[ < Back to ammunition ]
AmmunitionMid-Range

Speer

Speer Gold Dot 9mm 115gr JHP

Lightweight bonded-core defensive load with the same Uni-Cor construction as the heavier Gold Dots. Lower recoil and higher velocity make it well-suited for compact and subcompact pistols.

Quick Specs

Price
Contact for price
Weight
N/A
Brand
Speer
Category
ammunition

Features

  • 115 grain bonded JHP
  • 9mm Luger
  • 1,210 fps muzzle velocity
  • ~374 ft-lbs energy
  • Nickel-plated case

Compatibility Tags

caliber: 9mmfamily: handgun

Overview

Speer Gold Dot 115-grain brings the same Uni-Cor electrochemical bonding process found in the heavier Gold Dot variants to a lightweight, high-velocity package. In Lucky Gunner's gel testing from a 3.5" barrel, the 115gr Gold Dot achieved 16.44 inches of penetration with 0.552 inches of expansion at 1,143 fps, recovering near 100% of its weight through the bonded core.

The lighter 115-grain bullet at higher velocity produces noticeably less felt recoil than 124gr and 147gr defensive loads, allowing faster follow-up shots. This makes it a strong option for shooters running compact or subcompact pistols where recoil management matters, or for recoil-sensitive shooters who want bonded-core reliability without the snap of heavier loads.

The Uni-Cor bonding process molecularly bonds the jacket to the core, preventing the jacket separation that compromises unbonded hollow points through intermediate barriers. Sealed primers and nickel-plated brass ensure reliable ignition and extraction. The Gold Dot line has decades of law enforcement adoption backing its real-world performance.

Key Features

  • Uni-Cor bonded jacket prevents core/jacket separation
  • 16.44" penetration with 0.552" expansion in gel tests
  • Higher velocity (1,210 fps) for flatter trajectory
  • Lower recoil than 124gr and 147gr variants
  • Nickel-plated case for reliable feeding and extraction
  • Sealed primers for all-weather reliability

Pros

  • +Bonded core prevents jacket separation through barriers
  • +Good expansion at 0.552" with solid penetration
  • +Lower recoil for faster follow-up shots
  • +Proven Gold Dot lineage with decades of LE adoption

Cons

  • Less penetration than 124gr and 147gr Gold Dot variants
  • Higher muzzle flash than subsonic loads
  • 115gr may over-expand from longer barrels, reducing penetration
  • Not as widely stocked as the 124gr variant

Detailed Specifications

grainWeight
115gr
velocity
1,210 fps
energy
~374 ft-lbs
penetration
16.44"
expansion
0.552"
pressure
Standard

Compatible Platforms

+57 more

Similar Products

Related Guides & Articles

Build Your Custom Configuration

Add the Speer Gold Dot 9mm 115gr JHP to your build and see how it enhances your platform.

Start Building