chart

Energy (foot-pounds)

Speer Gold Dot 45 Auto 230gr energy vs distance chart

Average range (bullet path in inches, zeroed at 25 yд)

Speer Gold Dot 45 Auto 230gr trajectory chart

FAQ

1. Is Speer Gold Dot bonded? Yes — Speer bonds the core to the jacket (Uni-Cor) to resist separation and retain weight.
2. Grain and velocity? 230 grain at 890 fps from a 5 in test barrel per Speer.
3. What should I practice with? Pair with a matching-caliber FMJ/TMJ range load (Speer Lawman where offered).