Speer Lawman vs Gold Dot - What's the Difference?
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over Speer Lawman and Speer Gold Dot ammo. These two product lines from Speer represent different types of high-quality loadings for different purposes and are employed by many shooters. We are going to cover the differences between these prominent product lines while delving into their traits, features, and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s go compare Speer Lawman and Speer Gold Dot ammo.
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Who is Speer?
Speer is an American ammunition manufacturer based in Lewiston, Idaho. The company was founded in 1943 by Vernon Speer as a means to provide cartridge components during World War Two. Though the company was initially invested in hunting rifle bullet production, Speer eventually shifted to handgun bullets for law enforcement and hunting use. Presently, the company produces pistol, rifle, and rimfire caliber loadings in their prominent Lawman and Gold Dot product lines. Additionally, Speer’s sister company is CCI, another notable ammo producer located in Lewiston, Idaho. Speer is another one of the prominent ammunition manufacturers under the umbrella of Vista Outdoor, a sporting goods and outdoor-oriented conglomerate.
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What Firearms are These Loadings For?
The Speer Lawman and Gold Dot loadings are most commonly associated with handgun use. As far as handguns go, both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers are capable of utilizing Speer loadings of either type. Additionally, both Lawman and Gold Dot ammunition can be utilized by pistol caliber carbines, or PCCs, due to their handgun caliber chamberings. Rifles in either manual action or semi-automatic form can utilize rifle caliber Gold Dot loadings. Currently, Lawman ammunition is only available in handgun calibers. Rimfire loadings from the Gold Dot product line can be utilized in either pistols or rifles in compatible calibers.
Speer Lawman Ammo
Speer Lawman ammo offerings represent the company’s training line of ammunition. Loadings of this type are intended for training and practice and mirror the ballistics of Gold Dot loadings. Speer Lawman loadings feature total metal jacket, or TMJ projectiles which fully encapsulate their lead cores. Projectiles of this type differ from standard full metal jacket bullets as lead bases are not exposed. Additionally, Lawman loadings feature lead-free primers from CCI which aid in eliminating airborne heavy metals after firing. The result of these TMJ projectiles, lead-free primers, and clean-burning propellants is a reduced risk of lead exposure. This is particularly appreciable for those who shoot indoors or shoot frequently. Currently, Speer Lawman offerings encompass handgun calibers exclusively.
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Speer Gold Dot Ammo
Speer Gold Dot loadings represent the company’s premium defensive ammo offerings. These loadings feature bonded core jacketed hollow point (JHP) projectiles produced via the company’s Uni-Cor method. This process effectively bonds the jacketing to the alloyed lead core and eliminates imprecision and the possibility of core-jacket separation. Nickel-plated brass casings are present in Gold Dot loadings to facilitate reliable and smooth operation in addition to enhancing cartridge durability. Gold Dot loadings from Speer can be found in pistol, rifle, and rimfire calibers such as 9mm, .223 Remington, and .22 Magnum. Additionally, Gold Dot handgun ammo offerings are available in forms optimized for either standard, full-size handguns or for short barreled handguns.
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What is Speer Lawman Ammo Used For?
Speer Lawman ammo is primarily used for training and practice. Lawman ammunition is especially useful for training if one chooses to carry Speer Gold Dot ammo for self-defense. As mentioned earlier, Lawman loadings mirror the ballistics of Gold Dot loadings, making them an effective training tool. Simply put, if one carries Gold Dot ammunition, Lawman loadings allow you to train with a loading that is nearly identical to what you are actually carrying.
Even if one is not carrying Gold Dot ammo, Lawman ammunition is still an excellent choice for training use. The loadings are very consistent and of high quality, allowing for efficient practice. Additionally, Lawman loadings reduce an end user’s exposure to lead, making them well-suited for long range days and for indoor range sessions. The consistency and accuracy of these loadings also make them well-suited for competition use, another use case which can benefit from reduced lead exposure.
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What is Speer Gold Dot Ammo Used For?
Gold Dot ammo from Speer is primarily used for defensive purposes. These defensive use cases can range from things such as concealed carry, home defense, and duty use. Regardless of the use, there is a viable Speer Gold Dot loading right for the job. Additionally, Gold Dot loadings are available in forms optimized for either full-size or sub-compact handguns, allowing users to dial in their ammo selection. This is to say that regardless of whether you carry something large like an HK USP or something small like a Sig Sauer P365, Speer has an appropriate Gold Dot loading. Speer Gold Dot ammunition is a more specialized loading than its Lawman counterpart. While one can use Lawman ammunition for competition or target shooting, Gold Dot ammo is strictly for defensive use. To utilize ammunition of this type for any purpose besides practice or defense is ultimately a waste. Then again, practice can effectively be done with an appropriate Lawman loading.
How Available is Speer Ammo?
Speer ammunition, in both Lawman and Gold Dot form, is not hard to find by any means. This is to say that customers will be able to get ahold of either type of loading. Like most types of ammunition, these loadings can be acquired in either individual box form or in bulk ammo quantities. If one is having issues finding Speer ammo of either type in their area, they may elect to shop for ammo online. Doing so ultimately frees a shooter from being dependent upon what their local shops have in stock.
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Conclusion
All in all, Speer ammunition, whether Lawman or Gold Dot, will serve shooters well. The brand produces consistent and high quality ammunition for those looking to train and protect themselves. We here at True Shot Ammo carry Speer ammo in both varieties in addition to our large inventory of ammo for sale. Whether you are wanting to purchase Speer ammo or want to buy bulk ammunition, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
