If you carry concealed, you should be carrying JHP ammunition. JHP (jacketed hollow point) is specially designed to decrease the chances of over penetration in a self-defense situation. It’s designed to rapidly expand when it hits its target which increases its effectiveness. JHPs reduce the risk of the bullet passing through the attacker and causing collateral damage to a bystander.
They also create a larger wound channel because of their expansion. If that wasn’t reason enough, they offer more stopping power when compared to standard (target) rounds, because they deliver more energy to the target before rapidly expanding upon impact.
Ammunition is a big business, and it seems like everybody has gotten into the game. And just like every other topic in the shooting industry, everyone has their own opinion on what ammunition to carry. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you’re comfortable with, and what your gun likes. We’ve taken a look at the top 5 JHPs and listed them in alphabetical order.
FEDERAL PREMIUM HST
With consistent expansion, superior terminal performance and optimum penetration, Federal’s Premium HST is built with superior performance in mind. It has a bullet-nose profile, nickle-plated case and a high-performance primer which provides form, function, and superior reliability for a self-defense load. It’s specially designed hollow point won’t plug while passing through barriers. The jacket and core hold together to provide nearly 100% weight retention through tough materials. It performs to FBI test protocols used by law enforcement officials to assess and select duty ammunition. HST is available in popular handgun calibers.
Hornady Critical Defense
One of the most popular HJPs on the market for the last several decades is the Hornady Critical Defense round. Highly dependable, these rounds use Hornady’s proven and consistent primers and propellants offering superior performance and reliability. They’re manufactured from newly-made and reloadable nickel-plated brass casings, and have Flex Tips to increase expansion on impact. Of note, at the time of publication, due to supply chain bottlenecks, Hornady is manufacturing its Critical Defense ammunition without the nickel plating until the issue is resolved and supplies are back in stock. Hornady Critical Defense is available in popular self-defense calibers but is also made for multiple rifle calibers as well.
REMINGTON HTP JHP
Remington High Terminal Performace (HTP) is a popular choice. Described by Remington as “sheer, instant stopping power” the HTP is loaded with first-quality brass cases, high-grade propellants and Kleanbore priming. They are engineered for high weight retention and double diameter expansion. They pack a punch when you need them to the most and are available in popular self-defense calibers.
SPEER GOLD DOT
Gold Dot is the OG when it comes to true, bonded-core bullets. Speer uses an exclusive Uni-Cor electrochemical method, bonding the jacket to the core one molecule at a time during the construction process. This eliminates core-jacket separation. Nickle-plated brass cases are smooth and durable, and clean-burning propellants deliver optimum velocity while keeping consistent chamber pressures. CCI primers are highly sensivitve and perform reliably. These are just a few reasons that many law enforcement agencies prefer Speer Gold Dot in their duty guns across the country. They are available in popular handgun calibers.
WINCHESTER PDX1 DEFENDER
Designed for maximum stopping power as defined by FBI test protocol PDX1Defender by Winchester incorporates an innovative bonding process which welds the jacket to a lead core, for improved penetration and 1.5 times the expansion. It’s proven performance that many agencies and civilians depend on for their personal defense. The PDX1 is available in popular self-defense calibers.
