Gold Dot's are very popular. I have a few boxes of Remington Golden Sabre that I keep loaded up. Not sure if they're the best or shit really. They run in my gun though, so that's what matters.
As far as 124gr vs 147gr it will mainly come down to feel/perceived recoil. The 124gr load will feel more snappy in recoil, where the 147gr load would feel more like a push back, rather than a snap up. Some folks don't like the heavier bullet recoil and prefer a little snap. I shoot competition and I most definitely prefer the heavier bullet, though the difference between 124gr and 147gr isn't as dramatic as 115gr and 147gr.
The 124gr, at the velocities that you mentioned, has slightly more energy at the muzzle. There would most likely be negligible accuracy differences, especially at self-defense distances.
I say get a box of both and try them out paying close attention to the feel of the recoil. More importantly, pay attention to the front sight after you've taken a slow, well-aimed shot. See if you notice any difference on where the front post settles when the gun returns from recoil. The bullet weight which allows you to get an acceptable sight picture back in the least amount of time should be the one you choose.
Once you've picked one, buy and shoot as much of that ammo you can afford through the gun to make sure that it functions 100%. I would run at least 200 through it if possible before I trusted it, which is probably on the low end of what's generally recommended.
