Best self defense load

[Remington700]

I have been researching self defense loads and what is best. Of course "best" is typically an opinion. I feel like any hollow point that has good expansion and penetration is good.
Reading is seems that most people like HST or Gold Dots for EDC. I am older, so I have several silvertips and hydra shoks. These in most write ups are considered old technology and not as good. What are your thoughts on self defense loads/ what do you carry in yours?

 

[TnTurk]

Years ago I did a deep dive on various 9mm self defense ammo and finally settled on the Federal HST ammo. I carry 124 grain bullets in anything sub 4 inches and 147 grain bullets in anything with a 4 inch barrel or more, all in standard pressure. I believe the HST ammo checks all the boxes in the consistency of penetration and expansion in anything you may encounter.

 

[nso123]

Federal HST is hard to beat for performance, but in reality hits win gunfights.

 

[DaveTN]

I am older, so I have several silvertips and hydra shoks. These in most write ups are considered old technology and not as good. What are your thoughts on self defense loads/ what do you carry in yours?

Federal Hydra Shok has been the number 1 round for killing bad guys for over 30 years. In 2002 the kids decided something 14 years old was just too out dated. So Federal Engineers gave LE the HST in 2002 and made it available to the public in 2013. It gives the kids a warm fuzzy feeling that it will kill the bad guys deader.

I buy either, whichever is the best price.

I think most of the Hydra Shok's today are sold in the high dollar 20 round boxes.

 

[GumbyGuy]

Old school hydra shock

 

[TnKen]

The old hydra shock, at least in 9mm, used to plug up sometimes and act like a FMJ and over penetrate. That's why my dept. switched to the Winchester black talon (now labeled ranger T). I heard that federal changed something in the bullet and they are better now.