[spetznaz]

There are better rounds than Critical Defense. For one, Hornady's own Critical Duty is significantly better than Defense. Duty was created to be a barrier-blind round for law enforcement, while Defense is a more muted development for civilians (who may not need to shoot through hard barriers like car windshields, although personally I think that is an ability I would want to have). In either case, Critical Duty is significantly better than Critical Defense. The polymer tip for both is also not to initiate hydraulic expansion, but rather to prevent clogging of the hollow point and to initiate mechanical expansion.

The best loads currently are Federal's HST (amazing expansion ...up to .70 for 9mm, and it holds together very well even though it is not bonded), Federal's Tactical Bonded, Winchester's Ranger T (the most up to date evolution of the Black Talon), Winchester's Ranger Bonded (currently the FBI load, and what I use personally ...how I managed to get these in Kenya is another story ...), Speer Gold Dot (a lot of good OIS with the 124+P), and some all copper bullet by Barnes I cannot recall off head right now.

Anyway, the most important aspect is bullet placement. Even ball ammo will do the job if you do yours.

[Blue Collar Christian]

I agree about the Critical Duty. I had just bought into the Critical Defense when the Duty came out and had to switch my guns to Duty as soon as it was available.

I agree that aim is most important, but insist that the best equipment is called for as well. Doing your part is a lot easier to say than to do once others are shooting back at you. Good commercial/police rounds are far superior to FMJ in causing a more severe wound and thus a higher potential to neutralize a threat.