Interesting that two of the choices listed fill the cavity with polymer to make the cut.
The title of the article is misleading. I thought the argument for FMJ was going to be presented.
My experience with Hornady Critical Defense is that some pistols don't like it. It won't feed in my wife's P365/.380. It isn't a problem in our bigger guns. I have also noticed that over time the polymer tip on some rounds rests proud of the bullet crown far enough to be concerning.
Thankfully I live in a state that doesn't regulate ammo types (for now). Like supressors, the logic behind the prohibition of of something that decreases the chance of unintentional consequences escapes me.
honey badger came out with a great idea, now, there are many "copy cat" type rounds, some with twisting added to the grooves. All in all there are a lot of choices. I do use +P in whatever and the results as noted in the article and many many other reviews speak for themselves.
I looked at the Critical Defense and was considering getting some BUT, it only comes in 115 grain. I like 124 gr in 9mm so I did not buy any. Yes, I know the Critical Duty is 124 grain but it is a slightly different construction then the Defense version.
Out of those choices the Hornady Critical Dity hamds down (I am not restricted and like the round and Texas and Kansas Teoopers as well as FBI and US Marshals sort nap a lot of felons with it)
That said ball isn’t as ineffective as people think. And it doesn’t over penetrate like the fear is. Bystanders are injured by misses not pass throughs
But while I’d never recommend Ball if uiu are mandated like NYPD was the LSWC 38’s as Pat Roger’s stated….”it works fine if you can shoot” I will add if you can’t a JHP or bigger caliber won’t make up for that