Is there a difference in performance between these two rounds.  I found about a dozen boxes of the 124gr. +P+ that I didn't know I had.  other than increased recoil and wear on the pistol, is the round any more effective than the 124gr +P as shown in the ammo effectivness thread above?

If you look at muzzle velocity and energy between the BH 124grn +P Gold Dot and compare that with the energy and velocity of the Federal Hydrashok, Winchester Ranger and Remington JHP which are all bullet weights of roughly 125 grains and rated as +P+. The velocity and energy is nearly the same as many comperable +P loads like the BH and Corbon. The extra "+" isn't reflected in muzzle velocity or energy. I like the BH Gold Dot as its hotter than the factory Speer load. I wasn't aware, infact I am almost certain Speer doesn't make a +P+ Gold Dot. I personally think that the Gold Dot is the best defensive pistol bullet out there. It provides reliable and

consistant expansion. The bullets design ensures reliable feeding and is durable to deformation caused by cycling,  which is a problem for Hydrashok and the Sierra bullet used by CorBon. Also, the bullet is bonded which is a huge advantage should you ever have to shoot through any type of barrier, like a car....In all actuallity, you should probably only use +P Gold Dots in a short barreld pistol as the extra velocity imparted by a standard barrel could actually reduce penetration. The reduction of penetration is likely only to be a factor against walls and cars, not against people...I

hope as this is my carry load. In any event, with the exception of sub-gun ammo like that made by Hirtenberger, the extra + is largely uncessary and its prescence is usually only noted on the box.