This is the exact load I use when carrying my S&W M60. I believe it to be a real sleeper that many don't even know about. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.
Welcome back, Dave and welcome back Golden Sabers! This is the performance they used to have. The old Golden Sabers were getting hard to find and costing an arm and a leg. The Ultimate Defense was not so ultimate. I'm going to start looking for this load and stocking up. The Winchester Defender 130 grain performed decently as well. You are well protected with either load.
I use this new version GS 125gr +P .38spl for my M&P Bodyguard, J frame. The QC and design look solid. I used Remington brand Golden Saber often: 1990s early 2000s. The line went 📉 but the new bonded 9mm +P & the 125gr 38spl are ✅️.
Golden Saber isn't too bad, weird for revolver ammo with it taper crimped like semi auto ammo, but the .38 Special is good along with semi auto version as the crimp rolls over that bullet band (which is a weird design but probably necessary due to a brass jacket and bore drag). In the .357 Magnum version it's a bad design as there's a gap from the taper crimp to the bullet band allowing for bullet creep from almost no recoil. I'd bet that Golden Saber would beat that Defender in a hard barrier test.
It is my speedloader round. Underwood wadcutters for carry. I did have a batch of GS 125 that mic'd less than .356 and didn't make much contact with the rifling. I suspected some QC problem.
Good test, Dave. I'm impressed how both the Winchester and Remington were consistent in velocity, penetration and expansion. This Federal version of the Golden Saber is very impressive. This looks like an excellent cartridge for self defense carry. Thanks.
It's good to have you verify that Remington ammunition has made a comeback, Dave, and every bit as good that you've come back, too. 👍 Your testing and evaluation videos have been sorely missed. I'm in agreement with you that either of the rounds tested today would be good EDC/PD loads, and between the two I'd also opt for the Golden Sabers.
reloading over 45years and back then not easily to get 38special and plus p to expansion like that. now its better bullet designs and construction. i want to try the golden sabers in 38special and 357mag. papa wishing you well 😊
Nice test Dave! Now, how about a test between the long time leader in .38+P, the Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. vs the "newest" Golden Sabers. THAT would be a test!
I guess I'll have to do it. I've been thinking about it for a while. Hopefully I'll get time this winter thanks to the mild "El Nino" current dominating the Pacific Ocean...
Great test Dave 👏. I use an LCR and have loaded them with GS for some time. Interestingly, the GS I buy are rated at 975 fps. I wonder if your lot was mislabeled? Fed HS Deep is also promising. Good luck with your house.
Thanks for the video. I see the Rems are BJHP (Bonded) which makes sense since they did not come apart and lose their jackets like the original Golden Sabers were famous for. Really good performance there. I would use them without hesitation. I have Federal Punch 120 grain +P loaded in our bedside table .38 snubbie at the moment. But will buy some of these if I find them for when I rotate the current ones out.
Nice to see you back! Fresh gel is the best! Do you think they used a softer lead in the new line? Is it a new line? I've got a bunch of HTP and some of the Black Belt stuff. I don't know how you feel about solid copper, but you might want to try some Underwood Item 853 while the gel is still on the clear side. It's one of the non-expanding Lehigh XD bullets. Only 100gr. Should be a soft shooter.
Thanks Fudmottin! It's great to be back, but oof-da the rookie mistakes I made in this video! I actually shot two different introductions, and now that I posted the video, I see that I edited them wrong. I didn't even mention the specific subject of the video in the first four minutes!
38 special golden saber has an excellent record on stopping, it opens like the t series. It is better than the gold dot Short barrel for expanding in short barrel. I keep 2000 rounds for my 3 revolvers
It's pretty silly how companies such as Winchester continue to repackage the same ammo for marketing. First it was the Winchester Ranger (marketed to LE) then they changed the name to market to civilians as the Winchester PDX-1 then changed the name once again (years later) to the Winchester Defender. It's all the exact same bullet/casing/powder loading/performance. I won't be fooled Winchester!
I use hand loads in my snub nose. 158 gr. Hard Cast wad cutters. 3-1/2 grains of Unique gives me 750 fps. I had trouble with consistent expansion with the hollow point defense loads. My wad cutters just leaves a hole about 16” in ballistic gel.
Actually that is very consistent penetration of the GS's.. The bottom of the block is angled in so the bottom round looks like it penetrated a little more but they are exactly the same based on how much actual gel they went through. Good test
Thanks for the info! Theres also the same label 125 gr Golden Sabre Defense but without the "compact" designation, Remington lists the average fps as 975 but dont list the tested barrel length.. Got me wondering how that regular Golden Sabre would do in a short barrel. Is it hotter or did they just use a longer barrel and slap a different label on? Thanks!
For anyone interested, another youtuber Gun Sam tested the regular load in a short barrel and it averaged 910FPS but surprisingly penetrated 13" and less. Also did not expand when met with denim but did tumble. I would trust this "compact" load in your short barrels. Stay safe y'all!
Wish you would have spent more time on the Golden Saber's wound channels ! As it was tuff to see in that color block, and maybe camera angle ? I was sold on them years ago, and looks like they may even be better !
I think these new box Golden Saber are even better, yes! Check out the bare gel test I did: ua-cam.com/video/3oyzMnI150Q/v-deo.htmlsi=F9lxTuxejji1yc2Q Sunshine lights up the wound channel nicely!
@@GeographyCzar I did check it out ! Never disappointed ! I wouldn't want shot with either ! As both worked well ! Now I have to find your denim test, I believe with these ? I always worry a round might plug, and not expand ! But I don't believe I've ever witnessed a Saber doing that ! Still my Fav ! Thanks !
I had several very good boxes of 40 cal golden sabers. Got a box of 38s and they were horrible. The auto rounds were good but the revolver rounds were not. The bullets were literally falling out. Glad to see they fixed some of the quality issues. Good review. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Looks like the nickel rather than the brass casings are being used here. The Golden Saber's Brass round, which I run through a Taurus 856 Defender 3", shows 975 fps, 264 foot lbs. on the box. Nonetheless, while using "Mr. Discreet's" results I consider to add eleven percent to those test averages for an extra 1 1/8 inch barrel length, which see: 1,078.62 fps, 312.576 foot lbs. But to call it if his test barrel was 2", the 3 inch barrel would show out as 1,011.21 fps 293.04 foot lbs. It was just grand to witness the gel results from that 1"7/8! Great video, sir.
I recently purchased the same .38 spl+p 125 gr golden saber, exact same box, but the velocity is displayed as 975 fps! Wonder what that's all about. Thanks for this review and comparison.
Hum, I don’t no unless they make two deferent loads like one for short barrels and one for duty size guns, that’s the only thing I can think it mite be
Underwood Item #128 - 125 gr Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point. Which sucks, because they don't make it anymore (seem not to have a working relationship with Speer?), so I'm looking for a current production round to replace it. These will do in a pinch.
@GeographyCzar I just bought some Winchester Defender in plus p. Not for a snubby but to replace the old federal 125g sjhp .357 in the house gun, a GP100. Wife and I are getting older and I don't want her to have to experience all that kick and blast. The Defender should expand in a 4 inch .357.
In what human anatomy is 15 inches preferable to 12 when considering the depth of vital organs? Other than excess penetration and civil liability, what is accomplished?
I have long felt the same way, but I guess the consensus of the community has worn me down over the years. Also, this is just ballistic gel, not necessarily equivalent to human tissue (although it is supposed to represent an average of such).
I think they say 3 inches of gel is comparable to 1 inch of tissue, so the penetration numbers won't be identical. Consistency of testing medium to give a baseline for scientific testing is what is accomplished.
It's not 1 to 1 ratio , gel isn't as dense and doesn't factor in bones ,cartilage, ect. So they try to factor that in with extra penetration, even then it still impossible to perfectly simulator actual flesh and bones with gel!!!
Golden Sabre used to be the same as Black Talon Winchester which got outlawed because of the name(taken off the market). No kidding, I still have a box of Black Talon and you can feel the evil, exuding from the box/sarc
Now you need to find a 17 shot snubbie revolver, then you would be almost equal to the average 9mm carry sized gun, in terms of performance and firepower. In documented self defense situations, which include civilians and police, 80% of all the rounds fired were misses. So with a 5 shot snubbie, you will most likely get one hit if you empty the gun.
@@GeographyCzar ya sorry for calling you out like that, I'm a government inspector and spend most of my time really focusing on the small silly things and sometimes I forget that I need a filter between what I see and what I say. But that being said, I really did enjoy your video.
This is the exact load I use when carrying my S&W M60. I believe it to be a real sleeper that many don't even know about. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.
Thanks for subscribing!
The Golden Saber 38 +P's are pretty well known by people of a certain age.
Welcome back, Dave and welcome back Golden Sabers! This is the performance they used to have. The old Golden Sabers were getting hard to find and costing an arm and a leg. The Ultimate Defense was not so ultimate. I'm going to start looking for this load and stocking up. The Winchester Defender 130 grain performed decently as well. You are well protected with either load.
Great to see you back posting, and a very good test!
I have some of the old Remington in my 2 inch snub! I will have to pick up some new ones! Thanks for the great review!👍👍
like to see it compared to Hornady defense 110 grain +P, considering Hornady seems to be one of the only defensive rounds in stock at local gun stores
👍👍 great test Dave, glad to see you back. I’ve always liked the golden sabres in 38 spl, been using them for a while.
I use this new version GS 125gr +P .38spl for my M&P Bodyguard, J frame. The QC and design look solid. I used Remington brand Golden Saber often: 1990s early 2000s. The line went 📉 but the new bonded 9mm +P & the 125gr 38spl are ✅️.
Great video! Remington is my go to brand. I always keep them on hand for my GP100.
Good stuff, glad to see you back, thanks.
Golden Saber isn't too bad, weird for revolver ammo with it taper crimped like semi auto ammo, but the .38 Special is good along with semi auto version as the crimp rolls over that bullet band (which is a weird design but probably necessary due to a brass jacket and bore drag). In the .357 Magnum version it's a bad design as there's a gap from the taper crimp to the bullet band allowing for bullet creep from almost no recoil. I'd bet that Golden Saber would beat that Defender in a hard barrier test.
golden saber never left no bankruptcys always good ammo.
It is my speedloader round. Underwood wadcutters for carry. I did have a batch of GS 125 that mic'd less than .356 and didn't make much contact with the rifling. I suspected some QC problem.
Absolutely insane results from these guys, wasnt expecting that for sure. One gun channel to another, solid sub from me.
Good test, Dave. I'm impressed how both the Winchester and Remington were consistent in velocity, penetration and expansion. This Federal version of the Golden Saber is very impressive. This looks like an excellent cartridge for self defense carry. Thanks.
It's good to have you verify that Remington ammunition has made a comeback, Dave, and every bit as good that you've come back, too. 👍 Your testing and evaluation videos have been sorely missed. I'm in agreement with you that either of the rounds tested today would be good EDC/PD loads, and between the two I'd also opt for the Golden Sabers.
I absolutely love your tests, one of the few channels that use real ballistic gel..Im really considering switching to Golden Sabers too now
Awesome and out of your little snub, that says a lot, thanks.
reloading over 45years and back then not easily to get 38special and plus p to expansion like that. now its better bullet designs and construction. i want to try the golden sabers in 38special and 357mag. papa wishing you well 😊
Nice test Dave! Now, how about a test between the long time leader in .38+P, the Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. vs the "newest" Golden Sabers. THAT would be a test!
I guess I'll have to do it. I've been thinking about it for a while. Hopefully I'll get time this winter thanks to the mild "El Nino" current dominating the Pacific Ocean...
I know what ammo I'll be buying for 38plus p in the future, Golden Saber 38+p 125g. Thank you for that great test!!!!
Me too! I used to be all about the crazy-hot Underwood and Buffalo bore loadings, but they are a handful from a 13 oz revolver!
Awesome, especially out that shorty
Great test Dave 👏. I use an LCR and have loaded them with GS for some time. Interestingly, the GS I buy are rated at 975 fps. I wonder if your lot was mislabeled? Fed HS Deep is also promising. Good luck with your house.
There is a regular version GS rated at 975fps while the compact GS version is rated at 875fps.
Thanks for the testing.
No problem 👍
Thanks for the video. I see the Rems are BJHP (Bonded) which makes sense since they did not come apart and lose their jackets like the original Golden Sabers were famous for. Really good performance there. I would use them without hesitation. I have Federal Punch 120 grain +P loaded in our bedside table .38 snubbie at the moment. But will buy some of these if I find them for when I rotate the current ones out.
Nice to see you back! Fresh gel is the best! Do you think they used a softer lead in the new line? Is it a new line? I've got a bunch of HTP and some of the Black Belt stuff. I don't know how you feel about solid copper, but you might want to try some Underwood Item 853 while the gel is still on the clear side. It's one of the non-expanding Lehigh XD bullets. Only 100gr. Should be a soft shooter.
Thanks Fudmottin! It's great to be back, but oof-da the rookie mistakes I made in this video! I actually shot two different introductions, and now that I posted the video, I see that I edited them wrong. I didn't even mention the specific subject of the video in the first four minutes!
@@GeographyCzar That's why my videos contain so little editing! LOL.
Where’s a good place to pick this stuff up? Thanks for the video!
Got a bunch for my model 15-3 Combat masterpiece.
Good demo. Did you notice that when you placed the denim behind the gel block it gave clarity to the bullet tracks?
38 special golden saber has an excellent record on stopping, it opens like the t series. It is better than the gold dot Short barrel for expanding in short barrel. I keep 2000 rounds for my 3 revolvers
Excellent choice.
It's pretty silly how companies such as Winchester continue to repackage the same ammo for marketing. First it was the Winchester Ranger (marketed to LE) then they changed the name to market to civilians as the Winchester PDX-1 then changed the name once again (years later) to the Winchester Defender. It's all the exact same bullet/casing/powder loading/performance. I won't be fooled Winchester!
The Remington load is truly outstanding coming from a 1.9" barrel. Id be confident carrying this in a snubbie
I use hand loads in my snub nose. 158 gr. Hard Cast wad cutters. 3-1/2 grains of Unique gives me 750 fps. I had trouble with consistent expansion with the hollow point defense loads. My wad cutters just leaves a hole about 16” in ballistic gel.
Actually that is very consistent penetration of the GS's.. The bottom of the block is angled in so the bottom round looks like it penetrated a little more but they are exactly the same based on how much actual gel they went through. Good test
Thanks for the info! Theres also the same label 125 gr Golden Sabre Defense but without the "compact" designation, Remington lists the average fps as 975 but dont list the tested barrel length.. Got me wondering how that regular Golden Sabre would do in a short barrel. Is it hotter or did they just use a longer barrel and slap a different label on? Thanks!
For anyone interested, another youtuber Gun Sam tested the regular load in a short barrel and it averaged 910FPS but surprisingly penetrated 13" and less. Also did not expand when met with denim but did tumble. I would trust this "compact" load in your short barrels. Stay safe y'all!
Gun Sam is the best. I watch him more than any other "Guntuber"
Wish you would have spent more time on the Golden Saber's wound channels !
As it was tuff to see in that color block, and maybe camera angle ?
I was sold on them years ago, and looks like they may even be better !
I think these new box Golden Saber are even better, yes! Check out the bare gel test I did: ua-cam.com/video/3oyzMnI150Q/v-deo.htmlsi=F9lxTuxejji1yc2Q
Sunshine lights up the wound channel nicely!
@@GeographyCzar
I did check it out !
Never disappointed !
I wouldn't want shot with either !
As both worked well !
Now I have to find your denim test, I believe with these ?
I always worry a round might plug, and not expand !
But I don't believe I've ever witnessed a Saber doing that !
Still my Fav !
Thanks !
I had several very good boxes of 40 cal golden sabers. Got a box of 38s and they were horrible. The auto rounds were good but the revolver rounds were not. The bullets were literally falling out. Glad to see they fixed some of the quality issues. Good review. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for also being a fellow catman like myself.
Looks like the nickel rather than the brass
casings are being used here.
The Golden Saber's Brass round, which I run through a Taurus 856 Defender 3", shows 975 fps, 264 foot lbs. on the box.
Nonetheless, while using "Mr. Discreet's"
results I consider to add eleven percent to those test averages for an extra 1 1/8 inch barrel length, which see:
1,078.62 fps, 312.576 foot lbs.
But to call it if his test barrel was 2", the 3 inch barrel would show out as
1,011.21 fps 293.04 foot lbs.
It was just grand to witness the gel results from that 1"7/8! Great video, sir.
Thanks!
Looks like a dandy round for a snubbie , I got to get me some of the sabers
I recently purchased the same .38 spl+p 125 gr golden saber, exact same box, but the velocity is displayed as 975 fps! Wonder what that's all about. Thanks for this review and comparison.
Hum, I don’t no unless they make two deferent loads like one for short barrels and one for duty size guns, that’s the only thing I can think it mite be
Nice test. ty
After all your .38 special snubby testing what is your defensive load? Thanks.
Underwood Item #128 - 125 gr Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point. Which sucks, because they don't make it anymore (seem not to have a working relationship with Speer?), so I'm looking for a current production round to replace it. These will do in a pinch.
@GeographyCzar I just bought some Winchester Defender in plus p. Not for a snubby but to replace the old federal 125g sjhp .357 in the house gun, a GP100. Wife and I are getting older and I don't want her to have to experience all that kick and blast. The Defender should expand in a 4 inch .357.
Those cartridges are certainly better than that Crono.
In what human anatomy is 15 inches preferable to 12 when considering the depth of vital organs? Other than excess penetration and civil liability, what is accomplished?
I have long felt the same way, but I guess the consensus of the community has worn me down over the years. Also, this is just ballistic gel, not necessarily equivalent to human tissue (although it is supposed to represent an average of such).
I don’t know the formula but one inch of gel does not equal one inch of human tissue….at least that’s what I’ve been told.
I think they say 3 inches of gel is comparable to 1 inch of tissue, so the penetration numbers won't be identical. Consistency of testing medium to give a baseline for scientific testing is what is accomplished.
@@rob6850👍👍 thanks
It's not 1 to 1 ratio , gel isn't as dense and doesn't factor in bones ,cartilage, ect. So they try to factor that in with extra penetration, even then it still impossible to perfectly simulator actual flesh and bones with gel!!!
Would it be fair to call you the Bob Ross of ballistic tests?
Thank you,
Golden Sabre used to be the same as Black Talon Winchester which got outlawed because of the name(taken off the market). No kidding, I still have a box of Black Talon and you can feel the evil, exuding from the box/sarc
😂
Good looking round but I’ll stick to the Underwood 125 gr GD +p
First shot @3:05
Now you need to find a 17 shot snubbie revolver, then you would be almost equal to the average 9mm carry sized gun, in terms of performance and firepower. In documented self defense situations, which include civilians and police, 80% of all the rounds fired were misses. So with a 5 shot snubbie, you will most likely get one hit if you empty the gun.
895 fps in a 125 grain 38 special doesn’t seem too "+p" to me.
19" of gel not 21"......measurement of the bottom numbers not the top!
Well, crap. You caught that. I admit I'm a little embarrassed, LOL
@@GeographyCzar ya sorry for calling you out like that, I'm a government inspector and spend most of my time really focusing on the small silly things and sometimes I forget that I need a filter between what I see and what I say.
But that being said, I really did enjoy your video.