Hornady critical defense loads are what I prefer till someone can convince me of another option.
I think Hornaday Critical Defense is good. In 40 cal I use Speer 180gr Gold Dot. in 45 ACP I use Winchester Ranger-T +P.
Of the Big 3 bullets (the HST, the Gold Dot and the Ranger T), the HST is the best of both worlds. It has massive expansion like the Ranger T, but also stays together like a bonded bullet (the Gold Dot and the Ranger Bonded).
Check our the round. It was good enough that I moved heaven and earth to get a couple boxes over here in Kenya. Before that I was using the Ranger Bonded 147gr (not a bad round, and is the one the FBI uses and is the same as the PDX1) and before that the 124gr Hydrashok (which has plugging problems in heavy clothing, but I don't have to worry about winter clothing here). The HST is just perfect, and the only thing that MAY compete with it is the all copper DPX.
Good luck.
I’ve tried a few types of defense loads and I found them to be not as accurate as FMJ. The Liberty 50gr 9mm +P had a group about 4 times wider out of my CM9. Not sure if that is normal. I noticed it on Hornady Critical Defense rounds in my 1911 too just nit as severe.
This means more shooting until I find the right loads for my guns. More fun ate the range.
You’re choice of Hornday,
is that for .38/.357 as well?